NetApp®, a cloud-led, data-centric software firm, announced the results of the annual Cloud Infrastructure Report based on a survey of public cloud business and IT decision makers.
The report from Spot by NetApp, continuing the annual survey previously conducted by CloudCheckr following its acquisition by NetApp, highlights the current state of cloud management and how organizations are working to optimize their environments.
How are businesses optimizing their infrastructure?
A key trend surfaced in the report highlighted that while companies continue to accelerate cloud adoption, many do not believe they are effectively optimizing their infrastructure.
Businesses are addressing this through the development of internal programs such as Cloud Centers of Excellence (CCoEs) and FinOps, cloud purchase commitments, tools, and external help (such as, managed service providers). While several survey respondents indicated that they are still maturing in these areas, those that have successfully deployed and scaled programs report improved agility, efficiency, and governance in their cloud journey.
“The results highlight that while organizations have rapidly adopted cloud, IT continues to look for ways to increase the value and ROI of its cloud investments,” said Anthony Lye, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Public Cloud Services at NetApp.
“Firms also make it clear that cloud cost, security, automation, and resource optimization will remain key concerns. Cloud-centric firms likely to succeed will implement the right strategies, tech solutions and partner relationships to help manage costs and reduce complexity.”
What were the key findings of the survey?
These were the key findings from Spot by NetApp’s 2022 Cloud Infrastructure Report.
Cloud and cost management is still a work in progress
- Confidence in visibility into public cloud costs has dropped in the past year; 21% were “very” confident in 2022, down from 31% in 2021.
- 62% of respondents will focus on cost management in 2022.
- 96% say FinOps is vital to cloud success, but only 10% have a mature FinOps practice.
As investment in public cloud infrastructure deepens and the number of cloud users matures, there must be careful consideration of the business value gained. The focus on improving cost management and FinOps’ role to help do this, is even more critical for larger enterprises.
Managing cloud operations in 2022 will grow in scope
- 2022 transformation goals include increasing the use of cloud technology (63%), migrating additional services to the cloud (52%), and optimizing cloud costs (50%).
- 90% report they have or plan to have a Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE).
- 61% of those who currently have a CCoE say that their responsibilities will grow in 2022.
Enterprises must continue to take steps even after migrating to the cloud to optimize their cloud investment. Those with a more mature Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE) practice reported seeing greater benefit and value compared to those with less established CCoEs.
MSPs play a key role in cloud operations
- 71% use an MSP for their cloud operations.
- 100% of firms that work with an MSP say that they have benefited from that relationship.
- 83% of companies that work with an MSP rely on them for their FinOps practice.
When MSPs take a more significant role in operating their clients’ cloud environments, IT firms report greater value. This reflects the impact of MSPs’ investments in developing their cloud operational services, like cost optimization, security, compliance, and asset management.
