More and more organizations are making the big move to the public cloud, with nearly two-thirds expecting to complete their migration in the next five years. This trend, which has been building for years, got a huge boost with the global shift to remote and hybrid work. The flexibility and security offered by public cloud infrastructure are big reasons for this change.
The public cloud is revolutionizing how IT and development teams do their jobs. But let’s be real, moving to the cloud—and managing it—brings a whole new set of challenges. To get the most out of a public cloud setup, you need a strategy that puts visibility front and center.
Tackling Common Cloud Challenges
Security concerns, compliance issues, and lack of application support are some major roadblocks to quick cloud migration. And for those already in the cloud, there are still plenty of hurdles. For instance, a whopping 93% of IT and business folks struggle with budgeting cloud costs, with 94% facing unexpected expenses from things like data transfers, shadow IT, and inaccurate forecasts.
Visibility is another big issue. Without a clear view of your cloud infrastructure, identifying security gaps and understanding how resources are being used can be tough. This can lead to unnecessary spending, security vulnerabilities, and performance hiccups.
On top of that, the organizational changes needed for cloud migration add to the complexity. As the cloud becomes a bigger part of the IT landscape, decisions about who gets cloud access and who handles what can cause internal chaos if not addressed upfront.
Best Practices for Cloud Management
In today’s fast-paced IT world, understanding cloud management complexities is crucial. Here are some tips to make it simpler:
Develop a Comprehensive Cloud Strategy
Migrating to the cloud is an ongoing process that needs a well-thought-out strategy. Identify both the logistical and technical components, and assign responsibilities accordingly. Setting up a cloud center of excellence (CCoE) can lead to better results than scattered cloud expertise. Align your strategy with business goals by asking key questions: What business value do you expect from the cloud? What security level is necessary? What does success look like?
Maintain Visibility
Breaking down silos within the organization is crucial for better governance and improved visibility. Different people and teams need different levels of access to cloud information. For example, a security analyst might need access to the entire cloud, while a business executive might only need specific data. A centralized source of cloud information ensures everyone is on the same page.
Maintaining visibility also means being able to monitor resource usage and perform security checks. Without this visibility, you risk noncompliance and unexpected high costs. Partnering with a third-party cloud provider can offer a centralized view of resource utilization, security information, and applications.
Optimize Cloud Usage and Spend
There’s often a disconnect between IT and business professionals in managing cloud costs. Only 31% of stakeholders effectively monitor and optimize public cloud expenses. Accurate tracking of resource and security usage, facilitated by high visibility, is crucial.
One effective strategy is to allocate specific parts of the cloud build or governance to the right teams. Working with a cloud provider that helps optimize resource usage is essential, especially for teams like DevOps or DevSecOps. Assigning specific responsibilities to teams fosters ownership and accountability, ultimately reducing costs.
The Future of Cloud Computing
The public cloud is quickly becoming a dominant force in the IT world, offering cost reductions and the security needed in today’s digital landscape. To make the most of your cloud investments, maintaining visibility throughout each phase of your strategy is key. By focusing on visibility, you can navigate the complexities of cloud management and leverage the full potential of the public cloud.
