Is Multi-Cloud Really Cheaper? A DevOps Perspective

We all have seen the rise of multi-cloud strategies in recent years. Today, I'd like to share some insights on the advantages and challenges of this approach.

On the plus side, multi-cloud can be a money-saver. Imagine shopping for the best server prices across different clouds. You can choose the most cost-effective option for each specific service.

Next, different cloud providers excel in various areas. With a multi-cloud strategy, you're not limited to the services of a single provider. Need a specific tool that your primary cloud doesn't offer? You can easily integrate it from another provider, enhancing your overall capabilities.

Multi-cloud can also help you sidestep resource limits. Each cloud has its own limitations, and sometimes you need more than one provider can offer. This is particularly useful when you need additional resources in a specific region where you've already maxed out your primary provider's limits.

But before you jump on the multi-cloud bandwagon, let's talk about the drawbacks.

First, there's the "Hotel California" effect — you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. Cloud providers design their services to keep you locked in, making migration a headache.

Then, there's the cost of data transfer. While traffic within a cloud is free, sending data between clouds isn't. These costs can add up quickly, especially for data-intensive applications.

Security is another concern. Internal networks are generally more secure, but with multi-cloud, you're often dealing with external connections.

So, what's the verdict? Multi-cloud can be powerful, but it requires careful planning. It's crucial to design your architecture thoughtfully from the start to minimize drawbacks.?

Here's a real-world example: One of our clients, C-Teleport, built a network using both Amazon and Hetzner. They keep critical resources on Amazon and non-critical ones on Hetzner, where it's cheaper. Even with the extra cost of inter-cloud traffic, it's still more cost-effective overall. You can find out more about this success story by the link below:

https://itoutposts.com/portfolio/c-teleport/?

Considering multi-cloud for your organization? Let's chat! We can help you navigate these waters and determine if it's the right fit for your needs.

What are your thoughts on multi-cloud? Have you had any experiences, good or bad, with this approach? Share in the comments below!