Cloud migration is happening, and millions of organisations across the globe are seeing the value of moving part – or all – of their systems, services and infrastructure to the cloud. However, in a world where fierce competition is driving more and more vendors to move into the cloud space, selecting the right Cloud Services Provider (CSP) can be a complex endeavour.

Once you have identified your business requirement, sifted through the pros and cons of various cloud solutions, and determined which services will best benefit your business in the cloud – something an experienced CSP should be able to assist with – you may still find yourself facing the challenge of finding CSPs who can meet all of your needs.

Organisations who rely on different services and systems often need to opt for a multi cloud strategy whereby they require various X-as-a-Service solutions from different CSPs, or vendors.

Still more organisations are embracing a hybrid cloud strategy, opting to keep critical systems and infrastructure on premise for a number of reasons. The complexity of managing multiple CSPs and vendors, from migration to integration, can be daunting for even the most seasoned CIO.

Choosing a CSP that leverages strategic partnerships with a number of cloud vendors to offer – and manage – an integrated multi cloud solution can help simplify this process.

The value of partnerships

Apart from the notable cloud players such as Microsoft and Amazon, software vendors such as SAP and Oracle are also jumping aboard the cloud train. Each offer unique and varied benefits; the latter particularly useful if your business already has entrenched ERP systems.

So how do you choose? And why should you have to?

A CSP who partners with multiple cloud vendors can offer your business the ability to migrate all of your critical business functionality to the cloud, regardless of which services you are looking to move there. Additionally, partnering with these cloud vendors requires that the CSP have sufficient experience with their platforms and services, assuring potential outsourcers that they will benefit from the knowledge and expertise that these partnerships offer.

Seamless functionality

Spreading your services across multiple cloud vendors can help to spread your risk, as it reduces reliance on a single vendor for all of your services. It can also mean, though, that you have to deal with the headache of managing the various vendors, as well as ensuring that interoperative systems are still able to function seamlessly.

The ability for a CSP to manage the integration of your various cloud services becomes invaluable, and ensures your business can direct resources to more business-appropriate tasks. It also allows you leverage the benefits of each of your cloud service vendors while only having to deal with a single point of contact – one who understands exactly what you need to achieve from each service.

Safe and secure

Different cloud platforms offer different security structures, and not all of them may be relevant for your business, or specific to South Africa for that matter. An overarching cloud security strategy that takes into account your business's security policies coupled with the applicable governances, is critical.

Every touch point between cloud platforms, on premise systems and the users, can put your network – and your business – at risk. In an environment where Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices are reliant on cloud infrastructure, the risk is dramatically increased. It is imperative that you maintain protection of your entire ecosystem, from cloud security and IoT security, to access control and governance.

A CSP that can effectively manage and monitor your cloud services, regardless of the platforms and vendors you use, can ensure that your services remain protected within the confines of your policy and standard best practice.

Cloud migration, for all of its benefits and flexible X-as-a-Service options, is no walk in the park. However, it can be relatively simple journey with a CSP who understands your business needs and can provide you with secure, scalable solutions to meet all of them.

* By Rajan Padayachee, Head of Solutions, Design, Projects and Portfolio at T-Systems South Africa.