The concept of multi-cloud networks is gaining popularity as enterprises embark on cloud journeys to support digital transformation. While multi-cloud network architectures are just taking off, they show the potential to simplify complex multi-cloud environments and enhance interconnectivity, control and visibility.

    What is a multi-cloud network?

In a multi-cloud strategy, organizations use services from two or more public cloud providers, primarily for PaaS or IaaS offerings. Organizations can also build their own private clouds on their internal infrastructure.

Traditionally, organizations set up separate connections for each cloud, typically creating a star network topology that connects each environment to a local hub. In that design, cloud traffic must travel to and from the hub before reaching its destination, which can impact performance, visibility and security.

But multi-cloud strategies are evolving rapidly. According to Futuriom's 2022 Secure Multi-Cloud Network Survey, 80 percent of respondents reported using PaaS or IaaS offerings from two or more public cloud providers. Enterprises are finally realizing that this network design cannot support the scale of their multi-cloud initiatives.

A better strategy is to provide a single platform to connect and manage disparate cloud environments and resources, which is now referred to as a multi-cloud network. A multi-cloud network interconnects different cloud environments, provides connectivity between, within, and among cloud platforms and the resources hosted within them, and provides a single management point for the various systems.

    Components of a Multi-Cloud Network Architecture

Multi-cloud networks are evolving and differentiating themselves from traditional networks, Futuriom said, adding that traditional networks cannot support multi-cloud deployments. But enterprises also expect multi-cloud networks to meet a wide range of needs, some of which are easier to implement than others.

    API

Cloud APIs enable enterprises to connect to and interact with a variety of cloud resources. But each cloud provider has its own proprietary APIs, which can complicate multi-cloud strategies.

According to Gartner, a multi-cloud network architecture should be API-first, prioritizing the use of APIs, or how different applications use them, and supporting more seamless data sharing and visibility. In addition, the architecture must be "cloud fluent" so that it can dynamically interact with its surroundings and use cloud APIs. this creates a level of abstraction so that network teams do not have to understand the inner workings of each cloud provider.

    Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)

NaaS is a consumption-based cloud model where enterprises buy network services, infrastructure or management from a provider. naaS provides flexibility in usage requirements, faster service delivery, end-to-end visibility and simpler deployment.

Futuriom said:NaaS will enable organizations to connect any type of network resources - public communications infrastructure, public cloud infrastructure and private data centers - together and have them operate as one network."

    Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Another technology that will be a major factor in the success of multi-cloud networks is Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Futuriom says. IaC uses code to configure and manage infrastructure and resources, replacing manual tasks with programmability. One of the benefits of integrating multi-cloud networks with IaC is the ability to encode multi-cloud network functionality into applications as they are built.

    Software Overlays

Software overlays enable segmentation and finer control - features that multi-cloud environments can only dream of, Futuriom said. ideally, multi-cloud networks use overlays to bring more robust management capabilities, as well as security, segmentation and control in a single platform.

    Multi-Cloud Networking Market

ESG, Futuriom and Gartner all cited the growth of multi-cloud networking options among startups, while also noting the latency of most traditional networking providers. Startups in the multi-cloud networking market include Alkira, Arcus, Aviatrix and Prosimo. many of the products currently available vary in architecture and market focus. While the overall market remains small, Gartner notes that it is growing in revenue and customer numbers.

At the same time, most incumbent networking vendors, with the exception of F5 and VMware, are slow to prioritize their multi-cloud networking strategies.
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