Multi-Cloud Strategy Drivers

The multi-cloud strategy is becoming a mainstream trend. More and more organizations are deploying service systems on cloud platforms of multiple cloud service providers instead of relying on a single cloud service provider. This trend is driven by multiple factors. The following are some of the main drivers:

• Avoid single-cloud failures: Deploying services on a single cloud platform poses risks of SPOFs. If the cloud platform fails, for example, due to a large-scale breakdown or regional disaster, enterprise services will be severely affected. By adopting the multi-cloud strategy, you deploy service systems on multiple independent cloud platforms for cross-cloud DR. Even if one cloud platform fails, services on other cloud platforms can still run properly to ensure service continuity.
• Avoid vendor lock-in: Deploying all services on the cloud platform of a single cloud service provider results in vendor lock-in. It puts enterprises in a weak position when negotiating with the vendor and makes it difficult for enterprises to migrate to other cloud platforms. The multi-cloud strategy can avoid this situation and keep flexibility for enterprises in selecting cloud service providers.
• Reduce costs and improve efficiency: The multi-cloud strategy introduces competition. By cooperating with multiple cloud service providers, enterprises can select the most suitable cloud services based on their requirements and reduce costs through the competition among cloud service providers. In addition, different cloud service providers may adopt different pricing policies on services or in different regions. The multi-cloud strategy can help enterprises optimize resource allocation and improve cost-effectiveness.
• Fully utilize the advantages of different vendors: Different cloud service providers have their own advantages in terms of technology, services, and functions. For example, a cloud service provider may have stronger technical strength in artificial intelligence and machine learning, while another may have advantages in database services. The multi-cloud strategy allows enterprises to select the most suitable cloud service providers and their advantageous services based on their service requirements, thereby maximizing the value of cloud computing.
• Regulatory compliance: Some countries and regions have specific regulations on data storage and processing. The global layout and compliance level of each cloud service provider are different. The multi-cloud strategy can help enterprises select the most suitable cloud service providers to meet these regulatory requirements, for example, storing sensitive data on cloud platforms in specific regions.

Adopting the multi-cloud strategy improves service continuity, cost-effectiveness, and security. Though it also brings challenges like management complexity, these challenges are gradually being resolved with the continuous development of cloud management tools and technologies.