Contents:

1. What is a multi cloud approach vs hybrid cloud approach?

2. Multi cloud benefits for businesses 

3. Multi cloud strategy best practices 

4. Potential challenges with multi cloud approaches 

5. How can Essenkay support you with a multi cloud adoption?

According to a recent study, almost two-thirds (64%) of organisations anticipate increasing their use of multi-cloud technology by 2026. 

There has also been a spike in online interest in the adoption this year, with a 97% increase in “multi cloud” since June.¹

This blog will guide business owners on the best practices and how to overcome common challenges when considering a hybrid cloud approach. Delve into our insights below!

What is a multi cloud approach vs hybrid cloud approach?

A multi cloud approach refers to using multiple cloud services from different providers to distribute workloads and applications more efficiently. 

With multi cloud, businesses can benefit from combining the most useful parts of two cloud providers, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Google Cloud Platform, or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Businesses may also achieve their technology goals faster by combining two separate technology providers who can bring their unique expertise to the organisation.

On the other hand, a hybrid cloud approach refers to the combination of physical, on-premises infrastructure (private cloud) with public cloud services. While this has its own benefits, such as security and on-site data control, businesses don’t have access to the same scalability and flexibility compared to multi-cloud approaches.

Multi cloud benefits for businesses 

A multi-cloud solution has many benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and added efficiency, as you can take advantage of multiple features of the most suitable cloud features for your business. 

Cloud solutions offer greater flexibility, allowing users to scale different aspects of the software to suit new customer needs or business growth. By adopting a multi cloud solution, businesses can develop a completely bespoke solution, combining different cloud features such as security, data management or automation. 

For example, manufacturing and engineering businesses could use Microsoft Dynamics Supply Chain Management's inventory management features, alongside Microsoft Azure’s IoT and AI capabilities, to effectively manage product lifecycles. In addition, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance has production planning and scheduling tools that could be used with AWS’ extensive analytics to support overall manufacturing operational efficiency. 

Professional services and finance businesses could take advantage of the benefits of Dynamics 365 Finance and couple this with IBM Cloud for additional security features and compliance tools. Businesses can benefit from unique guidance from each platform regarding best cybersecurity practices to keep legal, finance and customer data safe. 

Multi-cloud solutions also allow businesses to utilise expertise from multiple cloud providers, each with industry experience. At Essenkay, our team has over 20 years of experience in ERP implementation and can offer a unique perspective, having worked with the software ourselves. 

By adopting the software and expertise, businesses can also avoid vendor lock-in and improve their sustainability by not being wholly dependent on one cloud solution. For example, if a business uses Microsoft and Amazon cloud providers, it can move exclusively to one in the future as it is already partially utilising the software. 

Multi cloud strategy best practices 

When considering adopting a multi cloud framework for your organisation, here are some key considerations to help you achieve the best results:

1. Allocate budgets based on the strengths of each cloud provider to maximise performance and cost-efficiency.
2. Create a centralised cybersecurity plan across all software to ensure all third-party members and employees follow the same directions.
3. Create clear training documents and playbooks to help cross-train your teams on each software's different features and elements. 
4. Design and failover processes to ensure continuity and resilience in case of provider challenges and disruptions.
5. Set up regular reviews, including with key business stakeholders, to raise any concerns among all cloud providers and create a plan to address them. 

At Essenkay, we strive to be a valued part of your team and will work alongside your employees to avoid any roadblocks. 

Potential challenges with multi cloud approaches 

By combining cloud providers' software types, businesses potentially expose themselves to various challenges and roadblocks. Each element brings unique requirements, and at Essenkay, we can support you with bespoke advice and expertise.

Challenge 1: Cost considerations

If businesses want to use different cloud providers, they will likely need the support of different implementation experts to do so. This potentially brings additional costs from multiple strategies and training needs from each partner, compared to using just one cloud solution.

Choosing scalable cloud technologies, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, helps to minimise costs. Businesses can choose only the most appropriate add-ons, and the system can grow with their business. In addition, by choosing pay-as-you-go solutions, businesses can try a number of new features risk-free or add additional software during peak seasons of the year.

Challenge 2: Integration Challenges

When beginning a digital transformation journey with two different cloud providers, issues could arise with integration. This could be from deciding which types of business data will be analysed and stored or perhaps struggles with making the applications work together most effectively. 

By implementing cloud software management solutions, such as APIs and middleware solutions, businesses can minimise disruptions from integration challenges and ensure their processes aren’t disrupted. In addition, by choosing collaborative cloud providers, you can rest assured that they will work together should any problems arise. 

Challenge 3: Too many different cloud opinions

With a growing number of cloud providers and platforms, it can be difficult to know where to begin when considering cloud adoption. 

Working with an implementation specialist, such as Essenkay, will help you identify new opportunities. Check out our recent blog about choosing the right ERP solution and selecting the most appropriate vendor for your needs.  

How can Essenkay support you with a multi cloud adoption?

Essenkay has expertise in guiding businesses of different sizes and sectors to find the most appropriate cloud-based ERP solutions for you.

Our skillset is focused on Microsoft Dynamics 365 cloud-based ERP integration. We strive to be a collaborative member of your business, meaning that we can collaborate with other service providers for the overall benefit of the business. 

Get in touch to discuss how you could benefit from our bespoke digital transformation solutions today! We are always happy to advise on which cloud solutions may best suit your team.