The increasing interest in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is driving a surge in investment in cloud computing. In fact, research firm Gartner predicts that worldwide public cloud end-user spending will exceed $675.4 billion this year, with a 20.4% increase in spending on public cloud services. This growth can be attributed to the advancements in GenAI and the modernization of applications.
To take advantage of GenAI technology on a large scale, many organizations are adopting a multicloud strategy. This strategy allows companies to mix and match cloud services to meet their specific needs. It provides access to the best quality products, strengthens the negotiation position with cloud providers, and enhances the resilience of cloud architecture.
When implementing a multicloud strategy, there are several key considerations that organizations need to keep in mind to ensure reliability, security, and scalability. Firstly, it’s important to align the cloud strategy with the specific needs and objectives of the organization. This may involve using a combination of private and public clouds, depending on the nature of the workloads.
A multicloud approach also allows organizations to take advantage of the most advanced technology available at any given time. GenAI is a rapidly evolving technology that many companies are keen to utilize. However, effectively harnessing the power of GenAI requires a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s IT infrastructure and cloud strategy. With the continuous advancement of new technologies, a solid multicloud strategy will be essential to reap the benefits of these tools.
To develop a multicloud strategy, organizations should evaluate their company culture, DevOps practices, and technology stack. They should set clear, measurable objectives that align with their overall business goals. This assessment will shape the multicloud management plan, providing a long-term blueprint for digital empowerment that integrates people, processes, and technology.
Ensuring data security is another important aspect of a multicloud strategy. By distributing workloads across multiple cloud regions or providers, organizations can minimize downtime and ensure business continuity. However, adopting a multicloud approach can also expose organizations to a wider attack surface. To mitigate this risk, consistent security policies and compliance measures should be implemented across all cloud environments. Encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and security monitoring tools can help protect data and applications.
Major cloud providers are constantly introducing new security solutions to protect data, applications, and workloads. For example, Google Workspace recently mandated two-step verification (2SV) for all Super Admin accounts to enhance platform security. These solutions contribute to the overall security and resilience of a multicloud environment.
Migrating workloads to the cloud or between different cloud platforms can be a complex process. It is essential to carefully assess which workloads would deliver greater value if moved to the cloud. Public-facing applications with a global reach are usually good candidates for public cloud environments. However, other workloads may require a thorough ROI analysis to determine if the scalability of the public cloud will provide added value.
During the planning stage of migration, organizations may discover expertise gaps that can present challenges. Partnering with external companies can help bridge these gaps and provide the necessary training and alignment of strategic goals across engineering teams. This collaboration ensures that migration goals are met effectively.
Vendor lock-in is a concern when adopting cloud computing solutions. Being locked into a single vendor can be costly and limit flexibility. A multicloud approach reduces dependence on any one vendor, allowing organizations to operate on their own terms. They can choose from a range of open-source cloud computing platforms and tools, which reduces reliance on proprietary platforms. Open-source technology enables organizations to modify the source code to meet their specific needs.
While a multicloud approach offers numerous benefits, including flexibility, best-of-breed products, enhanced resilience, and cost optimization, careful planning and optimized architecture are crucial to realize these benefits. Legacy IT systems, on-premise infrastructure, and outdated hardware can hinder an organization’s ability to manage multicloud operations independently. This is where partnering with a vendor-neutral managed service provider (MSP) becomes essential. An MSP can help identify the optimal mix of infrastructure, solutions, and providers, enabling a business to achieve complete agility and workload mobility.
In conclusion, the demand for GenAI capabilities is fueling an increase in investment in cloud computing. Adopting a multicloud strategy allows organizations to leverage the advancements in GenAI and modernize their applications effectively. However, successful implementation requires careful consideration of organizational needs, data security, workload migration, and avoiding vendor lock-in. By following these guidelines and partnering with the right MSP, organizations can harness the full potential of a multicloud strategy and achieve digital empowerment.
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