You may think you know everything about the proper configuration of a cloud computing solution, but cloud providers are keeping a few things to themselves. Credit: DNY59 / Traffic Analyzer / Getty Images Do you have an optimized architecture? This means that your solution maximizes efficiency and minimizes costs. You’ve selected the right cloud resources to configure the best storage systems, databases, and compute platforms—at least that’s what you think. What I’m seeing out there, over and over again, is the selection of the wrong cloud resources for the wrong reasons. Cloud providers are pushing something that maximizes their revenue rather than being right for you. So, here are three cloud architecture secrets that you’ll never hear from your cloud provider: Secret #1: Non-native resources are often better than native ones You’ve probably heard that it’s better to go with a native database, cloudops system, or security system that’s part of a single public cloud offering. Now that we’ve moved to a mostly multicloud world, that’s just not the case. It’s much better to pick general-purpose and heterogeneous solutions that span public clouds instead of a native solution that’s only good on a single public cloud. You’ll never see this in the architecture guide offered by your cloud provider. Non-native resources should be considered each and every time. Secret #2: Keep data in the cloud Cloud solutions that depend on a lot of data ingress and egress are almost never a good idea. No brainer, considering that you’ll see data leaving and entering a public cloud provider on your monthly cloud bill, and it is not cheap. However, this is often overlooked when considering a core architecture. This is typically an issue for IT organizations that want to keep some data on-premises, usually due to outdated concerns about compliance and security. The providers won’t advise you otherwise, considering that they make bank on the exit and entrance charges. Keep your data in the cloud if you’re looking for the best performance and security and the lowest costs. Secret #3: Security should be systemic I often see security systems bound to a single application’s workload. The application leverages its own encryption system, identity management systems, role-based security, etc. Typically, these are also native to a single cloud provider where the application is hosted. The issue here is that a cloud provider wants the workload in the cloud ASAP and will often advise for the speed of movement instead of a sound security architecture. This can’t scale, considering that you’ll be creating one-off security solutions for all applications, and it will create so much security complexity that you’ll have security issues just from the complexity. Security should be systemic to all things in the core architecture. Applications should use very similar security patterns—and the same security systems, if at all possible. Again, these are typically non-native, and your cloud provider won’t benefit as much. By the way, I’m not picking on cloud providers. They are only acting in their best interests. However, the savvier you are, the more you know when to accept and reject their advice. Related content analysis Generative AI won’t fix cloud migration You’ve probably heard how generative AI will solve all cloud migration problems. It’s not that simple. Generative AI could actually make it harder and more costly. By David Linthicum Jul 12, 2024 5 mins Generative AI Artificial Intelligence Cloud Computing analysis All the brilliance of AI on minimalist platforms Buy all the processing and storage you can or go with a minimum viable platform? AI developers and designers are dividing into two camps. By David Linthicum Jul 09, 2024 5 mins Generative AI Cloud Architecture Artificial Intelligence analysis The next 10 years for cloud computing Despite AI's explosive growth, the industry still needs to face facts that customers are unhappy about costs and vendor lock-in. By David Linthicum Jul 05, 2024 5 mins Amazon Web Services Google Cloud Platform Microsoft Azure analysis Serverless cloud technology fades away Serverless was a big deal for a hot minute, but now it seems old-fashioned, even though its basic elements, agility and scalability, are still relevant. By David Linthicum Jul 02, 2024 4 mins Serverless Computing Cloud Computing Software Development Resources Videos