Multicloud refers to the strategy of combining various cloud computing solutions from various vendors to address unique organisational requirements. In recent years, its popularity has skyrocketed as more and more businesses realise the advantages of utilising numerous cloud platforms. Yet, there are several multicloud misconceptions that must be cleared up.

As for the first misconception, that there is no lock-in when using multicloud, that is not true. Lock-in can be mitigated by employing various cloud service providers, although it cannot be avoided fully. The second fallacy is the idea that using many clouds will save money. Although multicloud enables businesses to avoid becoming locked into a single provider’s pricing model, the added complexity and resources needed to manage such an environment can increase expenses. In order to make educated judgements about their cloud strategy, businesses need to know the truth behind these fallacies.

Myth 1: Multicloud Means No Lock-in

When a consumer becomes overly reliant on a single vendor’s goods or services, known as “vendor lock-in,” it can be difficult or expensive for the customer to move to a different source. Despite widespread adoption, multicloud architectures still leave businesses vulnerable to vendor lock-in.

As every cloud provider has its own proprietary set of tools, APIs, and services, it can be challenging to migrate workloads between providers even when using a multicloud architecture. Rewriting code to make it operate on several platforms can be time-consuming and expensive; for example, if a company uses both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

Using a single cloud provider’s managed services is another type of multicloud lock-in. Because these services are integral to the operation of an organization’s software or hardware, they might be challenging to replace. It is possible that a company will need to re-architect its apps and systems if it decides to transfer providers.

Multicloud has the potential to lessen reliance on a single source, but it won’t solve every problem. Businesses need to make sure their cloud strategy and the suppliers and services they use are in line with their long-term objectives and requirements.

Myth 2: Multicloud is More Cost-Effective

The adoption of cloud computing is on the rise as businesses seek to cut back on IT expenditures. Nevertheless, not everyone realises how much money multicloud may save.

Multicloud environments can assist businesses to avoid being trapped in a single cloud provider’s pricing strategy, but they can be difficult to manage and hence expensive. There could also be unforeseen expenses connected with data integration, compliance, and transfer.

If a company wants to move a lot of data between several cloud storage services, for instance, it could rack up some hefty data transfer fees. However, it may take more time, effort, and resources to manage a multicloud setup.

In order to get the most bang for their buck out of multicloud, businesses need to take a close look at the prices of each provider and service and figure out which workloads function best on which cloud. To further streamline operations and lessen the need for manual intervention, they should think about using automation and DevOps approaches. Finally, to get the most out of their multicloud setup, they should routinely assess and optimise their cloud spending.

Organizations can save money by adopting multicloud, but only if they manage it properly to cut down on waste and increase efficiency.

Myth 3: Multicloud Deployments Should Not Include Traditional Systems

The term “traditional systems” is used to describe software and hardware that was developed before the widespread use of cloud computing. While many people equate multicloud with cutting-edge, cloud-native apps, it’s vital to remember that many businesses still rely on more archaic software and hardware.

Thankfully, multicloud deployments can work with legacy systems. A company might, for instance, keep its legacy systems in-house or in a private cloud while using a public cloud for its cloud-native software. By taking this route, businesses may reap the benefits of both cloud computing and more conventional IT infrastructures without sacrificing either control or adaptability.

Hybrid cloud solutions are another means by which multicloud can be integrated with conventional systems. Hybrid clouds enable businesses to distribute their workloads over many locations and cloud types, including public clouds, private clouds, and even on-premises hardware. By going this route, businesses may continue using their existing infrastructure while reaping the benefits of cloud computing.

It’s not unusual to see multicloud initiatives succeed even when they incorporate on-premises infrastructure. A bank, for instance, might opt to maintain its core banking systems on-premises or in a private cloud while hosting its customer-facing applications on the public cloud. Using this method, the company can benefit from the scalability and adaptability of the public cloud without giving up control of its own infrastructure.

Traditional setups have a place in multicloud deployments and are encouraged. It is important for businesses to assess how their current infrastructure and software can be integrated into a multicloud setting. By doing so, they can increase their adaptability, scalability, and speed by taking advantage of features offered by both cloud and legacy systems.

Final Thoughts

Finally, let’s dispel three myths regarding multicloud that have been floating about. To begin, multicloud can lessen the danger of being locked into a single vendor, but it won’t completely eliminate it. Second, while multicloud has the potential to reduce expenses, it is essential for businesses to properly manage their multicloud setup in order to minimise waste and optimise efficiency. Finally, it is possible and desirable to incorporate legacy systems into multicloud environments.

In order to make educated judgements regarding their cloud strategy, businesses must first grasp the realities of multicloud. Organizations may reap the benefits of multicloud while avoiding potential problems by carefully examining their needs and goals and selecting providers and services that align with them.

Organizations may improve their multicloud adoption by applying automation and DevOps approaches to streamline operations, analysing and optimising their cloud spending on a regular basis, and utilising hybrid cloud solutions to connect on-premises and cloud-based infrastructures.

In conclusion, multicloud has numerous advantages for businesses, but successful adoption requires familiarity with the technology’s limitations. This allows businesses to improve the adaptability, scalability, and responsiveness of their IT systems.