Guide to the 27 Best Multi-Cloud Solutions of 2024
Best Multi-Cloud Solutions Shortlist
I’ve curated this shortlist of multi-cloud solutions:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As an expert in multi-cloud solutions, I understand the challenges and complexities of implementing a multi-cloud strategy. With the increasing adoption of cloud services, businesses often deal with the orchestration and dependencies of multiple cloud vendors, which can become overwhelming. What is the future of cloud?
I'm here to guide you through a curated list of multi-cloud management software, including tools for disaster recovery, vendor management, and SaaS integration. Trust me to help you explore the options that align with your needs and enable you to optimize your multi-cloud infrastructure effectively.
What Are Multi-Cloud Solutions?
Multi-cloud solutions refer to the strategic use of multiple cloud computing services from more than one provider. This approach allows businesses to leverage the best features from different providers, avoid vendor lock-in, and maintain flexibility in their IT infrastructure.
Users typically include businesses and organizations of all sizes across a multitude of industries, employing these solutions for a variety of purposes such as data storage, application hosting, data analytics, and other IT services.
These solutions provide a centralized platform to streamline operations, enhance scalability, and ensure seamless management across multiple cloud environments, addressing the pain points associated with multi-cloud deployments. The goal is to optimize performance, cost, and reliability while enhancing scalability and improving overall operational efficiency.
Multi-Cloud Solutions Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| LogicMonitor | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Orca | $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Firefly | $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| IBM Cloud Pak for Data | From $95/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ForwardNetworks | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Couchbase Capella | From $0.28/hr per node | Website |
| Dell MultiCloud Services | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Calisti | $9/user/month | Website |
| HPE GreenLake | Pricing upon request | Website |
| NetApp Evolved Cloud | $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Multi-Cloud Solutions Review
Best for unifying IT infrastructure monitoring across cloud and on-premises
LogicMonitor is a cloud-based IT infrastructure monitoring platform designed to offer a centralized view of IT infrastructure, whether it's based in the cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid.
By offering a unified monitoring solution, it helps organizations keep a pulse on their IT infrastructure, thus making it a perfect tool for managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Why I Picked LogicMonitor:
I chose LogicMonitor due to its comprehensive ability to monitor both on-premises and cloud-based IT infrastructure from a single dashboard. Its strength lies in its flexibility, allowing IT teams to manage various infrastructures without needing multiple tools. In my judgment, it is the top choice for organizations looking to unify their IT infrastructure monitoring, regardless of their setup.
Standout Features & Integrations:
LogicMonitor offers features like advanced alerting, performance forecasting, and customizable dashboards. The platform also supports integrations with major cloud providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, and with other IT management tools like ServiceNow, Splunk, and more.
Pricing:
LogicMonitor pricing starts from '$120/device/month'. This plan includes core monitoring features and supports the first integration.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable dashboards allow for personalized data visualization
- Wide range of integrations with other IT management tools
- Consolidated monitoring of both on-premises and cloud infrastructure
Cons:
- Does not offer a free plan, which might be a drawback for small businesses or teams with limited budgets
- Learning curve can be steep for those new to IT infrastructure monitoring
- Pricing based on device count can be expensive for large infrastructures
Orca provides a security platform for cloud environments, offering clear visibility into risk areas. It scans your entire cloud estate and brings to light hidden risks, making it a crucial tool for organizations aiming to keep their cloud infrastructure secure.
Why I Picked Orca:
I chose Orca because of its capacity to provide in-depth visibility into cloud security risks. Its approach to scanning entire cloud estates and highlighting concealed risks sets it apart in the domain of cloud security. Therefore, I hold it as the best for comprehensive visibility in cloud security risk.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Orca shines with features such as its SideScanning technology, which provides deep visibility into assets without using agents, and a risk prioritization engine to rank vulnerabilities. It integrates smoothly with key cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP, facilitating robust cloud security management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with major cloud providers
- SideScanning technology for deep insight
- Comprehensive cloud security risk visibility
Cons:
- Limited details on smaller cloud provider integrations
- Might require advanced security knowledge to navigate
- No upfront pricing information
Firefly is a network optimization solution that utilizes artificial intelligence to improve network efficiency. With Firefly, organizations can leverage virtual machine learning to detect network anomalies and predict network behavior, making it a top pick for AI-driven network optimization.
Why I Picked Firefly:
I selected Firefly for its forward-thinking application performance of AI in network optimization. It's unique due to its predictive capabilities - it doesn't just respond to network issues but forecasts them. That's why I firmly believe Firefly is the 'Best for employing AI-driven network optimization.'
