by Multicloud is a term used to describe the use of multiple cloud computing services from different vendors in a single, unified environment. This approach allows organizations to take advantage of the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual cloud provider, while also providing flexibility and redundancy in case of service outages or other disruptions.
There are several reasons why an organization might choose to use a multicloud strategy. One common reason is to avoid vendor lock-in, which occurs when an organization becomes dependent on a single vendor for its cloud services and is unable to easily switch to a different provider. A multicloud approach allows organizations to spread their risk across multiple vendors, reducing the chances of a major disruption in case of a service outage or other issue with one of the providers.
Another reason organizations might choose a multicloud strategy is to take advantage of specific capabilities or services offered by different vendors. For example, one cloud provider might offer a particularly strong security platform, while another might be known for its ability to handle large amounts of data. By using multiple cloud providers, organizations can choose the provider that best meets their specific needs for each workload or application.
A multicloud strategy also allows for greater flexibility in terms of location and compliance. Certain industries and regions may have specific compliance and data privacy requirements, such as data sovereignty laws, that must be met. A multicloud approach allows organizations to store and process data in the locations that are most compliant and secure, rather than being limited to the options offered by a single vendor.
Implementing a multicloud strategy can be complex, as it requires coordination and integration across multiple vendors and platforms. However, there are a number of tools and technologies available to help organizations manage and automate the process, such as multicloud management platforms, hybrid cloud solutions, and cloud gateways.
How many companies are uses multicloud?
It is difficult to provide an exact number of companies that use multicloud, as the usage of cloud services are constantly evolving and many organizations may not publicly disclose their specific cloud usage. However, according to some research and surveys, it is estimated that a significant percentage of companies are using or planning to use multicloud.
For example, a 2020 survey by Flexera found that 84% of organizations are using multicloud, while a 2019 survey by IDC predicted that by 2022, 95% of all organizations will use multicloud in some form.
Another survey by Gartner in 2021, found that 80% of large enterprises are using a multicloud strategy, and that number is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
These numbers indicate that multicloud is becoming increasingly popular among companies of all sizes and industries, as it allows them to take advantage of the unique strengths and capabilities of multiple cloud providers while reducing the risk of vendor lock-in.
Companies choose multicloud for several reasons:
- Flexibility: By using multiple cloud providers, companies can select the best services and providers for specific workloads. This allows them to choose the most cost-effective, feature-rich, or geographically convenient options.
- Redundancy: Using multiple cloud providers can also improve disaster recovery and business continuity. If one provider experiences an outage or other issue, workloads can be seamlessly shifted to another provider to minimize disruption.
- Avoiding vendor lock-in: By using multiple cloud providers, companies can avoid becoming too dependent on a single provider. This can give them more bargaining power and make it easier to switch providers if necessary.
- Cost optimization: Companies can use different providers for different services to optimize costs. For example, they can use one provider for storage and another for compute, depending on the relative costs and features of each.
- Compliance: Some companies, especially those in heavily regulated industries such as healthcare or finance, may need to use multiple cloud providers to meet compliance requirements.
Advantages of multicloud include:
- Increased flexibility and choice in selecting the best services and providers for specific workloads
- Improved disaster recovery and business continuity through the use of multiple cloud providers
- Reduced vendor lock-in and increased bargaining power with providers
- Greater ability to optimize costs by using different providers for different services
Disadvantages of multicloud include:
- Increased complexity and management overhead in maintaining and integrating different cloud environments
- Higher costs for infrastructure and management as compared to using a single provider
- Difficulty in ensuring data security and compliance across multiple providers
- Limited ability to take advantage of provider-specific features and services.
