Better efficiency and a healthier bottom line are two key reasons why companies implement a multi-cloud strategy. The challenge is that simply implementing such a strategy doesn’t guarantee these benefits. There’s still work to be done and clear planning needed to guide the way. Without a strategic approach, you’re simply shifting problems from one platform to another. If you want to demonstrate to the powers in the C-suite that there’s justification for the change, you must ensure the promises made can be fulfilled.
One thing we know for sure is that the multi-cloud is here. In fact, according to RightScale’s “2017 State of the Cloud” report, 85 percent of organizations already have a multi-cloud strategy. Companies are regularly using 2.3 private clouds and 1.8 public clouds as they seek to avoid vendor lock-in while selecting the right cloud to support key apps for operation. Too often, however, these same organizations find that their projects aren’t staying within budget, a tough reality when cost savings likely bolstered the argument for making the change.
Fortunately, moving to the multi-cloud doesn’t mean you have to take cost savings off the benefits list. Careful planning and management can ensure you still enjoy these advantages. Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you stay on track:
Planning ahead: Too often, companies identify where they want to go and set their sights on lifting and shifting apps and data, but they quickly find that not all solutions are created equal and that they didn’t fully understand the apps or what was required to support the business. Before determining what to move and where, you have to understand the why – why does the app exist in the first place? What value does it deliver to users, and what does it need to do in its new environment?
Investigate: To truly understand which apps should move, it’s important to investigate each one. First, you need to understand the performance of the app so the selected cloud provider can meet expectations. Second, be sure and understand any latency impact a selected provider could have on your app performance. If an app can’t be used efficiently, costs increase. Third, consider using an edge computing model to shore up performance overall.
Once you land: At this stage, it’s critical to fight the urge to sit back and relax. Tests may have made you feel comfortable about the performance of the multi-cloud, but real-time usage can be very different. Likewise, demands on data and apps can shift over time. To avoid issues, monitor your workload and budget carefully. Set benchmarks for both and track against those benchmarks over time to see how closely you’re aligned with your anticipated outcomes.
If you’re ready to take a closer look at your multi-cloud strategy, Cloud Source can help. Our experts draw on years of industry knowledge to help you better assess your current situation and make adjustments to drive improved outcomes. Contact us today and we’ll help you build a better plan.