Standout Features & Integrations:
Firefly's features are centered around its advanced AI engine. It offers predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and root cause analysis to help keep networks running efficiently. In terms of integrations, Firefly works well with leading network hardware and software, ensuring that it can slip into existing infrastructures without a hitch.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compatible with leading network technologies
- Provides predictive analytics
- Utilizes advanced AI for network optimization
Cons:
- Dependent on the quality of network data for predictions
- Relatively higher pricing for small businesses
- Slightly steep learning curve for non-technical users
IBM Cloud Pak for Data is a data platform that unifies and simplifies the process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. It aims to provide organizations with an infrastructure to scale insights on demand with AI.
Why I Picked IBM Cloud Pak for Data:
I selected IBM Cloud Pak for Data due to its extensive focus on AI integration within data architecture. Its ability to consolidate and simplify the process of data handling and analysis sets it apart from other tools. I believe this tool is best for integrating AI into data architecture because it allows for seamless AI model deployment and easy scaling of insights.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of IBM Cloud Pak for Data include built-in data virtualization, automated AI lifecycle management, and open and flexible multi-cloud architecture. It integrates with a wide array of IBM services, such as IBM Watson Studio, IBM Watson Machine Learning, and IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog, offering users a robust AI-driven ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers an open and flexible multi-cloud architecture
- Built-in data virtualization reduces data movement and duplication
- Extensive AI integration capabilities
Cons:
- Some users report challenges with installation and configuration
- The tool has a steep learning curve due to its extensive capabilities
- The high starting price may not suit smaller businesses
ForwardNetworks offers a powerful solution for network assurance and verification. Its role in your cloud strategy is to proactively manage your network infrastructure, making it ideal for organizations that rely on their network's stability and security.
Why I Picked ForwardNetworks:
I chose ForwardNetworks due to its impressive approach to network assurance and verification. Its proactive management and intent-based verification provide a unique advantage, making it a go-to solution for network stability.
This is why I believe it stands out as the 'Best for proactive network assurance and intent-based verification.'
Standout Features & Integrations:
ForwardNetworks impresses with features like network query engine, predictive modeling, and policy verification. Moreover, it integrates well with platforms like Cisco, Arista, and Juniper, ensuring a wide coverage across different network technologies.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with major network technologies
- Network query engine and predictive modeling
- Proactive network assurance and verification
Cons:
- Learning curve for intent-based verification
- Requires technical expertise to fully utilize
- No clear upfront pricing
Couchbase Capella brings a robust, fully-managed NoSQL database service to your cloud strategy. Its specialty lies in providing scalable database management, making it a valuable tool for companies dealing with high volumes of structured and unstructured data.
Why I Picked Couchbase Capella:
Couchbase Capella made it to this list due to its exceptional scalability in managing NoSQL databases. It differentiates itself with its capacity to handle growing data loads, while maintaining high performance. That's why I think it's the 'Best for scalable NoSQL database management.'
Standout Features & Integrations:
Couchbase Capella stands out with features like built-in full-text search, real-time analytics, and in-memory performance. Furthermore, it's equipped to integrate seamlessly with popular platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, allowing for an efficient multi-cloud deployment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad compatibility with major cloud platforms
- Built-in full-text search and real-time analytics
- Highly scalable NoSQL database management
Cons:
- Cost might be prohibitive for smaller organizations
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Steeper learning curve for newcomers
Best for multi-cloud management with a focus on data services
Dell MultiCloud Services is a comprehensive cloud management solution that allows businesses to handle operations across multiple cloud environments. As its standout aspect, the platform emphasizes data services, making it an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing data management and utilization across their cloud ecosystems.
Why I Picked Dell MultiCloud Services:
Dell MultiCloud Services caught my attention due to its distinct emphasis on data services within multi-cloud management. Not many platforms focus on this aspect as extensively.
It's my belief that this tool stands out as the best for a multi-cloud management platform with a focus on data services, given its adept handling of data across multiple cloud environments.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of Dell MultiCloud Services include robust multi-cloud management, intelligent data placement, and cloud-based data protection. Moreover, this platform integrates smoothly with a multitude of cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, making it versatile and adaptable to various business needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- It offers seamless integration with major cloud providers
- Intelligent data placement facilitates the effective use of data services
- It offers robust multi-cloud management, ideal for businesses with diverse cloud environments
Cons:
- Some users may find the platform's broad range of features to be complex and require a learning curve
- It may offer more features than smaller businesses require, making it potentially overwhelming
- Lack of transparent pricing could be a barrier for some potential users
Calisti is a platform designed to facilitate remote collaboration by creating virtual spaces for teams. It blends the convenience of online communication with the intimacy of physical interactions, thereby fostering team cohesion and improving productivity.
Why I Picked Calisti:
I chose Calisti for its innovative approach to remote work collaboration. This platform stands out for its ability to simulate a physical office environment virtually, making remote work feel more connected.
