Multi-cloud environments are rapidly becoming an essential element within the underlying enterprise data ecosystem. However, there is a bit of confusion over this particular type of cloud computing. Here we will discuss multi-cloud, multi-cloud architecture, multi-cloud management, multi-cloud examples, and multi-cloud data management myths in detail.

Multi-cloud

Multi-cloud is a cloud computing model in which an organisation utilises the combination of two or more public clouds, two or more private clouds, or a combination of both public or private clouds. Organisations use multi-cloud environments for distributing computing resources and minimising the risk of downtime and data loss. Using a multi-cloud environment also eliminates the dependency on a single cloud provider or instance.

Multi-cloud architecture

Multi-cloud architecture involves the use of multiple cloud services from multiple cloud providers. It can also be a mix of public and private clouds or it may have only public clouds. The multi-cloud architecture allows the IT team to choose the optimal cloud resources for applications and workloads needs but it does not provide any technology for connecting multiple cloud platforms to each other or arranging the movement of workload.

Multi-cloud management

Multi-cloud management is the collection of tools and procedures that allow the business to monitor, secure applications and workloads among multiple public clouds. It also helps in tracking, securing, and optimising a multicloud deployment. Multicloud management allows IT teams to manage multiple clouds from a single interface and support multiple cloud platforms and tools. 

Multi-cloud examples

Multicloud examples typically consist of a mix of major public cloud service providers:

 

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Microsoft Azure

Cyfuture Cloud

Google Cloud

IBM Cloud

 

Multicloud data management myths

As the experience grows, businesses and organisations learn the truth about the technology that best supports their operational models. Meanwhile, here are the top 10 prevailing myths about multicloud data management and how it affects digital services.

Myth 1: Multi-Cloud Data Management is Complex

Multi-cloud is hard to manage if you try to manage it using the traditional IT methods. According to Splunk noted on Forbes, simple observability is not enough. Organisations should build full analytical abilities from any source, at any scale for effective oversight. Providing real-time insights into operating conditions is not enough to empower management teams to function effectively. 

Myth 2: Multi-Cloud Is Equal To Hybrid Cloud.

Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud are similar but both have some differences affecting their designing and operation process. Multi-cloud involves the cloud from different service providers while hybrid cloud involves the integration of private cloud infrastructure with one or more public clouds, allowing them to function as a single unit. Cloud architecture deployment depends on the kind of applications you support and your overall business objectives.

Myth 3: Multi-Cloud Is Less Secure Than Single Cloud Or On-Premise

Similar to management in general, security in the multi-cloud is more complicated if you do not implement it correctly. According to a report, the key to successful cloud security is a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) with an extra layer of security. In this degree, the whole cloud is placed in an integrated architecture in which security policies and monitoring powers can be enlarged to any point.

Myth 4: Multi-Cloud Is More Secure Than Single Cloud Or On-Premise

There is nothing constitutive in multi-cloud that makes it more secure than any other architecture. As per a highlight, some of the unique challenges to multi-cloud, include the need to address various service models, data access and control (mainly during migration), and the need to maintain compliance among multiple architectures and multiple geographic regions.

Myth 5: Multi-Cloud Management Works Perfect With Open-Source

Open source is a great choice but according to a report, it is not the best solution. Developing and deploying open solutions into a cloud management stack takes more time and there is no guarantee that it will have the best feature set. Meantime, proprietary solutions usually integrate well into the cloud environments and also come with service and support programs.

Myth 6: Multiple Clouds Are Expensive

Multi-cloud will not blow your budget if you use it wisely. It all depends on your management skills. According to a report, by following the basic guidelines, like keeping an eye on the provisioning and placing data in the right storage tier, organisations can easily keep the multi-cloud costs under control. The last thing that you can experience is the charge for misconfigured dynamic provisioning. It leads to an economic denial of service (EDoS) attack and uses up resources and increases the cost of cloud computing.

Myth 7: Multi-Cloud Is Suitable For Huge, Well-Established Enterprises

It is true that large enterprises have a greater need for multi-cloud architectures. As per a report, small organisations also use a number of specialised applications that are improved by using multiple clouds. For fully utilising these tools, it is better to have a scaled environment from the beginning. Small organisations can use multi-cloud through the use of SaaS platforms like CRM Dynamics, Tableau, Office 365, Power BI, or using a managed security service (SeCaaS) like Rapid7 or Qualys.

Myth 8: Enterprises Adopt Multi-Cloud Only When They Are Ready

Most enterprises are unknowingly using multi-clouds. The unauthorised software and apps used by people over the official company platforms have been a platform for more than a decade. It leads to discoordinated infrastructure that increases the cost and hinders the performance. A formalised multi-cloud ecosystem goes a long way in keeping shadow IT under control. If in-house or SaaS cloud platforms are integrated without the right governance, compliance, and risk, shadow IT leads to all types of issues. Shadow IT can elude Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems, putting the security trio of confidentiality, availability, and integrity at risk. 

Myth 9: Multi-Cloud Is Optional

Most enterprises implement multi-cloud into their infrastructure but it does not mean that it is suitable for all applications. Multi-cloud works best when assembled with best-in-class systems and maintained compliance through complex data migrations. However, it is not suitable for disaster recovery or avoiding vendor lock-in.

Myth 10: Multi-Cloud Is Care Free

Multi-cloud is a highly efficient solution to most problems but it is not perfect. Like all technologies, it should be used with the right set of services. It also requires cautious handling to ensure every piece fits together well. Moreover, the service provider should ensure excellent data protection and privacy because the enterprise bears the final responsibility of its users.

Conclusion

Research well before deciding on any cloud service provider. Remember, you need to formulate an individual Incident Response (IR) plan for every cloud service provider. Using  Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) website check out the tools that can help you while sourcing a cloud service provider and guidance on the type of controls. If you are actively looking for reliable cloud storage in India then you can visit our website.