Multi-cloud Networking Software Guide 

As enterprises continue to navigate post-pandemic challenges and economic uncertainties, they are looking for ways to construct higher-efficiency networks while limiting overhead and personnel. Analysts predict that companies will increasingly invest in products that save money and resources as networks evolve deeper into the cloud. Current multi-cloud networking trends include network as a service, connectivity for cloud-native network functions, and more observability for network security.

What is Multi-Cloud Networking?

Multi-cloud networking connects multiple public clouds or a mix of public and private clouds (hybrid clouds). Most enterprises are embracing multi-cloud networking and using at least two or three cloud providers. The cloud team, instead of the networking team, often configures networking inside the cloud – but that will change.

This initiative could involve multiple products and services, such as Network as a Service (NaaS) provider, data center networking overlays that extend into the cloud, cloud networking specialists, and software-defined WAN (SD-WAN). Enterprises also have the option of using a single-vendor strategy for networking inside the cloud.

Key Features of Multi-Cloud Networking Software

Multi-cloud networking software refers to a set of tools and solutions that enable organizations to manage and connect their network infrastructure across multiple cloud environments. It provides the ability to extend the network across various cloud platforms and seamlessly integrate them into a unified network architecture.

Some key features of multi-cloud networking software include:

• Connectivity: It allows organizations to establish secure and reliable connections between their on-premises infrastructure, public clouds, private clouds, and other cloud service providers. This ensures seamless communication and data transfer across multiple cloud environments.
• Network Virtualization: Multi-cloud networking software often incorporates network virtualization technologies, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), virtual routers, and virtual switches. These virtual networking components enable organizations to create and manage virtual networks within each cloud environment and connect them as needed.
• Traffic Management: The software provides advanced traffic management capabilities, including load balancing, traffic routing, and quality of service (QoS) controls. These features help optimize network performance, ensure high availability, and improve the user experience across multiple cloud environments.
• Security and Compliance: Multi-cloud networking software includes robust security measures to protect data and applications across different cloud platforms. It often integrates with security tools, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encryption mechanisms, to enforce consistent security policies and compliance standards.
• Orchestration and Automation: Many multi-cloud networking solutions offer orchestration and automation capabilities to streamline network provisioning, configuration, and management processes. This allows organizations to automate repetitive tasks, scale their network infrastructure efficiently, and reduce manual errors.
• Centralized Management: Multi-cloud networking software typically provides a centralized management console or dashboard that allows administrators to monitor and control the entire network infrastructure across multiple cloud environments from a single interface. This simplifies network administration and troubleshooting.

By leveraging multi-cloud networking software, organizations can achieve greater flexibility, scalability, and resilience by utilizing multiple cloud platforms while maintaining a cohesive and manageable network infrastructure. It enables seamless integration and communication between different cloud environments, empowering businesses to leverage the best features and services from each cloud provider.

Who Offers Multi-Cloud Networking Software?

Some vendors that offer multi-cloud networking software include:

1. Alkira Provides a cloud-native multi-cloud networking platform that enables organizations to build and connect virtual networks across multiple clouds, data centers, and branch locations.
2. Aviatrix Offers a multi-cloud networking and security platform that simplifies and secures connectivity between clouds, on-premises environments, and remote locations. It focuses on enabling enterprise-class networking capabilities across different cloud providers.
3. Arista Provides multi-cloud networking solutions that deliver operational consistency and advanced capabilities for networking in both single and multi-cloud environments. Their software helps organizations build and manage networks across clouds and on-premises infrastructure.
4. Cisco Offers a range of networking solutions, including multi-cloud networking software. Their software-defined networking (SDN) solutions and cloud networking platforms facilitate connectivity and management across multiple clouds, data centers, and branches.
5. F5 Networks Provides multi-cloud application delivery and security solutions. Their software enables organizations to optimize application performance, ensure availability, and enhance security across multiple cloud environments.
6. VMware Offers a comprehensive suite of multi-cloud networking and security products. Their software-defined networking solutions, such as VMware NSX, enable organizations to build and manage virtual networks that span across multiple clouds and data centers.

Other notable vendors in the multi-cloud networking software space, recognized by IDC, include Prosimo, Arrcus, Isovalent, and Nethopper.io. These vendors offer various solutions that address networking challenges and provide operational consistency in multi-cloud environments.

It’s important to note that the market for multi-cloud networking software is dynamic, and new vendors may emerge while existing ones continue to enhance their offerings.

