How to choose a Hybrid and Multi-Cloud CMP?
While most enterprises and medium scale businesses have adopted cloud IaaS as part of their IT Infrastructure landscape, it is common knowledge that sizing, choice of public cloud provider and cost optimsation remains a challenge.
For applications that require data privacy, public cloud doesn’t serve the purpose so we opt for a Hybrid approach. All the data that requires On-prem setup and those that can be put on public or private cloud is extended from internal data centers to cloud IaaS through VPC networks.
This does solve the problem of data security and privacy, but cloud infrastructure by no means is cheap so keeping costs low is another challenge that companies face on a regular basis.
How to solve the cost problem?
Each IaaS vendor offers multitude of infrastructure configurations and benefits, for example Google cloud GCP provides sustained usage discount. While this takes care of lowering costs is it the best option available to optimize? The answer is like in traditional procurement process the choice has to be made by comparison.
Most internal IT teams while knowledgable on technology is not usually competent in cost benefit analysis. So in order to lower costs and get to pick choose from multiple providers the best option, a cloud managment platform which can provide a dashboard of cost benefit analysis and saving opportunities is the way to go about solving the problem.
Evaluating Multi-cloud management Platform
To be able to administer and choose the right configuration and security in a single interface with options to choose, compare and visualize is a must for any cloud management platform. There are many options available to help manage the multi-cloud enviroment.
The key considerations to choosing the right CMP would be:
Easy governance and self service
The CMP should not add to the chaos of your cloud provider interface, simplification and easy information access should be primary consideration while choosing the right CMP.
Granular access control for varied roles within the organization
Every company has their heirarchy and workflow for administration and approvals. The system shoudl have a robust RBAC capability to be able to divide the resposibities of operations, finance and management.
