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You Have a Multi-Cloud Environment – Now What?

Whether they set out to use multiple clouds or not, large enterprises today end up with several cloud suppliers. In fact, it’s probably hard to find a company that isn’t using some mix of Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, IBM Cloud, Salesforce.com, Oracle, Google G-Suite, ServiceNow or Box. The list goes on and on. This is more pronounced with enterprises that have a global site footprint. Let’s take a look at multi-cloud environments.

The cloud, after all, gets you out of the business of hosting applications and worrying about upgrading hardware and software constantly. It also enables you to sidestep the capital commitments otherwise required.

However, the more clouds you use, the more complex connectivity becomes. Security concerns skyrocket as it becomes hard to figure out who is accessing what, from where and how. In addition, the network becomes central to application performance across the organization.

Forces at Work

Despite the network challenges multi-cloud creates, multi-cloud is here to stay and will become even more complex with time as:

Companies turn to even more SaaS offerings that enable them to embrace best of breed rather than multi-purpose on-premise solution bundles that have to meet various requirements of legacy environments
Technologies, such as serverless computing and other advances, that are only possible with cloud native applications attract more enterprise workloads
Adoption of Internet of Things technologies and strategies require organizations to collect and analyze data closer to scattered sensors at the edge of the network, probably in specialized cloud services
Companies try to mesh cloud tools with on-premises systems in hybrid configurations because stringent security or compliance requirements – or the tightly integrated nature of those legacy systems – prevents going all in with cloud

20-year-old legacy MPLS networks are not modern

Unfortunately, this shifting, demanding and dynamic environment is not a good fit for the 20-year-old legacy MPLS wide area networks that many organizations still rely on. Besides the fact that MPLS simply can’t provide off-ramps to many cloud tools, adding bandwidth is expensive and simple network changes can take months. It’s like trying to erect a shiny new skyscraper on a stone foundation fit for a mountain cabin. Businesses are short changed on time to market and this is a big no for CxOs driving WAN transformation initiatives.

The good news is software defined-WANs promise agility and enable enterprises to realize the full potential of what multi-cloud environments have to offer. But traditional SD-WANs don’t own the network and have to partner with telcos and service providers that do, creating a suboptimal solution. This is where a fully managed SD-WAN solution, where the provider owns both the network and the software definition provides the “best of both worlds.”

Managed SD-WAN

A fully managed SD-WAN running on a private network can connect far-flung employees to various data centre resources while also providing direct connections to public cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, Google and Oracle as well as connectivity to SaaS platforms such as Office 365, Salesforce, WebEx and Zoom, without compromising on application performance.

A managed SD-WAN allows enterprises to shift higher value human resources from the business of assessing technology, building out the network and then constantly tweaking and optimizing it as requirements change. Patching edge-routers or boxes from traditional, SD-WAN vendors is often an operational nightmare.

When managed SD-WAN is delivered as a service, it is akin to a SaaS provider, delivering connectivity as-a-service.

While SD-WAN services can help any organization deliver consistent application performance to employees around the world, the benefits for IT are magnified in multi-cloud environments because they get a unified view that is cloud provider agnostic.

However, not all managed SD-WAN services are alike. Speed of provisioning new circuits, the reliability of the backbone, the quality of the support and ease of engagement – all make a huge difference! Look for a fully managed SD-WAN that leverages a private network for the middle mile, uses built-in acceleration and optimization tools to improve application performance, and uses best of breed layered security from partners for mission-critical applications.

So, when it comes to looking for an SD-WAN delivered as a service to support growing multi-cloud needs, look for:

A simple, managed global solution for multi-cloud connectivity
End-to-end reliability SLAs guaranteeing 99.99% uptime
24x7x365 monitoring and CCIE-level support
Built-in WAN acceleration and optimization, regardless of the cloud resource targeted
Off-ramps to all the cloud providers
Deployment capabilities measured in hours at any site globally
Support for on-demand site and bandwidth changes

CIOs invest considerably in their public and multi-cloud strategy. The productivity of developers and corporate applications is compromised, if the underlying network connectivity is flaky or if it takes too long for a predictable site connection to be up and running. Digital transformation and the move to the cloud should start with the network. That is ground zero for a multi-cloud world.

Reach out to the experts at Bluewave to help your team select the best SD-WAN solution for your company’s needs.

Let’s Get Started

In today’s ultra-competitive business environment, there are multiple factors driving the growing appetite for Unified Communications (UC). Pressure to reduce IT spend, coupled with a distributed workforce and rising expectations for always-on connectivity by employees, customers and partners are just some of the contributors pushing organizations to rethink the way they manage communication processes.

Companies that have adopted UC solutions are making tremendous gains in employee productivity and satisfaction as well as improved customer service. Before making the decision to adopt a unified communication platform, either on-premise or a cloud-based system, it’s important to consider these factors:

The need for improved collaboration and productivity

The speed of business today is so fast and so multifaceted, even one negative customer experience can cost a company dearly. Consider a study by NewVoiceMedia, that says that an estimated $41 billion is lost by US companies each year following a bad customer experience. (Source: NewVoiceMedia). That means if a company’s sales and customer service departments aren’t communicating clearly and working together, there is a huge potential for loss.

Unified Communications systems combat these issues by connecting people in more efficient and intuitive ways. By converging all communications media and devices into one interconnected platform, employees can respond to customer, partner and supplier requests in a more expedited and personal manner. That means the lines of communication are not only open, they are open 24/7. Today’s sophisticated UC applications do this by delivering advanced audio, web, and video calling features, IM, email and collaboration tools like shared workspace and whiteboarding. When used strategically together, these tools go a long way in bridging the communication gap, boosting productivity and building lasting relationships.

Real-business example: The impacts of a unified communications platform can be seen clearly when systems are tied directly into critical business applications (i.e. CRM, supply chain, inventory management systems, etc.). By integrating communication features into business processes, managers can be alerted automatically when an issue arises. This can speed response times and enhance customer service. For instance, alerts can be set up via IM, text or email if product inventory is low. Inventory managers can then interact quickly and directly with purchasers via audio or video conferencing tools. They can also collaborate using a shared document to review past inventory numbers and sales records. From there they can hash out ideas using online whiteboards and shared screens. In this example, customers are automatically alerted to the inventory adjustment. These streamlined processes help to reduce delays and human errors as well as improve customer interactions.

Greater mobility needs with a distributed workforce

It’s not uncommon today to have teams that are separated across many miles, borders, oceans and even cultural barriers. Thus, keeping teams connected and communicating efficiently has become a top priority. On-premise applications and cloud-based UC platforms offer organizations even greater flexibility and scalability.

When managed centrally, Unified Communications platforms can shrink IT maintenance/upgrade costs and improve corporate agility by giving all employees access to the same collaboration and communication technologies. These communication features also improve the productivity of all employees, whether they are working remotely via a mobile device, or they are hardwired into the corporate IT network.

Companies of all sizes and vertical industries are benefiting from unified communication platforms that tear down the barriers and complexity of once ‘siloed’ corporate communication tools. By taking a more centralized approach− and linking business processes to communication platforms−organizations can further enhance customer and partner relationships as well as facilitate anytime, anywhere communications.

Those that leverage UC effectively are also ultimately supporting worker productivity and enthusiasm. Because let’s face it, good communication is the key to good business. And, when employees have access to world-class tools they are more empowered and engaged. That means they are at their best and delivering the best customer experience possible. That type of positive energy is good for any corporate bottom line.