Benefits of Multi-Cloud Networking Software 

MCNS offers several benefits for enterprises. Here’s an elaboration on the advantages mentioned:

1. Speed Multi-cloud networking software accelerates cloud deployments by eliminating the need to manage multiple networking silos with different tooling and capabilities. It streamlines the process of unifying clouds, reducing the time required for completing tasks from months to hours.
2. Performance These software solutions simplify networking across disparate clouds through abstractions or low-code optimizations. They mitigate the complexity of managing different cloud APIs and network constructs, improving network performance within and across clouds.
3. Staffing Costs By providing a consistent network and security infrastructure across multiple cloud environments, multi-cloud networking software reduces the need for specialized teams with expertise in each cloud platform. This leads to significant cost savings in terms of human resource expenses.
4. Operational Efficiency Multi-cloud networking software bridges the gap between NetOps, DevOps, and SecOps teams by offering a common controller and management framework. It enables collaboration between these teams, allowing for operational efficiency and faster application deployment. It simplifies the implementation of application intent across cloud and non-cloud infrastructure securely.

By leveraging multi-cloud networking software, enterprises can achieve faster time-to-market, improve network performance, reduce staffing costs, and enhance operational efficiency across their multi-cloud environments.

Is Multi-Cloud Networking Software Right for Your Enterprise?

Determining whether multi-cloud networking software is right for your enterprise depends on several factors and considerations specific to your organization’s needs and goals. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the suitability of multi-cloud networking software:

1. Multi-cloud Strategy If your organization has adopted a multi-cloud strategy and utilizes multiple cloud providers for different workloads or applications, multi-cloud networking software can provide the necessary infrastructure to connect and manage your network across these diverse environments.
2. Network Complexity Assess the complexity of your network infrastructure, especially in multi-cloud scenarios. If your network spans multiple clouds, data centers, and on-premises environments, and requires seamless connectivity and management between them, multi-cloud networking software can simplify and streamline your network operations.
3. Scalability and Flexibility Evaluate your organization’s scalability and flexibility requirements. Multi-cloud networking software can offer the ability to scale your network infrastructure as your cloud footprint grows and adapt to changing business needs. It allows you to leverage the best features and services from different cloud providers while maintaining connectivity and control.
4. Centralized Management Consider the need for centralized management and control of your multi-cloud network. Multi-cloud networking software typically provides a unified management interface, allowing administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the entire network infrastructure across multiple clouds from a single console.
5. Security and Compliance Assess your organization’s security and compliance requirements. Multi-cloud networking software often incorporates security features and tools that help enforce consistent security policies and compliance standards across diverse cloud environments. It can enhance your network’s overall security posture.
6. Resource Optimization Determine if your organization can benefit from resource optimization and cost efficiencies provided by multi-cloud networking software. It can reduce staffing costs by eliminating the need for specialized teams for each cloud provider and streamline network provisioning and management processes.

It’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation of your organization’s specific needs, network architecture, and future goals. Consider consulting with network architects, IT teams, and solution providers to assess the feasibility and benefits of multi-cloud networking software for your enterprise.

Additional Information about Multi-Cloud Networking Software

• Multi-Cloud Networking Software (MCNS) enables the design, deployment, and operation of networks in multiple public cloud environments. It provides consistent networking policy, security, governance, and visibility across multiple clouds through a single management point.
• Enterprises adopt MCNS to address limitations in public cloud environments, such as the lack of advanced features and consistent management at scale. It can be deployed in both multi-cloud and single-cloud environments.
• The MCNS market is relatively small but growing in terms of revenue and customer adoption. It is estimated that several thousand customers have deployed MCNS, with vendor revenue reaching approximately $200 million in 2021. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% is expected through 2026.
• The prediction is that the number of customers using MCNS for multiple functions will continue to grow significantly, with many organizations increasingly adopting this technology.
• Various vendors compete in the MCNS market, including Alkira, Arrcus, Arista, Aviatrix, Cohesive Networks, Cisco, F5, Prosimo, and VMware.
• Traditional virtual routers or appliances offered by network vendors may not meet the requirements of cloud, platform, and DevOps teams. They often lack programmability, integration, or flexible licensing. MCNS goes beyond basic VPN use cases and provides more cloud-like capabilities.

This updated information highlights the growth and importance of MCNS in addressing networking challenges in multi-cloud environments and the need for specialized solutions that cater to the unique requirements of cloud deployments.

Challenges of Multi-Cloud Networking Software (MCNS) and How to Address Them

Multi-cloud networking software (MCNS) offers numerous benefits for organizations seeking to optimize their network infrastructure across multiple cloud environments. However, like any emerging technology, MCNS also presents certain challenges that need to be addressed to ensure successful implementation and operation. This article explores some common challenges associated with MCNS and suggests potential solutions to overcome them.

