Definition, challenges and multi-cloud benefits

The multi cloud is an environment in which multiple cloud providers are used simultaneously.

Using a multi-cloud strategy when creating an application means using the most relevant services (hosting, storage, deployment, infrastructure etc.) from several different cloud services providers in order to build an efficient, resilient and flexible architecture that meets your business needs, and improves your developers’ efficiency and experience.

The adoption of the multi cloud is facilitated by a common catalog, and the use of market standards that enables users to find identical products with different cloud providers.

Also, the fact that cloud providers use industry standards allows users to find and compare similar products, such as load balancer, Private Network, S3, etc., and therefore encourages the adoption of the multi cloud.

There’s fierce debate surrounding the multi cloud. Some will tell you that implementing and maintaining a multi-cloud architecture is complicated, and that it’s better to begin by deploying a product across several regions, or even AZs, with one single cloud provider. Yet, if the multi-cloud environment is so complex, why is everyone saying it’s the future of the cloud?

Because the tables have turned. Thanks to open source, the obstacles are falling one by one, and the advantages of the multi cloud include:

• Decreasing provider lock-in
• Benefitting from the best services each cloud provider has to offer
• Reducing infrastructure costs
• Developing redundant architectures with a real competitive advantage to motivate and empower your teams
• Making recruitment easier by looking for non-specialized profiles

To find out more about the advantages of a multi-cloud strategy, check out our article

A hybrid cloud is a subsection of multi cloud, as it runs different clouds architectures – private and a public cloud.

Hybrid and multi cloud do have common points – both involve using multiple clouds, but there is a subtle difference. To know more, check our blog article

In order to make headway, choose a local ally who knows your market, understands your needs, and will guide you step by step as you build a multi-cloud infrastructure that meets your needs.
Choosing a multi-cloud service provider is first and foremost choosing a complete cloud ecosystem with dedicated multi-cloud products that will simplify the implementation and coordination of several cloud providers.

At Scaleway, we are not only providing you with access to our ecosystem but also to all ecosystems thanks to the following dedicated services and products:

• Products that meet market standards and are open to design (such as a CNCF-certified Kubernetes offer)
• The first European offer dedicated to Serverless architectures
• Predictable costs and clear billing
• Our European presence, in three key regions with low latency, zero intermediary, access to over 50 million web users
• The best developer experience which encourages sharing and collaboration
• Proven environmental responsibility at all levels
• GDPR-compliant
• European sovereignty

At Scaleway, the multi cloud is not just an ecosystem, it’s also a mindset that we share with our clients by helping them to develop multi-cloud strategies.