Managing the Cloud, Part 2: Conquering Cloud Complexity
Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud strategies are on the rise – and there are many good reasons why this is the case. In a recent blog post, we discussed why companies are moving more and more parts of their business to the cloud. But when multiple providers and services are involved, cloud complexity can quickly rise. The answer lies in taking a managed cloud approach with a single trusted cloud partner.
Cloud Complexity Chaos?
The whole point of cloud applications is that they should make life easier for enterprises. But although vendors will ensure the solution works and deliver regular software updates, the majority do not offer more than that. There are still many complex tasks to carry out, including user support, application optimization, and integration.
To solve this, there are several paths a business can take. Perhaps the most obvious one is to employ additional IT experts to handle the tasks and ensure that cloud applications run smoothly. However, hiring and training additional IT staff can cause costs to soar, and it is often difficult to find and retain the necessary skills and expertise.
Another option is to choose different providers for different tasks. For example, you might have one provider managing your basic cloud infrastructure while another takes care of your SaaS applications. Although such an arrangement may seem beneficial at first glance, it can prove both difficult and costly to manage services from multiple providers. Your service structure becomes fragmented and inefficient, and, if an issue arises, it might not be clear who is responsible for resolving it. Even more important: None of these individual partners will support you in creation of the overall picture, i.e. your cloud solution concept.
Less Is More – How Having a Single Provider Helps
Frequently, the best approach for a business to take is to rely on a single experienced provider for cloud and application management services. This tackles the issue of having to build up a wealth of expertise in numerous complex areas of IT, and goes a long way to reducing cloud complexity. With a single provider, you can turn to an IT partner who really understands your application landscape and can support you 24/7 where needed.
Moreover, if you choose a cloud partner who can offer you a more consistent and comprehensive range of services, you receive end-to-end support: starting from consulting and ranging all the way to optimization and enhancement. This holistic approach significantly strengthens your cloud strategy, ensuring there are no gaps in the services provided or any unclear support processes. The provider is ultimately better placed to offer you personalized advice throughout the application lifecycle.
Finding a Managed Cloud Partner
Cloud is obviously the answer, but how do you find the right provider to avoid the complexity? Download our free Executive Brief outlining what to look for in a managed cloud provider from three different decision maker perspectives: Executive, IT, and Business.