The move to hybrid and multi-cloud environments is not a technology destination but genuine business transformation

It’s virtually impossible to find a business that doesn’t have some degree of involvement with the cloud or hasn’t incorporated cloud strategies into its operations. The cloud has undoubtedly revolutionised the business landscape, but it’s important to recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works best for one business may not be ideal for another, and the same holds true within different segments of a single business.

Let’s take a step back and acknowledge that the majority of businesses in the country will maintain a hybrid environment for at least the next five years. Many still rely on physical on-premises infrastructure, private cloud networks, and hybrid cloud setups. This is the current reality. While there is a growing shift toward public cloud providers, any discussion about cloud solutions must begin with an appreciation of this existing setup.

The prominent cloud providers such as Huawei, AWS, Azure, and Google each have their unique characteristics and strengths. Businesses that partner with providers aligned with a specific technology may be pushed towards that provider’s offerings. However, transitioning to the cloud is not solely a technological shift; it’s a fundamental business transformation. Therefore, a technology-agnostic partner holds more value for a business. Additionally, hybrid and multi-cloud environments are often more suitable than putting all resources into a single provider.

A true partner should focus on understanding the business’s objectives. Rather than starting with a pre-determined solution, they should assess the challenges and goals, and then design the best possible solution, irrespective of specific technologies or vendors. This approach necessitates a wide-ranging expertise across all cloud environments to facilitate business transformation.

Collaboration and governance play significant roles in this process. Cloud governance is inherently dynamic, unlike the typical static governance in traditional businesses. A reputable partner understands that governance principles apply universally to all major cloud environments, encompassing aspects like security, access control, permissions, and more. This governance operates at a high level across all cloud environments.

Furthermore, an effective partner should possess the capability and a proven track record to advise clients on which cloud provider is most suitable for various workloads within their organization. Considerations like artificial intelligence, development needs, and cost-effectiveness vary, and different hyperscale providers may be better suited for specific functions.

Altron, for example, has developed a Cloud Placement Framework (CPF) that enables the creation of multi-cloud environments based on best practices. This framework facilitates objective advice on which provider is most appropriate for specific workflows and situations. Altron’s ability to work with all four major cloud providers ensures it can tailor solutions to the unique needs of each customer.

It’s important to note that this is not about determining which cloud provider is superior. Altron collaborates with all four because each has its strengths. The focus is on delivering the best-fit solution for each customer. This may entail a combination of providers or a multi-cloud approach, depending on factors such as data residency, data sovereignty laws, industry vertical, and specific requirements.

In light of this, businesses should seek partners with extensive experience in dealing with on-premises infrastructure, private clouds, and public cloud solutions. Avoid those who offer one-size-fits-all technology solutions and instead opt for partners that invest the time to create personalised transformation roadmaps that are technology-agnostic. Organisations like Altron, which have undergone comprehensive transformation exercises themselves, can draw upon years of deep expertise to guide businesses through end-to-end business transformation, including enhancing security and backup in multi- and hybrid cloud environments.