Designing multi-cloud architecture models for enterprise scalability and cost reduction

Omoniyi Babatunde Johnson 1, *, Jeremiah Olamijuwon 2, Emmanuel Cadet 3, Olajide Soji Osundare 4 and Zein Samira 5

1 S and P Global, Houston Texas, USA.
2 Etihuku Pty Ltd, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa.
3 Riot Games, California, USA.
4 Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), Nigeria.
5 Cisco Systems, Richardson, Texas, USA.
 
Review
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2024, 07(02), 101–113.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2024.7.2.0061
Publication history: 
Received on 16 October 2024; revised on 20 November 2024; accepted on 23 November 2024
 
Abstract: 
Designing multi-cloud architecture models has become a critical strategy for enterprises seeking scalability and cost reduction in their cloud operations. Multi-cloud environments, which involve the use of multiple cloud service providers (CSPs), offer businesses the flexibility to optimize performance, improve resource allocation, and mitigate risks such as downtime, vendor lock-in, and service interruptions. This review explores the design principles and best practices for creating multi-cloud architectures that enhance enterprise scalability while simultaneously driving cost efficiencies. By leveraging the strengths of various CSPs such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud businesses can tailor their infrastructure to meet specific workload requirements and capitalize on competitive pricing models, ensuring better resource utilization and reducing the risk of under or over-provisioning. Scalability in multi-cloud architectures is achieved by implementing load balancing, auto-scaling, and failover mechanisms across multiple platforms. These systems can dynamically allocate resources in response to fluctuating demand, ensuring high availability and optimized performance. Additionally, the review discusses the key technologies that enable multi-cloud management, such as cloud management platforms (CMPs), containerization, and orchestration tools like Kubernetes, which help streamline operations and simplify the complex task of managing resources across disparate cloud environments. Cost reduction in multi-cloud is achieved by optimizing resource usage, selecting the right pricing models (e.g., on-demand, reserved, or spot pricing), and automating scaling and resource management. The review also highlights the importance of adopting security best practices to manage data privacy and compliance across multiple clouds. Finally, the review presents real-world case studies that demonstrate the tangible benefits of multi-cloud strategies, illustrating how enterprises can scale operations effectively while reducing infrastructure costs. This research underscores the transformative potential of multi-cloud architectures in modern enterprise environments, emphasizing their role in achieving business agility, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
 
Keywords: 
Multi-cloud architecture; Designing models; Enterprise scalability; Cost reduction
 
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