I consider Calisti to be the best for creating virtual collaborative spaces because it provides an immersive, interactive virtual environment that promotes communication and engagement among remote teams.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Calisti features include personalized avatars, interactive virtual workspaces, and a variety of collaboration tools such as whiteboards and file sharing. Calisti also integrates with popular productivity tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Trello, enabling users to incorporate their existing workflows into the virtual workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive integration with popular productivity tools
- Interactive virtual workspaces simulate physical office environments
- Personalized avatars enhance the sense of team presence
Cons:
- Cost may be a barrier for smaller teams or organizations
- It requires a good internet connection for optimal performance
- The user interface might take some time to get used to
Best for combining the cloud's scalability with on-premises data control
HPE GreenLake is an as-a-service platform that brings together the flexibility and scalability of the cloud with the security and control of on-premises infrastructure. It offers organizations the chance to manage their data more directly while still benefiting from the elasticity of the cloud.
Why I Picked HPE GreenLake:
I picked HPE GreenLake as it effectively fuses the best of both worlds: cloud flexibility and on-premises control. The unique blend of as-a-service cloud-like experience with on-premises hardware control differentiates it from others. In my view, HPE GreenLake stands out as the best tool for combining the cloud's scalability with on-premises data control.
Standout Features & Integrations:
HPE GreenLake presents features like managed services for various workloads, rapid resource scaling, and an easy-to-use self-service dashboard. It integrates with various other HPE services and solutions, such as HPE Pointnext services and HPE InfoSight, further enhancing its capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates well with other HPE services and solutions
- Managed services for a variety of workloads
- Combines cloud scalability with on-premises data control
Cons:
- Setup might be more complex than traditional cloud solutions
- May require substantial IT infrastructure understanding to fully exploit
- Pricing information is not publicly disclosed
NetApp Evolved Cloud is a powerful suite that enables organizations to create a hybrid multi-cloud environment. It gives teams the flexibility to manage, move, and protect data across multiple cloud environments. In light of its hybrid cloud functionalities, NetApp stands out as the top choice for facilitating a true multi-cloud experience.
Why I Picked NetApp Evolved Cloud:
I selected NetApp Evolved Cloud for its strong focus on hybrid multi-cloud environments. Compared to other options, NetApp stands out for its depth of features that cater to hybrid cloud needs, including data protection and seamless data management.
I believe it is the best tool for organizations aiming to operate a true hybrid multi-cloud environment.
Standout Features & Integrations:
NetApp Evolved Cloud delivers powerful features such as data replication, synchronization, and backup for ensuring data safety across multiple clouds. Integrations-wise, it offers compatibility with numerous cloud providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and more, ensuring flexibility and interoperability in a hybrid cloud setup.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong emphasis on data protection across multiple clouds
- Wide array of integrations with major cloud service providers
- Comprehensive set of features tailored for hybrid multi-cloud environments
Cons:
- No free plan is available for small teams or individual users
- Could have a learning curve for those not familiar with hybrid cloud environments
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations
Other Multi-Cloud Solutions
Below is a list of additional multi-cloud solutions that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- VMWare Cloud
For extending your enterprise IT environment into the cloud
- Site24x7
For seamless cloud performance monitoring
- V2 Cloud
Good for delivering cloud desktops for remote work
- BigTime
Good for time tracking, billing, and project management for teams
- Anodot
Good for automated anomaly detection and forecasting in cloud operations
- Zapier
Good for integrating and automating tasks between web applications
- Datadog
Good for end-to-end real-time cloud monitoring
- Workato
Good for automating business workflows across various applications
- Cycleops
Good for simplifying cloud cost management and optimization
- American Cloud
Good for secure and compliant cloud services tailored to government organizations
- Oracle OCI
Good for robust, enterprise-level cloud infrastructure services
- Nfina Hybrid Cloud
Good for combining public and private cloud resources effectively
- NewRelic
Good for comprehensive observability across the software stack
- nOps
Good for real-time tracking of AWS changes for DevOps teams
- Observe
Good for streamlining observability into cloud-native systems
- DoIt
Good for providing expertise in managing and optimizing Google Cloud costs
- MuleSoft
Good for connecting apps, data, and devices via APIs
Selection Criteria
Selecting the ideal cloud management tool is far from a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires careful consideration of various factors such as core functionality, key features, and usability. Over the past months, I've evaluated dozens of cloud management tools, putting each one to the test to see how they perform against a specific set of criteria. This analysis was designed to single out those tools that truly excel at providing a comprehensive, user-friendly, and efficient approach to managing and optimizing cloud resources.
Core Functionality
The core functionality of a cloud management tool should include:
- Ability to monitor and manage multiple cloud resources from a single interface
- Detailed and customizable reporting on cloud usage, cost, and performance
- Features for automating routine tasks and optimizing resource allocation
- Security and compliance management to ensure the safe and regulated operation of cloud resources
Key Features
When reviewing the key features of each tool, I looked for the following:
- Multi-cloud support: The tool should support popular public cloud platforms such as AWS, Kubernetes, Google Cloud, and Azure, as well as private and hybrid cloud environments.
