The term multiclouding refers to the use of multiple cloud computing services from different cloud service providers/vendors. This in effect optimizes performance, enhances redundancy and increases flexibility of the enterprise. The term ‘multi-cloud’ is similar to those used in the term “Intercloud” or “fog-of-clouds”.
From where did it all begin ?
The term "Cloud" refers to a collection which in general would be a collection of distributed storage and processing resources working in tandem as a singular unit. The cloud systems allows organizations to launch complex, high-performance computational systems as well as shared software that offers high availability, even processing speed in accomplishing tasks that typical computers cannot.
Three basic cloud environments:
Public Cloud: The public cloud infrastructure is shared between clients/companies. That is, two or more clients/companies can own separate resource instances instead of the whole cloud space however these instances will be housed on hardware infrastructure shared by these group of clients/companies. This Infra is the cheapest of all environments and can be scaled easily.
Private Cloud: A dedicated cloud environment for a single client/company with single hand access to all hardware and software resources allotted to the environment. Traditionally, these kind of servers were primarily on-prem, but as of recent times vendors offer private cloud systems. This kind of infra is expensive and harder to scale but dedicated access ensures increased control and security to the client/company.
Hybrid Cloud: These are designed cloud environments where combined access to public and private cloud infrastructure is provided as required by the application or for flexibility of users. One scenario would be use of public cloud for data availability and hosting mission critical resource consuming highly restricted data in private cloud. Improved flexibility and scaled environment ( when more resources and processing power is required, also referred to as "cloud bursting", dynamically scaling public cloud resources to run workloads when on-premises data center resources are at their peak capacity).
Why MultiCloud ?
When an organization incorporates services from different public cloud providers in a cohesive system, they are using a multi cloud deployment. Many organizations develop comprehensive plans to utilize infrastructure from multiple cloud providers in order to increase flexibility or mitigate concerns around costs and vendor lock-in; which often is also termed as multi cloud strategy.
In a real time assessment of Flexera Status of the Cloud survey, 93 percent of businesses have a plan to use multiple providers such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to engage with consumers and capture their share of wallet. This in particular, illustrates how multi-cloud has become the main platform in technology as businesses plan to combine clouds to prevent lock-in (multi clouding strategy ).
The main advantage of a multi-cloud approach is that it decreases lock-in risk.
In the way it needs, multi-cloud allows companies to operate multiple services from different platforms, each providing the most beneficial platform for its score significantly. To programmers looking for solutions that fulfil the unique interests of specific apps or utilities, a multi-cloud architecture is the best option in this way. Multi cloud permits the design of a comprehensive architecture by choosing new and reliable provider where a stable, scalable network can be developed, as in a company doesn't have to place all its eggs in one bucket by using a multi-cloud implementation.
When one cloud falls, users from other configured clouds will still be granted some features. Additionally, one public cloud might be used as a replacement for another cloud. By utilizing a multi-cloud approach, devices and infrastructure are spread through several vendors. This is also easier to switch back from using one of the providers as much of the technology is already in place during the conversion. When a company does not agree to use one cloud provider for all its technical requirements, it is free to select and choose the most suitable options from various vendors.
For businesses, operating increasingly abundant through various cloud services may be for a range of reasons; some willingly or to reap the benefits of a wider range of functionality. For instance, datacentre extension through an implement efficient (AWS), Fast Route (Azure), or IPSec VPN (both).
That being said, decentralized management and data exchange through multiple clouds, new security concerns are also emerging; namely separation management, data disclosure and privacy, virtual OS protection, confidence and enforcement. The need for trust rises when a customer waives the exclusive protection of the confidentiality and protection of his properties of cloud services provider (CSP). This emerging threats also involves informant potential threats, weakening data property rights, syntactic emotional issues in polymer cloud services of third-party providers and even weakened system security oversight.
With the hindsight of these issues, a new era of cloud computing namely multi-cloud computing solutions by collaborating Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) has emerged. These solutions aim to address the complexities and challenges associated with managing multiple cloud environments. By working together, vendors can provide integrated tools and services that enhance interoperability, streamline management and improve security across different cloud platforms. Collaborative solutions often feature unified interfaces and centralized control panels, making it easier for organizations to monitor, manage and optimize their multi-cloud infrastructure. This collaboration can also lead to better compliance management and consistent security policies. Ultimately, multi-cloud solutions from collaborating vendors can help organizations leverage the benefits of multiple cloud providers while minimizing the associated operational difficulties and costs.