Five Tips for Planning your Multi-cloud Networking Strategy
Over the past 12 months, I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of Teneo customers looking to further leverage the cloud as part of their IT strategy. However, traditional virtual appliances offered by established vendors don’t always meet the requirements of cloud and DevOps teams. Notably, issues around integration, a lack of features, the ability to leverage APIs and management challenges are causing many Infrastructure and Operations (I&O) leaders to look for alternative approaches to multi-cloud deployments.
To take advantage of the power of multi-cloud and avoid the potential pitfalls, I’ve outlined five top tips to consider when defining your approach:
1 – Retain flexibility to gain additional value and competitive advantage
Although traditional network planning tends to be over three to five years, it is important to enable as much flexibility as possible to address changing needs and technology developments by making short-term investments with a one- to three-year time horizon. As this software-defined technology develops at pace, organizations that have the flexibility to move quickly and take advantage as new vendors and solutions enter the market can gain additional value and competitive advantage.
2 – Monitor spend and pay only for what you need
Organizations also need to consider how they consume these new services. Cloud solutions should provide flexible consumption models, which empower you to pay only for what you need. However, it is vital that you have tools and systems in place to monitor and manage spend.
3 – Understand that cloud is not a lift and shift strategy
It’s important to recognize that cloud is not a lift and shift strategy. I have seen customers move physical data centers to the cloud using the same architectural approach. While this provides some benefits, it falls short of the true potential and advantages that a modern cloud architecture can provide. For example, look for vendors that have well-documented, open APIs that will allow you to automate and streamline workflows to reduce costs.
4 – Ensure security is front and center
Focusing on Zero Trust, encryption and segmentation is important, but also consider how your security tools will cope as workloads shift between clouds, and services are spun up and down. I recommend considering tools that leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to monitor your network. Monitoring from fixed points (such as cloud perimeter firewalls) is no longer enough to protect your environment and data.
5 – Consider working with an expert partner
Lastly, create an internal roadmap and set up a review cadence for your multi-cloud strategy and deployments. Working with a partner like Teneo can really help here. My team and I spend much of our day reviewing and testing new technologies and can provide key insights to help you make informed decisions about multi-cloud networking and its benefits.
To find out more about Teneo’s Work From Anywhere: Cloud solutions, which incorporate WFA: NPM and WFA: Zero Trust, visit our services page.