As multicloud strategies become the go-to for many companies, cloud personalization can help engineers get the most from their IT infrastructure.
When cloud-based services became available, companies mobilized to take advantage of the inexpensive, scalable solutions for basic workloads. But many companies quickly hit a roadblock when they encountered difficulties migrating complex, specialized workloads to the cloud. Now, cloud-based software solutions are emerging that are increasingly capable of personalization, making it easier to migrate these complex, sensitive workloads and retire legacy platforms.
As the cloud industry continues to mature, industry-specific and custom solutions are becoming increasingly accessible. With more and more companies relying on multicloud-based solutions, software services recognize that each company has its own specific requirements for their cloud computing. But with so many available options, it can be challenging to determine where to begin with personalization.
The dream of the “one-size-fits-all” approach to cloud computing is dead. Instead, companies need custom solutions to meet their diverse workloads, data storage requirements, security concerns and AI-enabled insights. Cloud personalization will be the future of IT infrastructure, using a custom multicloud approach to meet the diverse needs of modern computing across industries.
1. Consider a Multicloud Strategy
Cloud personalization essentially begins by adopting a multicloud strategy. The basic goal is to combine different cloud-based solutions to develop a comprehensive IT environment that is customized to a company’s individual needs.
Usually, companies hesitate to take on a multicloud strategy due to the assumption of prohibitive costs. Interestingly, many companies report savings following cloud personalization and a shift to multiple cloud products. Basically, with multiple products and custom cloud solutions, companies can pay on a per-use basis, as opposed to paying for a standard package. This can lead to savings in the long run by having storage and VMs scale only when necessary. So, a company only needs to pay for what they are actively using.
Multicloud also offers the flexibility needed to avoid vendor lock-in, evolve solutions based on current needs and rapidly deploy or eliminate cloud products based on their use. Many of these solutions make it easier to rapidly modify the IT environment as applications are developed or retired.
2. Location, Location, Location (of Data)
Many technological developments are driving applications toward the edge of networks. However, certain workloads require specific locations for processing. Some applications may need to run close to the site of consumption, while others need to be sent back to a company for processing.
But beyond hardware and software requirements, many countries are also introducing data sovereignty requirements. In addition to individual company policies, many countries are introducing their own data storage and processing guidelines. For example, Germany’s Federal Data Protection Act outlines the requirements of the storage of any data on German residents. This can complicate the migration and management of cloud-based solutions and has led some companies to pause their digital transformation. Unfortunately, this also means that some workloads might never be able to move to the cloud, especially in industries such as finance and healthcare.
With a personalized cloud solution, companies can combine on-premise and off-premise software solutions as part of a hybrid or hybrid-multicloud strategy to ensure their IT infrastructure can still work harmoniously. Some cloud solutions can also be customized to meet individual country and company requirements, making it easier to scale workloads without breaking regulations.
3. Who’s in Charge?
Management of multiple cloud solutions can become complex without a detailed strategy. By personalizing a cloud experience, companies can selectively choose what products will have automated management and which will have more manual oversight. Companies can now outsource and automate almost every aspect of cloud management, but there can also be oversight for certain access and operational requirements. Essentially, companies can work with their cloud service provider (CSP) to develop a personalized plan for management, ensuring menial or low-priority tasks are automated while leaving sensitive issues under manual supervision. Overall, the final cloud solution can be used to improve workflow efficiency, ensuring only critical tasks require manual oversight.
When it comes to cloud operations, many companies have internal battles for what different groups need from the cloud. Engineers usually want rapid deployment and testing capabilities, business executives often want simplified use cases and data visibility, while operations teams need the cloud to be secure and robust. All this usually needs to be possible while also having the cloud easy to maintain and update. So, having a unified management strategy can be important to ensure cohesion across a diversified IT platform and to support the success of the multicloud.
Some CSPs are already working on management solutions for the multicloud. These will likely become increasingly popular as companies realize the utility of a cohesive management platform that facilities smooth operations across the entire IT framework.
4. Personalized Security for Every Cloud Product
With customized cloud solutions, security can increase as the need arises. For example, as government regulations change or a company’s clients dictate, security can be escalated on certain cloud products. This is essential in a multicloud strategy, where companies may need certain workloads or data storage cloud solutions to have higher levels of security than others. Just like how you might choose to keep a safe in your home while also having a security system, personalized cloud solutions can offer the gradations of security features that most companies need in their full IT platform.
Engineers can work closely with vendors on personalized cloud solutions to meet specific security and government regulation requirements. Simultaneously, non-sensitive workloads can be kept on less-secure platforms to help reduce costs and complexity. Companies like IBM are also working on specific security tools for multicloud architecture.
5. Take Advantage of Software-as-as-Service (SaaS)
One of the most popular features of cloud-based solutions is Software as a Service (SaaS). This is software that is hosted and run entirely on cloud servers. Engineers can access SaaS solutions through a browser regardless of their device or geographic location.
For engineers, there is now a range of engineering SaaS tools offered by many companies. For example, Siemens offers cloud-native SaaS tools for CAD, CAM, ERP and more. As opposed to traditional engineering tools, these SaaS solutions are mostly subscription-based and offer increased accessibility, flexibility and scalability. Many of the SaaS solutions make it easier for companies with hybrid workforces—where some engineers are working remotely while others are in the office—and they make it easier for siloed teams to effectively collaborate.
Unlike traditional cloud solutions, SaaS makes management much more straightforward. The vendor controls security, performance and maintenance. Meanwhile, engineering teams simply use the tools from anywhere with an internet connection. Although this is not ideal for every workload, with a multicloud strategy, these types of cloud-based services can improve access and efficiency for siloed engineering teams.
There’s Power in the Personal
Now, companies are migrating increasingly industry-specific workloads to the cloud. Many of these workloads have unique requirements and are integral to business success. With an ongoing interest in avoiding vendor lock-in and utilizing custom APIs, a multicloud strategy is rapidly becoming the only realistic option for companies looking to migrate most (if not all) of their workloads to the cloud.
One of the biggest draws of the multicloud is the ability to personalize the cloud experience. Forbes, like others, refers to this as “Shifting From Multi-Cloud By Default To Multi-Cloud By Design” in an article of the same name. This shows intention in the design and utility of the multiple cloud products in a tech stack.
So, what will be the big focus of the cloud industry over the next few years? Most likely, multicloud management. With companies looking to manage sometimes five or more different cloud solutions, managing all the software without compromising on speed, functionality or interoperability will be incredibly challenging.
Many engineers look at multicloud strategies and their ability for personalization and see impending chaos. How can a company properly supervise such a disparate IT environment? The good news is that the industry is already ahead in this thinking. Many cloud providers are working on solutions specific for the multicloud: vendor-agnostic management, security and other solutions specifically designed to limit any potential chaos and guarantee a smooth operating environment. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement in this area, and the next five years will likely see the development of a wealth of new solutions that make the process easier and more customized to truly meet the unique needs of every individual business.