Digital transformation separates organizations that thrive from those that are left behind. Business leaders want to apply technology to every business process and function so that they can do more with less and remain competitive. It is likely that that nearly all new digital workloads will be deployed on cloud-native platforms by 2025.

Many organizations have already adopted an accelerated cloud strategy and are now fine-tuning that strategy to align with their business goals. This often entails taking a multicloud approach that involves the services of more than one hyperscaler.

These organizations tend to be ones that do business in multiple countries, with, for example, SAP applications delivered and managed in one country by Microsoft but in another by Amazon Web Services.

Our multicloud expertise allows us to take stock of these client ecosystems, find efficiencies and advise them on how they can improve what they do – whether it’s through a full-stack management strategy or just optimizing specific application workloads. Microsoft plays an important role in how we deliver these services.

4 focus areas in your multicloud strategy

1. Application and workload optimization

Microsoft has a strong cloud-adoption framework, and our approach to cloud management is aligned with that framework.

We use Microsoft’s tools and programs in our migration and modernization program. Once we’ve helped you on your journey to the cloud, we assist in evolving your cloud strategy, because your applications and workloads need to be continually optimized.

2. Choosing the right flavor of cloud

Most of our clients are not invested in a single cloud model or provider. But a multicloud strategy is not just about choosing a hyperscaler: it’s also about knowing which cloud model fits your business needs best, whether it’s public, private or a mix of these.

We employ Microsoft’s strong platforms, processes and technology to help you manage your multicloud environment.

3. Edge computing

We’re all in when it comes to edge computing – it’s a massive trend in the industry. It underpins our efforts involving private 5G, Internet of Things and related applications.

We're working with Microsoft on our edge computing solutions, with Microsoft’s Azure Stack HCI as an example.

4. Security

Prioritizing security is essential in a multicloud environment with an increased digital footprint. Microsoft’s multiplatform-capable security solutions can provide security throughout a multicloud environment, regardless of the hyperscaler or the underlying cloud model.

In this regard, tools like Microsoft Sentinel, which provides intelligent security analytics, are central to how we help you remain safe and secure in a multicloud world. We are secure by design: all our services and products have built-in security.

A powerful alliance

No other company rivals what NTT does with having connectivity, data centers, delivery and management all under one roof.

We work with Microsoft’s leadership to validate what we’re building with their platforms. We spend a lot of time studying the ins and outs of their tools and platforms, like Azure, and this includes certifications, partner programs and hands-on experience. Then we work together strategically to support each other and enhance what we offer to our clients.

In this way, you get the best of both trusted partners to make your organization a multicloud success.

Read more about NTT’s Managed Cloud Services.

Tony Dickie is Vice President of Alliances at NTT. This article includes contributions by Rob Sears, Vice President of Service Offer Management at NTT, and Sean Duffy, Vice President of Go-to-Market Cybersecurity at NTT.