Why most enterprises use multiple clouds but are not multi

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-07T06:50:20.510Z • Permanent link

Multiple cloud deployments have become the norm for many enterprises worldwide, but a closer examination reveals that most companies are not truly multi-cloud ready. According to a recent survey by Intelligentcio.com, nearly 70% of organizations use multiple clouds, but only 25% have developed the necessary skills and processes to manage these complex environments.

This trend is not limited to any particular industry or region. A study by Cloud Industry Analysts found that companies in the finance sector, such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, have also adopted multiple cloud strategies. The use of multiple clouds is particularly prevalent in countries like China, where the government has been actively promoting cloud computing as a key driver of economic growth. For example, Alibaba Cloud, the cloud division of Alibaba Group, has seen significant growth in recent years, with the company now offering a range of cloud-based services, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The widespread adoption of multiple clouds has been driven by a combination of factors, including the need for greater flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. Many companies have also been attracted to the idea of using multiple clouds to create a hybrid environment that can provide the best of both worlds. However, this approach requires significant investment in skills, processes, and infrastructure, which can be a major barrier to entry for many organizations.

The implications of the multiple cloud phenomenon extend far beyond the Cloud Infrastructure domain. For research communities, such as those focused on cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the lack of multi-cloud readiness is a major concern. Many researchers are now focusing on developing new models and frameworks that can help companies to better manage their cloud environments. For example, the Cloud Native Computing Foundation has been working on a range of standards and guidelines for cloud-native applications, which can help to ensure that companies can develop and deploy applications that are optimized for multiple clouds.

The impact of the multiple cloud phenomenon can also be seen in the markets and policy environments. For example, the cloud computing market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with estimates suggesting that the global cloud market will reach $500 billion by 2025. However, the lack of multi-cloud readiness is likely to pose a major challenge to the growth of the market, as companies struggle to manage their cloud environments. Governments, meanwhile, are also taking notice of the issue, with many countries launching initiatives to promote the use of cloud computing and improve the skills and infrastructure of their citizens.

The multiple cloud phenomenon is part of a larger pattern of convergence and divergence in the Cloud Infrastructure domain. On the one hand, there is a growing trend towards the use of cloud-based services, which is driven by the need for greater flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. On the other hand, there is also a growing recognition of the need for greater control and security, as companies seek to mitigate the risks associated with cloud computing. This tension between the benefits of cloud computing and the need for control and security is likely to continue to shape the Cloud Infrastructure domain in the coming years.