22 Best B2B Multi-Cloud Platforms For Today’s Enterprises
10 Best B2B Multi-Cloud Platform Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 22 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Navigating multiple cloud providers can often feel like a juggling act, especially when unifying distinct cloud environments. Enter the B2B multi-cloud platform: a solution that bridges these environments, making your multi-cloud strategy more effective and efficient. This tool simplifies the orchestration and management of diverse cloud resources.
Its primary benefit? It addresses the complexities and fragmented workflows of dealing with multiple cloud providers. By considering this platform, you're taking a proactive step towards streamlined cloud operations, and I genuinely believe it could be the game-changer you've been looking for.
What Is A B2B Multi-Cloud Platform?
A B2B multi-cloud platform is a specialized tool designed to facilitate the management, integration, and operation of services across multiple cloud providers. Primarily utilized by businesses that leverage services from various cloud providers, it ensures that their cloud environments function harmoniously.
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Such platforms are essential for IT managers, CTOs, and cloud architects aiming to optimize their cloud strategies, enhance resource orchestration, and maintain consistent operations, all while avoiding vendor lock-in and capitalizing on the unique strengths of different cloud environments.
Best B2B Multi-Cloud Platforms Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| BMC Helix Multi-Cloud Service Management | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Microsoft Azure Arc | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Google Anthos | From $6/vCPU/monthly | Website |
| VMware Cloud Foundation | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| CloudBolt Cloud Management Platform | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| SkyKick Cloud Manager | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| InsightCloudSec | From $60/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Flexera Cloud Management Platform | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| IBM Multicloud Manager | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| CloudHealth by VMware | Customized price upon request | Website |
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Compare SoftwareBest B2B Multi-Cloud Platforms Reviews
In the realm of multi-cloud management, BMC Helix Multi-Cloud Service Management emerges as a beacon for organizations navigating the intricacies of ITSM. Its dedication to integrating ITSM processes across varied cloud landscapes makes it the optimal choice for businesses that prioritize cohesive IT service management. This emphasis on ITSM integration is why it's hailed as the best tool for the task.
Why I Picked BMC Helix Multi-Cloud Service Management: While assessing various multi-cloud solutions, BMC Helix stood out distinctly because of its profound capabilities in harmonizing ITSM processes across different cloud platforms. It's this rare and significant ability to weave together ITSM tasks in both private and public clouds that makes BMC Helix unparalleled.
Thus, I concluded that for businesses prioritizing ITSM in their cloud strategy, this tool is indeed the best for such nuanced requirements.
Standout Features & Integrations:
BMC Helix is designed to not just manage but also enhance ITSM processes, offering comprehensive dashboards that shed light on complex multi-cloud operations.
When it comes to integrations, it melds effortlessly with mainstream platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, creating a unified fabric for workloads and tasks across private and public clouds.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective integration with leading cloud providers.
- Clear dashboards for monitoring workloads.
- Precise ITSM process integration across diverse clouds.
Cons:
- Transparent pricing details require direct contact.
- Exclusively ITSM-focused – it might not be for all businesses.
- Can be intricate for businesses new to multi-cloud.
Microsoft Azure Arc extends Azure's management capabilities to infrastructure across environments, including on-premises, multi-cloud, and edge. This flexibility ensures that businesses can run Azure data services anywhere, efficiently managing servers regardless of location.
Why I Picked Microsoft Azure Arc: In my journey of selecting tools, Microsoft Azure Arc stood out due to its capability to unify server management across diverse environments. I compared it to various tools, judged its functionalities, and formed the opinion that its cross-environment features are unparalleled.
I chose Microsoft Azure Arc for this list because it distinctively addresses the challenge of server management across multiple environments, making it best for such use cases.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Azure Arc offers consistent management, governance, and enhanced security across environments, making infrastructure management less complex. It also facilitates the deployment of Azure SQL and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) anywhere.
As for integrations, Azure Arc integrates with Azure services such as Azure Monitor, Azure Security Center, and Azure Policy, ensuring that all services are under a unified management domain.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Enhanced security features.