- Cost management: Effective cost tracking and optimization features are essential for managing cloud expenditure.
- Automation capabilities: The ability to automate various tasks, from routine maintenance to resource allocation and scaling.
- Integration: The tool should integrate well with other commonly used IT and business tools.
Usability
The usability of a cloud management tool is just as important as its features. Key aspects to consider include:
- Ease of setup and onboarding: The tool should be straightforward to set up and provide clear instructions or guidance to help new users get started.
- User-friendly interface: The interface should be clean and intuitive, with key information and features readily accessible. For a cloud management tool, a dashboard that provides a quick overview of cloud resource status and performance is a big plus.
- Customer support: In case issues arise or you need assistance with the tool, responsive and knowledgeable customer support is crucial.
- Role-based access control: Given that different members of your team may need different levels of access to the tool, easy-to-configure role-based access control is essential.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using multi-cloud solutions?
Using multi-cloud solutions offers a host of advantages for organizations of all sizes.
- It enhances resilience by not putting all your eggs in one basket; if one cloud provider experiences an outage, your operations can continue on another.
- It allows for cost optimization by giving you the flexibility to choose the most cost-effective services from different providers.
- It enables you to leverage the unique features and capabilities of different cloud providers.
- It provides more scalability as you can allocate resources across multiple platforms. Lastly, it helps with compliance by letting you store data in specific regions based on local regulations, as different providers have different data center locations.
How much do these multi-cloud management tools typically cost?
Pricing for multi-cloud management tools can vary significantly depending on the features, scalability, and level of support provided. Some tools offer pricing per user, while others charge based on the volume of data managed or the number of cloud resources monitored.
What are the common pricing models for these tools?
Most multi-cloud management tools use either a subscription-based pricing model, where you pay a monthly or annual fee, or a consumption-based model, where costs are based on your usage of cloud resources. In some cases, a hybrid of these two pricing models is used.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
The typical pricing for multi-cloud management tools can start from as low as $20 per user per month for basic packages and can go up to several thousands of dollars per month for enterprise-grade solutions with advanced features and capabilities.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive software options?
Among the tools I evaluated, nOps offers a lower starting price, while Oracle OCI tends to be at the more expensive end of the spectrum, especially for larger organizations with extensive cloud resources to manage.
Are there any free multi-cloud management tools available?
Yes, some providers offer free tiers of their services, which are often limited in terms of features or the number of resources you can manage. Examples include certain functionalities within Google Cloud Console and AWS Management Console. However, for more comprehensive multi-cloud management capabilities, a paid tool is usually necessary.
More Cloud Solutions Reviews
- Hybrid Cloud Solutions
- Cloud Management Platforms
- Cloud Migration Solutions
- Cloud Service Providers
- Cloud Development Platforms
Summary
In conclusion, choosing the best multi-cloud solution for your use case requires careful consideration of several factors. First, evaluate the core functionality of the tool to ensure it aligns with your specific requirements. Look for key features such as scalability, security, and compatibility with different cloud providers. Usability is also crucial, so prioritize solutions with intuitive interfaces, easy onboarding processes, and responsive customer support.
Here are three key takeaways to guide your decision-making process when selecting a multi-cloud solution:
- Assess your needs: Clearly define your use case and identify the specific requirements and challenges you aim to address with a multi-cloud solution. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on tools that cater to your unique needs.
- Consider interoperability: Look for solutions that offer seamless integration and interoperability across multiple cloud platforms. Compatibility and flexibility are essential for efficiently managing and migrating workloads across different environments.
- Evaluate pricing and support: Consider the pricing models offered by the multi-cloud solutions and compare them to your budget. Look for transparency in pricing and consider the overall value the tool provides. Additionally, assess the level of customer support and documentation available to ensure a smooth implementation and ongoing management experience.
By following these key takeaways and thoroughly evaluating the core functionality, key features, usability, and pricing, you'll be well-equipped to choose the best multi-cloud solution that meets your specific requirements and helps you effectively manage and optimize your cloud infrastructure.
What Do You Think?
I hope this buyer's guide has provided valuable insights into selecting the best multi-cloud solutions for your needs. While I've covered a comprehensive list of tools, I understand that the technology landscape is constantly evolving, and there may be other innovative solutions out there.
If you know of any tools that I may have missed or if you have personal experiences and recommendations to share, I invite you to reach out and let me know. Your feedback and insights will contribute to the continuous improvement of my resources and help fellow readers make informed decisions when choosing the best multi-cloud solutions.
Please feel free to contact me and share your suggestions or recommendations. Together, I can create a comprehensive and up-to-date resource that benefits the entire community.