The Tools and Team Needed to Manage Multi-Cloud Environments Effectively

Multi-cloud environments have become increasingly popular as organizations look to take advantage of the unique capabilities and cost-efficiencies offered by different cloud providers. However, managing applications in a multi-cloud environment can be complex and requires a different approach than managing applications in a single-cloud environment. In this article, we will discuss the nuances of application management in a multi-cloud environment and provide recommendations for tools and teams.

Challenges of Managing Applications in a Multi-Cloud Environment

One of the main challenges of managing applications in a multi-cloud environment is ensuring consistency and compatibility across different cloud platforms. Different cloud providers have their own unique set of tools, services, and APIs, which can make it difficult to standardize application management processes. Additionally, different cloud providers may have different security and compliance requirements, making it challenging to ensure that applications are secure and compliant across multiple cloud environments.

Another challenge of managing applications in a multi-cloud environment is dealing with the complexity of different cloud pricing models. Different cloud providers have different pricing structures, and it can be difficult to predict costs and optimize resources across multiple cloud environments.

Recommendations: Tools and Platforms

In order to effectively manage applications in a multi-cloud environment, organizations should consider using a multi-cloud management platform. A multi-cloud management platform can provide a single point of control for managing applications across multiple cloud environments and can help to ensure consistency and compatibility. Additionally, a multi-cloud management platform can provide cost optimization and reporting capabilities across different cloud environments.

Another recommendation for resourcing types is using a container orchestration platform such as Kubernetes. Container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes can provide a consistent and portable way to manage applications across different cloud environments. Additionally, using container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes can provide a consistent way to manage and scale applications across multiple cloud environments.

Recommendations: Team Composition

In a typical multi-cloud environment, an application maintenance team may be composed of several different roles, each with their own specific skill sets. Some of the key roles that may be included in an application maintenance team include:

1. Cloud Architects: These individuals are responsible for designing and implementing the overall architecture of the multi-cloud environment. They should have a strong understanding of different cloud platforms and their capabilities, as well as experience with cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes. At the time of writing, typical bill rate range for this type of resource is $150 to $300/hr.
2. Cloud Engineers: These individuals are responsible for implementing and maintaining the infrastructure of the multi-cloud environment. They should have a strong understanding of cloud-native tools and technologies, as well as experience with automating the deployment of applications and services across different cloud environments. At the time of writing, typical bill rate range for this type of resource is $120 to $240/hr.
3. Cloud Administrators: These individuals are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health and security of the multi-cloud environment. They should have a strong understanding of cloud security best practices and experience with cloud-native security tools. At the time of writing, typical bill rate range for this type of resource is $100 to $215/hr.
4. DevOps Engineers: These individuals are responsible for automating the build, deployment, and scaling of applications in the multi-cloud environment. They should have experience with DevOps tools such as Jenkins, Ansible, and Terraform, and a strong understanding of cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes. At the time of writing, typical bill rate range for this type of resource is $120 to $240/hr.
5. Application Developers: These individuals are responsible for developing and maintaining the applications that are deployed in the multi-cloud environment. They should have experience with a variety of programming languages and frameworks, as well as experience with cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes. At the time of writing, typical bill rate range for this type of resource is $105 to $185/hr.
6. Cloud Cost Optimization Experts: These individuals are responsible for understanding and identifying cost-saving opportunities within the multi-cloud environment. They should have experience with cost optimization tools and techniques, and a strong understanding of cloud pricing models. At the time of writing, typical bill rate range for this type of resource is $120 to $240/hr.

It's important to note that the composition of the team and the specific skill sets required may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the organization. Additionally, the team should be flexible, and the members should be able to adapt to the organization's changing needs and the environment.

Conclusion

Managing applications in a multi-cloud environment can be complex, but organizations can effectively manage applications across multiple cloud environments with the right tools and team. A multi-cloud management platform can provide a single point of control for managing applications across multiple cloud environments, and using container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes can provide a consistent and portable way to organize and scale applications. In addition to tools, the right team consisting of cloud-skilled professionals is also essential.

Need help building or managing your multi-cloud environment? Book a complimentary one-hour consultation with our team to discuss your goals via contact@safeboxllc.com or (310) 823-7560.