- Integration with other Azure services.
- Unified management across on-premises, multi-cloud, and edge.
Cons:
- Potential over-complexity for smaller infrastructure needs.
- Learning curve for businesses new to Azure ecosystem.
- Pricing details are not transparently available.
Google Anthos is a comprehensive platform that aids businesses in building and managing applications both in the cloud and on-premises. This tool prioritizes application modernization, providing a consistent experience across cloud environments.
Why I Picked Google Anthos: While determining which tool to feature, Google Anthos emerged as a frontrunner due to its unique approach to application management and deployment. When comparing different platforms, Google Anthos resonated with my judgment because of its emphasis on modernizing applications across multiple environments.
I chose Anthos for its ability to tackle application modernization challenges, which is essential in today's evolving tech landscape.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Anthos offers a hybrid and multi-cloud platform, allowing for the deployment of applications anywhere. Its config management enables a consistent and unified way to manage resources in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
In terms of integrations, Anthos integrates well with Google Cloud’s suite of services, such as BigQuery, Dataflow, and AI Platform, enhancing its capabilities for application management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Emphasis on hybrid and multi-cloud deployment.
- Strong integration with Google Cloud services.
- Enables a consistent application experience across different environments.
Cons:
- May require additional training for optimal utilization.
- Pricing details are not readily transparent.
- Might be complex for those unfamiliar with Google Cloud.
VMware Cloud Foundation offers a holistic solution for businesses to run an integrated cloud infrastructure that merges computing, storage, and networking on a single platform. Focusing on Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC) consistency ensures that the infrastructure is uniformly manageable across various settings.
Why I Picked VMware Cloud Foundation: When selecting tools for inclusion, VMware Cloud Foundation made a distinct impression due to its robust approach to maintaining SDDC architecture consistency. Through my analysis, I judged it to be a prime solution, especially when comparing its ability to offer consistent management across different infrastructure settings. I chose VMware Cloud Foundation because of its specialization in ensuring SDDC architecture remains coherent across deployments.
Standout Features & Integrations:
VMware Cloud Foundation is designed with an integrated software set that provides full-stack infrastructure for both VM-based and containerized applications. It facilitates lifecycle management for ease of upgrades and patching.
For integrations, it integrates with the broader VMware ecosystem, including tools like vSAN, NSX, and vRealize Suite, promoting a unified experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration with VMware's range of products.
- Comprehensive lifecycle management features.
- Ensures consistency across SDDC architecture.
Cons:
- The learning curve for businesses new to SDDC concepts.
- Pricing transparency is limited.
- May require VMware-centric knowledge for best utilization.
CloudBolt Cloud Management Platform empowers businesses with a cloud solution that automates their hybrid environments. This tool is adept at orchestrating workloads between on-prem and cloud-native infrastructures, aligning perfectly with its claim of excelling in hybrid cloud automation.
Why I Picked CloudBolt Cloud Management Platform: In my journey to determine the crème de la crème of cloud management tools, CloudBolt emerged as a contender not just for its comprehensive features but for its particular expertise in hybrid cloud automation. Having judged, compared, and analyzed various platforms, I gravitated towards CloudBolt because of its unique proposition of addressing specific DevOps requirements, especially for hybrid setups.
Standout Features & Integrations:
CloudBolt stands out with its generative capabilities, allowing businesses to deploy and manage both traditional and cloud-native resources with ease. Moreover, its inherent design facilitates the incorporation of DevOps methodologies into its workflow.
As for integrations, CloudBolt maintains a commendable roster, ensuring that diverse enterprise tools can cohesively function within its ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integration suite accommodating varied enterprise tools.
- Generative approach facilitating easy deployment.
- Comprehensive automation capabilities for hybrid clouds.
Cons:
- Certain features may require advanced technical know-how.
- Might be overwhelming for businesses new to cloud management.
- Absence of direct pricing information.
SkyKick Cloud Manager is a dedicated platform constructed to streamline the intricacies of cloud migration projects. Its prowess in transforming convoluted migration tasks into straightforward processes makes it an invaluable tool for businesses, particularly when simplification is paramount.