1. Complexity and Integration MCNS introduces complexity due to the need to integrate and manage multiple cloud environments, each with its own networking features and APIs. Ensuring seamless connectivity and consistent policies across diverse clouds can be challenging. Solution: Choose an MCNS solution that provides a unified management interface and integrates with various cloud providers’ APIs. Look for features such as automated provisioning, centralized policy management, and simplified network architecture design. Additionally, consider working with vendors who offer robust support and documentation to ease the integration process.
2. Security and Compliance Securing network communications and maintaining compliance across multiple cloud environments can be complex. Different cloud providers may have varying security mechanisms and compliance requirements, making it challenging to implement consistent security policies. Solution: Select an MCNS solution that offers comprehensive security features, including encryption, access controls, and threat detection. Ensure the solution supports industry-standard compliance frameworks and provides tools for centralized policy enforcement. Regularly audit and monitor the network infrastructure to identify and address security and compliance gaps.
3. Performance and Latency MCNS involves routing network traffic across multiple cloud environments, which can introduce latency and impact application performance. Inconsistent network performance can degrade the user experience and hinder business operations. Solution: Implement a robust network architecture that incorporates intelligent traffic routing, load balancing, and latency optimization techniques. Leverage software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities to dynamically adjust network paths and ensure efficient data transfer between clouds. Regularly monitor network performance and use optimization tools to identify and address performance bottlenecks.
4. Vendor Lock-in and Interoperability Adopting MCNS may lead to dependence on specific vendors, potentially limiting flexibility and interoperability. Organizations may face challenges in migrating workloads between different cloud environments or integrating with new cloud providers. Solution: Prioritize MCNS solutions that support open standards and provide interoperability with multiple cloud providers. Avoid proprietary lock-in by choosing solutions that enable easy migration of workloads and allow integration with new cloud platforms. Emphasize solutions that facilitate a multivendor approach, ensuring flexibility and avoiding dependence on a single vendor.
5. Skill Set and Training MCNS requires specialized networking expertise and knowledge of multiple cloud platforms. Organizations may face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled professionals who can effectively manage and optimize the multi-cloud network. Solution: Invest in training and upskilling existing network and IT teams to gain expertise in MCNS technologies. Leverage vendor-provided training resources, certifications, and hands-on workshops to enhance the skill set of your workforce. Consider partnering with managed service providers (MSPs) or consultants with expertise in MCNS to supplement your in-house capabilities.

What are the Adoption Challenges?

Adoption challenges of multi-cloud networking software (MCNS) can arise during the process of implementing and integrating the technology into an organization’s existing infrastructure. Here are some common adoption challenges and considerations:

One of the initial challenges is the lack of awareness and understanding about MCNS among IT teams and decision-makers. It can be challenging to convince stakeholders about the benefits and importance of adopting MCNS, especially if they are not familiar with the concept. Addressing this challenge requires educational efforts, such as conducting training sessions, and workshops, and providing comprehensive documentation to raise awareness and build understanding.

Adopting MCNS often requires significant changes to the organization’s network architecture, processes, and workflows. The existing IT infrastructure and operations may not be ready for such a transformation. It is crucial to assess the organization’s readiness and the readiness of the existing network infrastructure for adopting MCNS. This may involve evaluating the maturity of existing network technologies, assessing the skill sets of IT teams, and determining the level of support from leadership.

Choosing the right MCNS vendor that aligns with the organization’s specific requirements can be challenging. There are several vendors in the market, each offering different features, capabilities, and pricing models. Conducting thorough vendor evaluations, including assessing their track record, and customer references, and conducting proof-of-concept trials, can help in making an informed decision.

Adopting MCNS may involve upfront costs for licensing, implementation, training, and potential infrastructure upgrades. Organizations must carefully evaluate the return on investment (ROI) and assess the long-term cost implications of adopting MCNS. It is crucial to consider factors such as licensing models (subscription-based or perpetual), scalability options, ongoing maintenance costs, and potential savings from operational efficiencies and resource optimization.

Conclusion

While multi-cloud networking software (MCNS) offers numerous benefits, organizations should be aware of the challenges that can arise during its implementation and operation. By proactively addressing the complexity of integration, ensuring security and compliance, optimizing performance, prioritizing interoperability, and investing in skill development, enterprises can overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of MCNS. With careful planning, organizations can build a robust and efficient multi-cloud network infrastructure that supports their business objectives.