CIO OPINION
To enable multi-cloud data access , the choice is clear : centralize data and focus on optimizing multi-cloud access .
a more pernicious form of lock-in lurks , despite being discussed less : data gravity .
Data tends to attract more applications and data . This effect is known as ‘ data gravity ’. Applications create additional data daily .
As the data grows , it becomes harder to move , making the challenges of getting data where it needs to be exponentially worse . Distance and latency grow , slowing access to that data – and preventing your organization from being nimble .
In order for cloud # 1 to access data in cloud # 2 , you need a workaround . This may require copying , replicating or moving data . That ’ s possible , but operationally very cumbersome .
You may opt to pay for two copies of data , endeavoring to replicate it between cloud environments , and incurring the cost , complexity and governance challenges attendant to that . Even a fully compatible application that can ‘ run on any cloud ’ may not be easily migrated , due to the data gravity of the data the application needs .
Myth # 3 : Software tools can solve for multi-cloud challenges multi-cloud adoption and enable the use cases , but there ’ s one thing you can ’ t do in software : defeat the speed of light . Data gravity exists because data has to travel to be moved . You can ’ t beat the speed of light in software ; in the real world , real implementations of data movement are much slower than the speed of light .
To enable multi-cloud data access , the choice is clear : centralize data and focus on optimizing multicloud access .
By ensuring physical , logical and operational optimization of a multi-cloud data footprint , it is possible to create a scenario where it ’ s nearly as good as ‘ local ’ in each cloud at once – but only if you architect a solution with that end in mind .
Clear the confusion
Don ’ t believe that multi-cloud needs to be this confusing . Moving forward , a growing number of enterprises will be embracing a streamlined approach that eliminates the multiple , often puzzling , interpretations of ‘ multi-cloud ’.
The new de facto standard will become one that eliminates the multiple copies of data that complicate efforts and slow or even derail innovation .
It will facilitate use of the rapidly growing assortment of truly differentiated cloud services . It will simplify governance and management of data .
The clearest path to cutting through the confusion : instead of working with data in multiple clouds , relies on a single repository of data that is accessible by and used in a true multi-cloud .
The organization behind the survey , HashiCorp does a stellar job providing a suite of tools that deliver value not only across multiple clouds , but specifically for multi-cloud . However , software is not a panacea .
You can normalize deployment , virtualize your storage and data , and many other things to ease
This more efficient and centralized architecture gets rid of the complexities currently contributing to and delaying multi-cloud adoptions .
Relying on a single repository and a single automation stack reduces the compound problems and expenses created by having multiple copies .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew Wallace , Chief Technology Officer , Faction , has 25 years of service and product engineering in the tech field . He ’ s co-author of Securing the Virtual Environment : How to Defend the Enterprise Against Attack .
It eliminates issues associated with copying or replicating data , along with associated fees ; it also creates efficiencies in matching storage performance tiers to workload needs .
This approach makes governance , protection and access initiatives as manageable as they would be for a single cloud . It unlocks all the power of your data and makes it more available to help you execute your innovative strategic vision . p
46 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com