Why I Picked SkyKick Cloud Manager: In my quest to select the prime tool for cloud migration projects, I meticulously compared various platforms, and SkyKick Cloud Manager indisputably shone the brightest. One significant distinction that captured my attention is its adept use of machine learning to tackle challenges posed by migration.
My opinion, after judging its capabilities, is that it's unequivocally best for those who want to uncomplicate their migration journey.
Standout Features & Integrations:
SkyKick Cloud Manager is embedded with powerful machine-learning algorithms that enhance its migration capabilities. Its multi-cloud approach ensures businesses can effortlessly transition between different cloud environments or even shift back to on-premises setups when required.
Integration-wise, it offers compatibility with various open-source tools, enabling a fluid migration experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with open-source tools.
- Enables a multi-cloud approach for versatile migration paths.
- Incorporates machine learning for better migration decisions.
Cons:
- Requires a learning curve for those unfamiliar with migration processes.
- Might have features that are excessive for small-scale migrations.
- Absence of direct pricing information.
InsightCloudSec by Rapid7 provides comprehensive solutions for businesses seeking to fortify their cloud security posture. With the increasing intricacies of cloud computing and the vulnerabilities it can introduce InsightCloudSec's capabilities ensure businesses remain ahead of security challenges.
Its prowess in cloud security posture management validates its reputation as the optimal solution in this niche.
Why I Picked InsightCloudSec: Through my process of evaluating, comparing, and determining the best tools in the market, InsightCloudSec caught my attention with its robust capabilities. In my opinion, it's the differentiator in a saturated market due to its advanced features and the emphasis on security posture.
With the surging complexity of cloud infrastructure, both in the private cloud and public domains, I judged InsightCloudSec as the best for businesses that need heightened security measures.
Standout Features & Integrations:
InsightCloudSec has a remarkable ability to offer insights powered by artificial intelligence, helping businesses identify and rectify security flaws. Their extensive API integrations further allow for broad compatibility across various cloud platforms.
Integration-wise, it smoothly links up with numerous cloud providers, making it versatile in safeguarding various cloud infrastructures.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dedicated to cloud security posture management.
- Vast API integrations for varied cloud platforms.
- Comprehensive AI-driven security insights.
Cons:
- The lack of transparent pricing can be a deterrent for some.
- The API-centric approach may not suit all businesses.
- Might have a learning curve for those new to cloud security.
Flexera Cloud Management Platform offers businesses a comprehensive solution for managing and optimizing their software licenses across various platforms. With a focus on catering to diverse business needs, the tool stands out as a quintessential solution when the primary concern is software license management.
Why I Picked Flexera Cloud Management Platform: Navigating through many cloud management tools, my task was to select one that shines in managing software licenses. Flexera grabbed my attention not merely due to its core functionalities but because it uniquely addressed specific use cases that many enterprises grapple with.
Based on my judgment and comparison with other contenders, I am convinced that Flexera is best tailored for organizations that prioritize software license management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Flexera's strong suit is its capability to manage software licenses for various SaaS products, ensuring businesses remain compliant and evade unforeseen costs. The platform also caters to service providers, ensuring they, too, can meet their client requirements efficiently.
Integration-wise, Flexera boasts compatibility with a broad range of enterprise tools, amplifying its utility for diverse organizational structures.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad integration capabilities catering to various business needs.
- Caters to both enterprises and service providers.
- Robust software license management for numerous SaaS products.
Cons:
- Certain features might be overkill for small businesses.
- Might present a learning curve for newcomers.
- Lack of direct pricing transparency.
IBM Multicloud Manager empowers businesses to deploy, run, and manage applications across on-premises, private, and public clouds. With a unique emphasis on multi-cloud orchestration, it ensures coordinated operations across various cloud platforms.
Why I Picked IBM Multicloud Manager: In evaluating tools, IBM Multicloud Manager came to the forefront due to its comprehensive capabilities for multi-cloud orchestration. I determined that its distinctive orchestration features set it apart from many other tools on the market.
