As cloud usage increases across both mid-size and enterprise businesses, so do the number of different types of clouds and varieties of providers that organizations engage. In fact, a recent Forrester survey stated that 58 percent of the organizations surveyed had adopted and are using multiple cloud environments — either public, hosted or internal private. Furthermore, Forrester reported that 46 percent of organizations are using two or more public cloud providers.* This approach will continue to grow as organizations realize that one provider or technology will not always meet the requirements of their growing business.
A change in justification
Using multiple cloud providers within one organization is not a new phenomenon. However, the way the approach is justified has changed. Previously IT leaders looked to multiple providers because of the fear of vendor lock-in. Now they are taking a more strategic approach to the decision; one that’s based on matching the right cloud provider with the intended use for the cloud environment. Many organizations cite improved compliance, security, cost optimization and enhanced disaster recovery as drivers for multi-vendor and multi-cloud adoption.
Challenges with multi-cloud providers
The outcome of using more than one cloud provider has proven very successful when effectively managed. Along with the increase in multi-cloud adoption comes complexity and issues in management across clouds and vendors — both from an internal and external operational view. Internal IT teams do not always have the expertise needed to understand fully the security and compliance features, SLA nuances and licensing needs associated with a variety of providers. Additionally, the complexity of connecting the various cloud environments can hinder the sought-after organizational efficiencies and cost optimization.
Recently Dell and Forrester Research discussed how organizations make sense of the complexity caused by multiple systems, cloud providers and various use cases for public and private clouds. Watch this brief video to learn more.
Delivering customer value
As cloud adoption continues to increase, we recognize that there are going to be multiple clouds inside of a customer’s environment. Dell Cloud Services works with customers to provide the insight needed to assess, select and manage a variety of cloud solutions in order to embrace emerging technologies while helping them retain their focus on core business processes. We deliver strategic value through technology, helping customers become more agile by applying variable cost solutions, and ensuring seamless customer experiences by leveraging multiple delivery models.
As a trusted advisor to our customers, Dell Cloud Services offers choice and flexibility through strategic sourcing and partnering to plan, migrate and manage their cloud infrastructure. Read more about our comprehensive cloud services portfolio, and contact us today to learn how we can help your business succeed in the path to cloud.
* Forrester’s Business Technographics® Global Infrastructure Survey, 2015