In the current fast-paced technological environment, cloud-native solutions have become vital for organizations aiming to improve efficiency, scalability, and security.
Companies across various sectors are acknowledging the importance of updating their applications and IT infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge.
SUSE, a prominent player in open-source solutions, is actively assisting Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in tackling these challenges through cutting-edge cloud-native technologies.
The Increasing Significance of Cloud-Native Solutions
The transition towards digital transformation has exerted significant pressure on organizations to enhance their IT operations.
In Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), businesses are particularly focused on utilizing technology to boost productivity. Ben Henshall, SUSE A/NZ General Manager, emphasizes that companies must either increase revenue or enhance efficiency to remain competitive.
He points out that while digital transformation has been instrumental in improving business operations, it has not yet achieved the anticipated level of productivity on a broader scale.
As a result, organizations are now seeking to derive greater value from their digital infrastructure and applications to optimize their return on investment.
Meeting Compute Demands with Innovative Cloud Strategies
One of the primary challenges facing today’s businesses is the efficient management of compute demands.
The emergence of generative AI, for example, has significantly heightened the need for high-performance infrastructure.
Large-scale AI models need stable, secure, and efficient computing environments to operate effectively.
To tackle these challenges, SUSE partner HPE has launched GreenLake, an edge-to-cloud platform aimed at advancing cloud modernization, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud solutions.
This forward-thinking approach assists businesses in reducing costs, streamlining onboarding processes, and simplifying the complexities associated with cloud computing.
By ensuring robust security and resilience, it enables organizations to navigate the evolving digital landscape effectively.
Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director of HPE South Pacific, recognizes the advantages of cloud-based services, especially Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS).
Nevertheless, he points out that certain workloads, including virtual desktop infrastructure and databases, tend to perform more effectively when managed on-premises.
This underscores the importance of a balanced strategy in the adoption of cloud-native technologies.
The Transition to Hybrid Cloud Models
As the global IT environment continues to change, numerous organizations are adopting hybrid cloud models.
While cloud solutions offer scalability and flexibility, they can also lead to increased cost pressures. Initially, companies migrated to the cloud due to a scarcity of on-premises tools.
However, the market has evolved, now offering advanced tools that facilitate the management of both on-premises and cloud-based environments.
Weber notes that organizations can now oversee multi-cloud environments through a single interface, which streamlines deployment and minimizes operational complexity.
The capability to transfer applications between cloud environments allows businesses to achieve an optimal balance between cloud and on-premises workloads.
This approach, known as “right rebalancing,” enables companies to enhance their IT infrastructure while managing costs effectively.
Cloud-Native Approaches for Application Modernization
As organizations reevaluate their cloud strategies, application modernization remains a critical area of focus.
Companies aiming to migrate their workloads must embrace cloud native solutions to maintain a competitive edge. However, this transition presents its own set of challenges.
David Grolimund, IT Director at SUSE partner Adfinis, states that modernizing applications necessitates specialized skills and knowledge.
Many organizations have depended on traditional IT environments for an extended period, making the shift to cloud-native models a complex endeavor.
This process involves more than merely migrating workloads; it requires a comprehensive transformation of application architecture.
Empowering Managed Service Providers Through the Cloud Elevate Program
Acknowledging the necessity for customized solutions, SUSE has launched the Cloud Elevate Program to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in managing the constraints of cloud transformation.
As a component of the SUSE One Partner Program, Cloud Elevate equips MSPs with essential tools and infrastructure to boost productivity and facilitate digital transformation.
This program allows MSPs to utilize SUSE’s Software as a Service (SaaS) suite of enterprise container management solutions available through the AWS Marketplace.
Notable offerings include SUSE Cloud Observability, SUSE Application Collection, and the upcoming SUSE Rancher Hosted.
These solutions empower MSPs to efficiently provide cloud-native services while aiding their clients in optimizing performance, security, and scalability.
Expert Editorial Comment
The rising demand for cloud-native solutions highlights the necessity of modernizing IT infrastructure.
Organizations must strike a balance between cloud and on-premises environments to achieve maximum performance and cost-effectiveness.
With leading companies like SUSE and HPE offering advanced technologies, businesses can tackle the challenges of digital transformation and create a future-ready IT ecosystem.
By utilizing innovative initiatives such as Cloud Elevate, MSPs can improve their service offerings and assist organizations in their pursuit of cloud-native success.