I chose IBM Multicloud Manager as it aligns with businesses looking for effective multi-cloud orchestration solutions.
Standout Features & Integrations:
IBM Multicloud Manager stands out for its ability to ensure security and compliance in multi-cloud environments. It also offers a consolidated view of various cloud environments, allowing centralized management.
The tool integrates smoothly with IBM's cloud ecosystem, including IBM Cloud Private, IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service, and Red Hat OpenShift.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smooth integration with the IBM cloud ecosystem.
- Centralized view of diverse cloud environments.
- Offers strong security and compliance measures for multi-cloud.
Cons:
- Could have a steeper learning curve for those new to multi-cloud orchestration.
- Limited transparency in pricing.
- Might be more suitable for businesses familiar with IBM cloud products.
CloudHealth by VMware is a powerful tool designed to facilitate effective cost and resource management across complex cloud environments. As businesses grapple with spiraling cloud expenses and underutilized resources, CloudHealth is an impeccable solution to ensure efficiency and budget adherence.
Why I Picked CloudHealth by VMware: Navigating through numerous cloud management solutions, CloudHealth by VMware emerged as my top pick, primarily due to its robustness in resource management. When judging and comparing these tools, their capacity to enhance the customer experience through optimizing cloud costs and resources was unparalleled.
For businesses aiming to balance cloud expenses and resource utility, I determined that CloudHealth is the best for this critical balancing act.
Standout Features & Integrations:
CloudHealth excels with its in-depth visibility into data centers, enabling businesses to extract maximum value from their IaaS investments. The platform also offers granular insights into Kubernetes workloads, ensuring containerized applications run efficiently.
Integration-wise, CloudHealth connects with major cloud providers, granting businesses a cohesive view of their entire cloud ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integrations with major cloud providers.
- Detailed insights into Kubernetes workloads.
- Comprehensive visibility into data centers.
Cons:
- Might be overkill for very small businesses.
- Lack of upfront pricing information.
- Potential learning curve for beginners.
Other Noteworthy B2B Multi-Cloud Platforms
Below is a list of additional B2B multi-cloud platforms I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. These are also worth checking out.
- NetApp
For data-centric cloud strategies
- Cisco Multi-Cloud
For network and security integration
- Nerdio
Good for virtual desktop infrastructure in Azure
- Vnomic Intelligent Automation for Multi-Cloud
Good for policy-driven cloud automation
- Platform9 Managed Kubernetes (PMK)
Good for scalable Kubernetes deployments
- Morpheus Data
Good for multi-cloud provisioning and orchestration
- Nutanix Xi Cloud Services
Good for hyper-converged cloud infrastructure
- Embotics
Good for virtual machine provisioning and automation
- Red Hat OpenShift
Good for container orchestration and automation
- CloudCheckr Cloud Management Platform
Good for cloud cost optimization
- Mirantis Flow
Good for end-to-end container management
- Dell Technologies Cloud
Good for hybrid cloud operations
Other Cloud Management Platform Reviews
Selection Criteria For Choosing the Best B2B Multi-Cloud Platform
Having spent a considerable amount of time in cloud computing, I've evaluated dozens of cloud management platforms. I've tested these tools to discern which stands out from the crowd. My choices were primarily driven by a few core functionalities, key features, and usability criteria that I believe are critical for anyone investing in such software. I'll dig deeper into these criteria below.
Core Functionality
- Multi-cloud Management: The ability to manage and orchestrate resources across different cloud providers.
- Resource Orchestration: Ensuring efficient deployment, management, and scaling of resources.
- Cost Management: Tools that allow for monitoring, tracking, and optimizing cloud spending.
- Compliance and Security: Ensuring the cloud resources meet regulatory requirements and are secured against potential breaches.
Key Features
- Auto-scaling: This allows resources to scale based on demand automatically, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.
- Policy-driven Automation: Tools should enable the automatic application of predefined policies across the cloud environment.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability to easily integrate with third-party tools, be it for DevOps, security, or monitoring purposes.
- Real-time Analytics and Monitoring: Insights into the performance, health, and utilization of cloud resources, helping in proactive issue resolution.
