Overview: This event explored the complexities of cloud adoption, including cost considerations, multi-cloud strategies, and the challenges of modernising IT infrastructure. Discussions also covered the importance of organisational context, skillsets, and strategic planning.

Key Discussions:

• Cloud Cost Analysis: Evaluated whether cloud solutions are more cost-effective compared to traditional on-premises options. Discussed the financial implications of lift-and-shift approaches without modernisation, and the importance of proactive cost management.

• Multi-Cloud Strategies: Examined the rules and guidelines for successful multi-cloud adoption, considering organisational maturity and context. Highlighted the need for different cloud offerings for various workloads and the constraints posed by SaaS providers.

• Operational Drivers and Challenges: Addressed the drivers for avoiding reliance on a single provider, including disaster recovery and regulatory requirements. Discussed the impact of skillsets on cloud strategy, the role of FinOps in growing capability, and the challenges of transitioning workloads between clouds.

• Modernisation and Innovation: Emphasised the importance of modernising applications during migration, the benefits of containerisation, and the challenges of maintaining a hard timeline. Discussed the role of security as a driver for modernisation and the need for a balanced approach between Capex and Opex.