6 min read

Take Your Cloud Game to the Next Level with a Multi-cloud Approach

By: Ken Marr on August 16, 2021

Cloud Strategy

As businesses increasingly adopt digital transformation, the demand for flexible, scalable, and secure cloud solutions is skyrocketing. The rise of big data and IoT has made it clear that a one-size-fits-all cloud strategy no longer works.

Enter the multi-cloud approach—a tailored solution that allows organizations to combine the best features of public, private, and hybrid cloud environments.

In this post, we’ll explore why multi-cloud strategies are critical in today’s market, the benefits they offer, and how to implement them successfully.

What Is a Multi-Cloud Strategy?

A multi-cloud strategy involves using cloud services from two or more providers to optimize performance, cost efficiency, and flexibility. Instead of relying on a single platform, businesses distribute their workloads across multiple environments, choosing the best option for each task. For example:

High-performance workloads may use private clouds for greater control and speed.
Cost-sensitive applications might run on public platforms like Azure or the IBM Cloud for affordability.
Data-intensive processes could deploy at the edge for real-time processing.

This approach allows organizations to strategically align workloads with the most suitable environments. This balances functionality and cost, while also minimizing risks. Using the best features of multiple cloud providers gives businesses the flexibility and strength they need to thrive.

Why Multi-Cloud Matters in Today’s Market

Relying on a single cloud provider no longer meets the dynamic needs of most businesses today. A multi-cloud approach offers the flexibility to navigate challenges like service disruptions, rising costs, and ever-evolving technology.

By distributing workloads across multiple environments, organizations can optimize performance while staying competitive. Here’s why a multi-cloud strategy is essential.

1. Avoid Vendor Lock-In

Relying on a single provider can limit flexibility, especially when facing service disruptions or pricing changes. Multi-cloud environments give businesses the freedom to pivot between providers based on performance and cost considerations.

2. Enhance Scalability and Agility

Different providers excel at different capabilities, such as global reach or advanced computing power. Multi-cloud strategies enable organizations to scale resources up or down as needed, ensuring seamless performance.

3. Mitigate Risks

Outages are inevitable, even for top cloud platforms. By distributing workloads across multiple clouds, you can minimize disruptions and safeguard critical applications. Leveraging solutions like Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) and Backup as a Service (BaaS) can help organizations protect their data against cyber threats while ensuring operational continuity.

4. Unlock Advanced Capabilities

From generative AI and machine learning to business intelligence (BI) and PaaS/SaaS solutions, multi-cloud enables businesses to leverage specialized tools from different providers.

5. Reduce Cloud Costs

Balancing workloads across providers helps manage budgets efficiency. For example, resource-heavy applications might run on high-performance private clouds, while others can move to cost-friendly public platforms.

At FNTS, we guide businesses through cost analyses, identifying opportunities to optimize spending without sacrificing performance or efficiency.

Resource: To lower your cloud spending, download our free Cloud Cost Optimization Toolkit.

Key Benefits of a Multi-Cloud Approach

Adopting a multi-cloud approach offers organizations a tailored solution to optimize performance, improve security, and enhance operational efficiency. Here are just a few benefits of utilizing a multi-cloud approach:

Optimize Performance and Efficiency

Not all workloads require the same level of performance, which is why it’s important for organizations to assess their applications and align them with the most suitable cloud environments.

This assessment helps high-demand workloads operate in a performance-optimized environment like the FNTS Cloud, while less demanding applications can shift to cost-effective public cloud solutions.

Strengthen Security and Redundancy

By diversifying across multiple clouds, businesses enhance their protection against cyber threats, ransomware, and system failures. Solutions like DRaaS and BaaS add an additional layer of data security, allowing organizations to recover quickly from unexpected disruptions.

Future-Proof Your IT Infrastructure

As business needs evolve, so too can a multi-cloud environment. FNTS provides ongoing support and optimization, helping organizations adapt their strategy to align with emerging technologies and changing market demands.

Addressing Common Multi-Cloud Challenges

While the benefits of multi-cloud are significant, implementation requires careful planning. Here are a few challenges to consider:

Licensing Compatibility: Ensuring applications and tools work seamlessly across platforms.
Staff Expertise: Evaluating whether your IT team has the skills needed for multi-cloud management.
Application Rationalization: Mapping workloads to the right environments for maximum efficiency.

FNTS specializes in addressing these challenges, providing assessments, workload mapping, and migration support to simplify the transition process. By partnering with an expert team, businesses can overcome these hurdles while staying focused on their core objectives.

How To Build a Successful Multi-Cloud Strategy

Creating a strong multi-cloud strategy requires a deliberate approach. One that aligns your IT infrastructure with your organization’s goals.

Evaluating workloads, establishing governance frameworks, and leveraging modern tools like containers, businesses can make their cloud environments efficient, secure, and adaptable.

This process might seem complex, but with careful planning, it becomes the foundation for scalable and resilient IT operations. Let’s explore the key steps to building a strategy that drives success.

1. Assess Your Current IT Infrastructure

Start with clear objectives. Are you looking to reduce costs, improve security, or scale efficiently?

Understanding these goals will help you align your multi-cloud strategy with broader business objectives.

2. Rationalize Applications

Analyze each workload and determine which cloud environment fits best based on performance, cost, and security needs. Detailed application mapping ensures every workload is optimized for its environment.

3. Build A Governance Framework

Establishing policies for compliance, security, and data handling is essential. Building a governance framework ensures businesses remain compliant while continuing to maintain efficiency across their cloud environments.

4. Leverage Containers For Portability

Using container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes makes it easier to move workloads between platforms.

FNTS integrates modern tools and services like mainframe optimizations into your cloud strategy, enabling seamless portability across environments.

5. Train Your Team or Partner with Experts

Close skill gaps through training or by collaborating with a trusted managed services provider. This ensures that your strategy evolves alongside emerging technologies and business needs.

Start Your Multi-Cloud Strategy Journey Today

The future of business is multi-cloud. By combining the best features of public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions, you can position your organization for growth, innovation, and resilience.

With FNTS as your partner, you’ll gain the expertise and tools needed to design, implement, and manage a multi-cloud strategy tailored to your unique needs.

Contact FNTS today to learn how we can help you unlock the full potential of multi-cloud.