- Backup and Disaster Recovery: Essential for business continuity, this feature ensures data and services remain available even after unforeseen disruptions.
Usability
- Intuitive Dashboard: For a cloud management platform, a centralized dashboard that provides a holistic view of all resources, performance metrics, and actionable insights is critical.
- Role-Based Access: Given the sensitive nature of cloud resources, the software should allow for easy configuration of user roles, determining who can access what.
- Efficient Search and Filter Capabilities: As enterprises manage vast resources, the tool should have a search functionality that can quickly locate resources, configurations, or any issues.
- Learning Library or Training Program: Considering the complexities of managing cloud resources, a comprehensive knowledge base or a training program is vital for onboarding users and resolving common queries.
- Responsive Customer Support: Rapid assistance for issues or queries ensures smooth operations and reduces potential downtimes.
By prioritizing these criteria, I believe any organization can make an informed decision when selecting a cloud management platform, ensuring they receive value for their investment.
Most Common Questions Regarding B2B Multi-Cloud Platform
What are the benefits of using a B2B multi-cloud platform?
- Resource Optimization: Multi-cloud platforms allow businesses to optimize resources by choosing the best cloud services for each task.
- Enhanced Reliability and Uptime: By spreading resources across multiple cloud providers, there’s a reduced risk of service interruptions.
- Improved Security and Compliance: Different clouds offer various security tools and compliance certifications, enabling businesses to meet specific regulatory requirements.
- Cost Efficiency: Organizations can select the most cost-effective cloud service for each specific task or application.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Multi-cloud solutions offer the freedom to scale resources up or down across different platforms based on demand.
How much do these multi-cloud tools typically cost?
The cost of multi-cloud platforms varies greatly depending on the specific features, the number of managed resources, and the cloud providers involved.
What are the typical pricing models for B2B multi-cloud platforms?
Most multi-cloud platforms adopt one of the following pricing models:
- Pay-as-you-go: This model allows users to pay only for the resources and services they consume.
- Subscription-based: Customers pay a fixed monthly or yearly fee to access the platform and its features.
- Hybrid: A mix of fixed fees and variable costs based on usage.
What's the typical price range for these tools?
The price range varies widely. Entry-level solutions might start as low as $100/month, while comprehensive enterprise-level platforms can run into thousands of dollars per month.
Which is the cheapest multi-cloud platform available?
The cheapest platform will vary based on specific requirements and features needed. However, Platform9 Managed Kubernetes (PMK) is often considered a cost-effective option for many small to medium-sized businesses.
Which is the most expensive multi-cloud platform?
High-end solutions like VMware Cloud Foundation and IBM Multicloud Manager are among the pricier options due to their comprehensive feature sets and enterprise-grade capabilities.
Are there any free multi-cloud platform options?
Yes, some platforms offer a free tier or trial version with limited features, allowing users to get a feel for the platform. However, for advanced functionalities and enterprise-grade features, a paid version is typically required.
Why should a business consider switching to a multi-cloud strategy?
Using a multi-cloud strategy allows businesses to avoid vendor lock-in, increase resilience against outages, optimize costs by choosing the best provider for each service, and ensure they always use the best tools for their specific needs.
Summary
Multi-cloud platforms offer businesses the flexibility and scalability to manage, deploy, and optimize applications across various cloud environments.
However, with myriad options available, making an informed decision requires a thorough understanding of specific criteria, features, and the unique selling propositions of each tool.
Key Takeaways:
- Core functionality matters: It's crucial to identify a platform's core capabilities. A competent multi-cloud platform should allow you to manage resources, integrate services, and ensure security across multiple cloud providers.
- Focus on features: Look beyond the marketing jargon and dive into specifics. Essential features, such as automated scaling, a unified dashboard, and built-in security measures, can drastically affect a platform's efficiency and ease of use.
- Usability is essential: The best multi-cloud platform isn't necessarily the one with the most features but rather the one that aligns with your team's workflow. An intuitive interface, role-based access, and practical onboarding tools can significantly boost productivity and reduce errors.