**8 Steps to Develop an Effective Multicloud Strategy**

A multicloud approach, involving the use of cloud services from multiple providers, is increasingly being adopted by enterprise organizations. It helps optimize performance, control costs, and prevent vendor lock-in, driving the growth of public cloud services. A recent forecast from Gartner shows that worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is expected to reach $678.8 billion in 2024.

Multicloud architecture not only enables businesses to choose the best cloud products and services for their needs but also speeds up innovation by supporting game-changing technologies such as generative AI and machine learning. As businesses utilize services from different cloud providers, managing a multicloud environment becomes complex, requiring a comprehensive multicloud management strategy to achieve overall success.

**What is Multicloud Architecture?**

Multicloud is a cloud computing model that incorporates multiple cloud services from various providers within the same IT infrastructure. It can involve using different cloud providers for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) delivery, and in complex enterprise settings, it covers various cloud-based computing models such as Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS).

**The Hybrid Multicloud Environment**

The modern hybrid multicloud ecosystem allows cloud-native application development and uses open-source container orchestration platforms to automate deployment across multiple cloud environments. According to an IBM Institute for Business Value study, the value derived from a full hybrid multicloud platform technology and operating model at scale is two-and-a-half times that of a single-platform, single-cloud vendor approach.

**Challenges of Multicloud**

Running multiple clouds and services from different providers creates challenges such as cloud sprawl, data silos, security risks, and uncontrolled costs.

**8 Steps for Creating a Successful Multicloud Strategy**

1. Define Goals
2. Select the Best Cloud Service Providers
3. Create a Single Pane of Glass
4. Leverage Automation Tools
5. Build a Zero-Trust Security Approach
6. Integrate Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
7. Adopt FinOps for Cost Optimization
8. Continuously Refine Your Multicloud Strategy

**Benefits of Multicloud**

– Avoid vendor lock-in
– Gain flexibility and control
– Prevent outages and ensure reliability
– Control shadow IT

**IBM and Multicloud**

As a global leader in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services, IBM is assisting companies in building successful hybrid multicloud management strategies. IBM’s ecosystem partnerships with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform help organizations secure the best mix of cloud-based services to stay competitive in today’s fast-moving digital environment.

**FAQ**

*Q: Are there any forecasts for the growth of public cloud services?*
A: Yes, a forecast from Gartner predicts worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services to reach $678.8 billion in 2024.

*Q: What challenges are associated with multicloud environments?*
A: Multicloud environments pose challenges such as cloud sprawl, data silos, security risks, and uncontrolled costs.

*Q: What are the benefits of a multicloud strategy?*
A: A multicloud strategy helps avoid vendor lock-in, gain flexibility, prevent outages, and control shadow IT.

*Q: How does IBM contribute to multicloud management strategies?*
A: IBM, as a global leader in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services, is helping companies create successful hybrid multicloud management strategies through its ecosystem partnerships with leading cloud providers.