What steps should agencies take to better prepare for a multi-cloud future?

Agencies do not feel prepared to manage current multi-cloud environments. While most Federal IT decision makers say their agency already uses multiple cloud platforms (81 percent), the majority – 75 percent – also say managing a multi-cloud environment will be one of their top challenges over the next five years, a MeriTalk report reveals.

What are agencies doing?

Some agencies are taking steps to prepare, including training their IT workforce for multi-cloud (42 percent), implementing access controls (35 percent), and establishing a multi-cloud leadership team (32 percent). But overall, nearly half of Feds agree their agency is not adequately preparing for their multi-cloud future.

Increased performance, improved reliability, and cost savings are driving Feds to adopt a multi-cloud model. But, Federal IT leaders say they need better integration with legacy infrastructure and advanced encryption/security features.

How can agencies better prepare for multi-cloud environments?

Above all, leaders say consistency across cloud platforms is key – 89 percent say consistency is critical to connecting teams and processes across cloud platforms. The challenge is that fewer than one in three Feds believe their agency is architecting for integration and flexibility.

“As agencies modernize, they are increasingly deploying more artificial intelligence and IoT devices that collect vast amounts of data across public and private cloud environments,” says Cameron Chehreh, CTO and VP, Presales Engineering, Dell Technologies Federal.

“One of the best ways to future proof your environment while avoiding data silos is to provide consistent infrastructure and operations across public, private, and edge environments.”

Drilling down, while just 28 percent have invested in HCI today, those using HCI identify speed, reliability, and adaptability as primary benefits. And, agencies using HCI say they are better prepared for their multi-cloud future vs. those without (62 percent to 44 percent).

“Federal agencies are managing three, six, and in some cases 20+ clouds,” said Carol Rivetti, President of Affigent, an Akima Company. “Integration and technologies like HCI help create a flexible, efficient, and secure environment for mission success.”