The BIG debate: What’s coming next in cloud transformation and where should you invest to stay ahead?

Growth in cloud services

The cloud computing industry is experiencing a significant transformation, and it is becoming increasingly challenging for organisations to keep up. The latest forecast from Gartner, Inc. predicts that the worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services will grow by 20.7% to reach $591.8 billion in 2023, up from $490.3 billion in 2022. This growth rate is higher than the forecasted 18.8% growth for 2022. Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) is expected to experience the highest end-user spending growth in 2023 at 29.8%, and all segments are expected to see growth.

While cloud-first strategies were previously popular, the trend is shifting towards a multi-cloud approach. However, throwing every application into a multi-cloud environment is not ideal. Instead, businesses need to focus on where best to deploy their applications for better performance, efficiency, and cost savings.

In this blog, we will explore the big debate on what’s coming next in cloud transformation and where organisations should invest to stay ahead. We will also look at the challenges and benefits of a multi-cloud approach and what Redcentric can offer in terms of guidance and solutions.

The multi-cloud trend

One of the biggest trends in cloud transformation is the move towards a multi-cloud approach. Instead of relying on a single cloud provider, many organisations are using multiple cloud providers to meet their specific needs. This approach has several advantages, including reducing the risk of vendor lock-in, improving resiliency, and allowing organisations to take advantage of the unique capabilities of different cloud providers.

However, a multi-cloud approach also comes with its own set of challenges. For example, managing multiple clouds can be complex, and it can be challenging to maintain compliance across all cloud providers. Additionally, a multi-cloud approach can increase the attack surface, making it more difficult to secure data and applications.

For example, if you have a physical server running a single function in the office, putting it in AWS is like putting it in a completely different environment and expecting it to perform the same. It is important to design apps to be cloud-native, so they work efficiently in the cloud environment. Egress costs can also be a concern, as data going into a cloud environment is usually free, but data coming out incurs a cost. Rightsizing, or adjusting specifications based on usage, is also important to optimize performance and reduce costs.

With the rise of the multi-cloud trend, it’s essential to focus on deploying in the right place. Organisations need to carefully evaluate which cloud providers to use and for what purpose. They need to tailor their cloud estate for better performance and lower costs by deploying apps in the best environment. This requires a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each provider, as well as an understanding of the specific needs of the organisation.

Limitations of a Cloud-First strategy

For years, the prevailing wisdom was that organisations should adopt a “cloud-first” strategy. The idea was that all new applications and services should be developed and deployed in the cloud, with the goal of eventually moving all applications to the cloud. However, this strategy is no longer as compelling as it once was.

One of the biggest limitations of a cloud-first strategy is that it can be too idealistic and limiting. Many organisations have legacy applications and infrastructure that cannot be easily moved to the cloud. Additionally, there may be compliance or regulatory issues that prevent certain applications or data from being moved to the cloud. As a result, a more nuanced approach is needed, where organisations evaluate each application or service on a case-by-case basis to determine the best deployment strategy.

Redcentric takes a multi-cloud approach, offering solutions in data centres, cloud platforms, hyperscale offerings, and serverless architecture as well as on-premises solutions and professional services to help you to design, deploy and maintain infrastructure. Our goal is to help organisations choose the right solution for their needs, with a focus on what the customer wants to achieve in terms of cost, performance, efficiency, green credentials, and control of the supply chain. We are technology-agnostic, enabling us to provide the best advice on which solution is right for each customer.

AI and Machine Learning

Another trend in cloud transformation is the increasing use of AI and machine learning. These technologies have the potential to transform how organisations operate and compete, but they also require significant resources and expertise to implement effectively.

One of the challenges of implementing AI and machine learning is the need to address legacy applications and infrastructure. Additionally, AI and machine learning can be computationally intensive, which means that organisations need to carefully consider the resources they need to support these applications.

For example, old apps that are sitting in the cloud can be difficult to plug into modern systems in an efficient way. Technical debt can accumulate and grow over time, and it is essential to resolve it eventually. AI and machine learning can improve efficiency, but trying to implement new technologies can be more difficult when dealing with legacy systems. As part of Redcentric’s consultative sales process, we take a holistic view to look at the right place to deploy applications to achieve the desired outcome.

Security and compliance

A multi-cloud approach can increase the attack surface and pose compliance challenges. It is crucial to stay protected and design solutions in a way that minimizes exposure. Redcentric offers guidance and solutions to help organisations achieve compliance and security in a multi-cloud environment.

Final Thoughts

Cloud transformation is an ongoing process, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Organisations need to carefully evaluate their needs and goals to determine the best cloud strategy for their unique situation. While a multi-cloud approach can provide many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. By carefully evaluating customer needs and taking a strategic approach, organisations can stay ahead in the ever-evolving cloud landscape.


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