News in the Channel - issue #18

MULTI-CLOUD APPROACH

Leveraging cloud diversity for business resilience and performance

Many businesses are adopting cloud technology, but a multi-cloud approach rather than single provider should be considered to enhance cloud resilience, says Amaya Souarez, EVP Cloud Services & Operations at Sage.

In the dynamic landscape of cloud technology, businesses are constantly challenged to adapt their digital strategies to remain competitive and deliver unparalleled customer experiences. As a core element of operational strategy, cloud technology plays a critical role in achieving not only operational efficiency but also in enhancing customer satisfaction. However, due to a variety of risks, such as technical outages, security vulnerabilities, compliance issues and limited geographic reach, businesses face significant challenges. The journey to effective cloud integration should not be confined to a single provider. To enhance cloud resilience, businesses need to recognise the strategic importance of embracing a multi-cloud approach.

Netflix has successfully implemented a multi-cloud strategy to ensure high availability and performance by distributing its workloads across AWS, Google Cloud and Azure. Similarly, Dropbox transitioned from a single-provider setup to a multi-cloud environment, achieving enhanced flexibility and improved disaster recovery capabilities. By adopting a diverse array of cloud services, businesses can avoid the pitfalls of vendor lock-in and ensure their technology choices are more closely aligned with broader business objectives and customer engagement strategies. Choosing the right cloud services Choosing the right cloud services involves a strategic decision that intertwines technological capabilities with insightful business analysis. This ensures that organisations do not merely adopt new technologies but do so in a way that fosters innovation, operational excellence and, ultimately, digital transformation success. Challenges of multi-cloud environments At the core of a multi-cloud strategy is the belief that a good technology decision is also a robust business decision. It requires understanding and integrating the various needs of a business in a holistic manner to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and performance. That’s why adopting a multi- cloud approach is not just about technological diversity; it is about creating a resilient business model that thrives on innovation and adaptability. The advantages of a multi-cloud strategy are manifold. Firstly, it provides businesses

Amaya Souarez EVP Cloud Services & Operations

sage.com

Strategic importance of a multi-cloud approach

A 2023 report by Flexera found that 87% of enterprises have already adopted a multi- cloud strategy to enhance flexibility, security and innovation. This significant adoption rate underscores the critical role that cloud technology plays in streamlining operations and elevating the digital experience for customers. Despite this, many organisations remain tethered to single cloud providers, which can limit flexibility and innovation. Business benefits of a multi-cloud strategy A multi-cloud approach supports agility and customisable solutions. This strategy strives to connect cloud decisions with a deeper understanding of specific business scenarios and requirements rather than showing allegiance to a single provider. For instance,

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