Word of the Day: cloud sprawl

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Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms | December 16, 2019 cloud sprawl Cloud sprawl is the uncontrolled proliferation of an organization's cloud instances, services or providers. Cloud sprawl typically occurs when an organization lacks visibility into or control over its cloud computing resources. Similar to server sprawl or virtual machine sprawl, cloud sprawl usually begins when an organization fails to adequately monitor and manage individual cloud instances. For example, a software developer might launch a new workload in Amazon Web Services (AWS) or deploy a private cloud to test a new software version or database, but then neglect to power down or delete the workload when it's no longer needed. Because businesses pay for public cloud computing resources every month, the proliferation of unneeded cloud instances can be costly for an enterprise. Cloud sprawl can also refer to the proliferation of Software as a Service (SaaS) instances, such as Salesforce.com, Microsoft Office 365 or any other online service for which an organization creates and pays for new user accounts, but doesn't actually use them. In some cases, different departments within the same organization may use similar services from different SaaS providers to accomplish the same tasks. This can result in inconsistent or non-interoperable data, which can cause communication issues between business departments. It also eliminates the potential for bulk SaaS discounts, which providers often offer to organizations with a large number of user accounts. Cloud sprawl can also refer to the uncontrolled proliferation of cloud providers, which are used by different departments within an organization. For example, software developers may use AWS for compute and storage instances, while a research and development group might use Google cloud resources for big data projects. Cloud providers are not yet fully interoperable, so a business that chooses to use several cloud providers may face incompatible APIs and data consistency challenges. The best way to mitigate cloud sprawl is to manage cloud use efficiently; organizations should start by establishing clear user policies, and ensuring on going communication between business departments. In addition, organizations should monitor and enforce their cloud computing policies by using cloud management tools. Quote of the Day "Companies have grappled with nasty surprises on their AWS bills for years, with the reasons attributed to AWS' sheer complexity, as well as the runaway effect on-demand computing can engender without strong governance." - Chris Kanaracus Related Terms server sprawl virtual machine Software as a Service private cloud cloud management Learning Center New AWS cost management tool, instance tactics to cut cloud bills AWS cost management is a challenge for many cloud computing users, like Lyft and Salesforce, that use a mix of instance types of tools to keep their bills low. The new AWS Compute Optimizer provides one more way to save. Beware the dreaded scourge of cloud sprawl: Act now or lose control Multicloud computing has led to cloud sprawl, putting data at risk and creating management woes for IT. Control resource sprawl in multi-cloud architectures Multi-cloud architectures are especially prone to cloud sprawl, which can lead to higher costs, as well as management and security challenges. Apply these five best practices to avoid multi-cloud sprawl in your environment. Practice cloud resource management to reduce sprawl, cut costs Cloud overprovisioning can quickly introduce unnecessary IT costs. Use proper cloud resource management techniques to prevent sprawl and be more efficient. Cloud sprawl the death-knell of performance strategies Cloud sprawl, or the overprovisioning of cloud services, is a major issue for cloud admins. So to keep your budget in line and cloud performance in check, pull back resource use. Quiz Yourself Test your knowledge of hybrid cloud vocabulary Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the essential terminology related to hybrid cloud technologies. Stay in Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact us at: editor@whatIs.com FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter The Word of the Day is published by TechTarget, Inc., 275 Grove Street, Newton, Massachusetts, 02466 US. Click to: Unsubscribe. You are receiving this email because you are a member of TechTarget. When you access content from this email, your information may be shared with the sponsors or future sponsors of that content and with our Partners, see up-to-date Partners List, as described in our Privacy Policy. For additional information, please contact: webmaster@techtarget.com. © 2019 TechTarget, Inc. all rights reserved. Designated trademarks, brands, logos, and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Privacy Policy | Partners List