The cloud offers numerous benefits, including scalability, cost savings, and operational efficiency. However, managing a cloud environment can become challenging as workloads, applications, services, and infrastructure grow. This is where cloud management software comes in. It enables businesses to effectively control and monitor their cloud infrastructure services, resources, and data, resulting in better business outcomes.
What Does Cloud Management Software Do?
Cloud management software (CMS) allows organizations to:
- Deploy and manage applications and services in the cloud
- Control and monitor cloud infrastructure resources
- Optimize performance and scalability
- Ensure security and compliance
- Automate and orchestrate cloud management processes
These capabilities serve as a baseline for a robust cloud management platform.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Cloud Management Software
When selecting cloud management software, consider the following factors:
Scalability
Cloud environments are dynamic and ever-evolving. Therefore, choose a CMS that can scale with your organization’s growth and changing needs. This includes the ability to automatically or manually scale resources, support multiple cloud platforms, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
Security and Compliance
Given the sensitive nature of cloud data, it is crucial to choose a CMS that includes robust security and compliance features. Look for features like data encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications to protect your data and ensure regulatory compliance.
Performance Monitoring and Optimization
Efficient CMS should offer comprehensive performance monitoring and optimization capabilities. This includes real-time resource utilization monitoring, auto-scaling based on demand, and identifying and addressing performance issues or bottlenecks.
Contextual Reporting
Cloud management platforms that offer root cause analysis can help pinpoint the source of cloud issues quickly. This reduces mean time to repair (MTTR) and allows for effective problem resolution and service restoration.
Compatibility and Interoperability
Choose a CMS that integrates seamlessly with your existing infrastructure and systems. This ensures compatibility and prevents errors or disruptions in service. If operating in a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environment, ensure the CMS supports seamless connection across different cloud platforms.
Intuitive Interface
An intuitive user interface enhances productivity and reduces the learning curve for software engineers or administrators. Involve the team that will use the solution in the selection process to ensure an intuitive design that effectively manages your complex cloud environment.
Automation and Orchestration
A CMS with automation and orchestration capabilities streamlines cloud management processes, reducing manual effort and potential errors. Look for features like automated provisioning, policy-based workflows, intelligent alerting, and integrations with DevOps tools to optimize efficiency.
Customer Support
Consider the level of customer support offered by CMS vendors. Look for comprehensive knowledge bases, regular updates, and patches. Some vendors also provide one-on-one onboarding, expert guidance, and premium support plans.
Pricing
Consider your budget when evaluating different CMS solutions. Look for the best value for your investment and consider negotiating with vendors directly or using procurement software for cost optimization.
After considering these factors, evaluate different cloud management software solutions based on their features, ease of use, support, pricing, and reputation to find the best fit for your organization.
The Best Cloud Management Software Platforms in 2024
Here are 15 cloud management and governance platforms to consider:
- CloudZero – Cloud cost intelligence platform for AWS, Kubernetes, and Snowflake environments.
- Kubernetes – Open-source container and microservices management platform.
- Morpheus – Self-service hybrid cloud management and automation platform.
- Apache CloudStack – Open-source cloud management platform for small and medium businesses.
- Terraform – Infrastructure-as-code software for managing multiple cloud services.
- TotalCloud – Workflow-based cloud management software.
- IBM Cloud Orchestrator – Policy-based cloud management software.
- RedHat Cloud Suite – All-in-one cloud management tools provided by RedHat.
- AppDynamics – Cloud monitoring and management for on-premises and hybrid clouds.
- Azure Management Tools – End-to-end Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure management suite.
- CoreStack – Multicloud governance software.
- Sematext – On-premise and cloud-native infrastructure monitoring solution.
- SolarWinds – Hybrid cloud server monitoring software.
- Lacework – All-in-one cloud security platform for companies of all sizes.
- Sensu – Free, open-source, and hybrid cloud monitoring platform.
These platforms specialize in various aspects of cloud management, from cost intelligence to security to infrastructure monitoring. Choose the platform that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and requirements.
Manage Your Cloud Spend With Cloud Cost Intelligence
Traditional cloud cost management tools often fall short in providing complete and accurate cost data. CloudZero’s Cloud Cost Intelligence platform offers a unique approach to cost management. It goes beyond reporting total costs by providing granular cost metrics that map back to the people, processes, and products generating the metadata. This allows for better cost analysis and more effective cost optimization.
CloudZero also offers comprehensive support from its experienced Cost Intelligence Team, helping you maximize your cloud investment. Schedule a demo to see how CloudZero can manage cloud costs without hindering innovation, growth, or engineering velocity.
FAQs
Q: What does cloud management software do?
A: Cloud management software enables organizations to deploy, monitor, and control applications and services in the cloud, optimize performance, ensure security and compliance, and automate cloud management processes.
Q: What factors should I consider when choosing cloud management software?
A: Factors to consider include scalability, security and compliance features, performance monitoring and optimization capabilities, contextual reporting, compatibility and interoperability, intuitive interface, automation and orchestration capabilities, customer support, and pricing.
Q: What are some popular cloud management software platforms?
A: Some popular cloud management software platforms include CloudZero, Kubernetes, Morpheus, Apache CloudStack, Terraform, TotalCloud, IBM Cloud Orchestrator, RedHat Cloud Suite, AppDynamics, Azure Management Tools, CoreStack, Sematext, SolarWinds, Lacework, and Sensu. These platforms offer a range of features and functionalities for effective cloud management.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cloud management software is crucial for organizations looking to effectively control and monitor their cloud infrastructure. Consider factors such as scalability, security, performance monitoring, compatibility, and automation capabilities when evaluating different CMS solutions. Additionally, platforms like CloudZero offer unique cost intelligence features that can optimize your cloud spending. By selecting the best cloud management software for your organization’s needs, you can unlock the full potential and benefits of the cloud.