Using multiple cloud providers to support different applications and workloads
The options for cloud services are getting more varied. Companies that once had to choose between a public, private, or hybrid model can now use multiple cloud vendors. Many companies are using four or more vendors.
There are various reasons for using multiple cloud providers:
- Reduced vulnerability. Having another provider is a way of having an alternative source in case the current systems can’t run due to lack of power. If one cloud provider is being unreasonable or charging too much, a second option can often replace the first. In layman’s terms, using several providers is a way of not putting all one’s eggs in the same basket.
- More scale. Additional providers are a way of adding scale to the businesses’ information systems.
- Different parts of the business may have different needs. This is especially true in large organizations and businesses that have locations all over the world.
- Compliance and regulatory issues. Companies may use some providers to protect HIPAA-protected information and others to protect credit card data. Different nations have different compliance rules. For example, the European Union has its own compliance directives. Keeping providers separate for different compliance issues or locations is a practical solution.
- Latency needs. Applications that must respond quickly to customer commands can run on one provider while less demanding applications use a second.
- Different uses. Different providers can support different applications and different workloads.
Multi Cloud Collaboration issues
While multiple clouds have many benefits, there are downsides.
- Currently, there are no standards for cloud service providers. This presents a variety of interoperability difficulties for the servers, interfaces, and technologies. IT teams have to develop scripts and workarounds so the different cloud services work together.
- Each cloud environment has different features. Trying to segment each department or each application into separate systems can be impractical if it’s necessary for the departments or applications to work with each other. Companies need a clear strategy so they can integrate them.
- Switching providers may not be easy. Service contracts should be timed and constructed so that it’s easy to leave one provider for another if the need arises. IT departments should prepare for the practical difficulties that often come with migrating from one environment to another. Even if the company can complete the transfer, it may have to go offline for a substantial amount of time while the migration takes place. Companies should ask about Active Data Replication (ADR) technology, which should make the migration easier.
Multiple providers create multiple security risks. Each one has its own set of risks. Using a combination of providers only increases the overall risk. Using different providers can also mean that the same user needs multiple training sessions.
Get help understanding how to manage multiple clouds
Multiple cloud environments can work well with the right collaboration between different users and providers. Informed consultants can advise businesses on which cloud services are available, the pros and cons of each option, and how to manage and integrate them.
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