What is a multi-cloud?

More flexibility for your IT

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IT landscapes are becoming increasingly complex. Today, applications run in a wide variety of environments, data flows across national borders, and services must remain secure, scalable, and efficient at the same time. For many companies and government agencies, this means moving away from rigid systems toward greater flexibility.

A multi-cloud refers to an IT strategy in which a company uses cloud services from several different cloud providers simultaneously. Instead of relying on a single provider (vendor lock-in), different workloads are distributed across the most suitable platforms.

Learn how STACKIT helps you not only secure your digital sovereignty but also optimize costs, intelligently control applications, and reliably manage complex workloads.

Key terms related to multi-cloud

Multi-cloud (also: multicloud): Theparallel use of multiple cloud platforms and providers for the flexible distribution of workloads, applications, and data.
Hybrid providers: Providers that combine public and private cloud services and enable integrated multi-cloud architectures.
Service clouds: Platforms that provide scalable infrastructure services and applications as flexible cloud services.
Workloads: Applications or tasks that are specifically distributed and operated across different cloud environments.
Containers: Portable runtime environments for applications that enable efficient migration and orchestration across different clouds.
Migration Tools: Tools for the secure and automated transfer of applications and data between different clouds.
Interoperability: Open standards and interfaces that enable the integration and management of various cloud solutions.
Security strategy: Aholistic approach to securing distributed multi-cloud infrastructures and data flows.
Resource Management: Centralized control, monitoring, and optimization of utilized cloud capacities across multiple providers.

Benefits at a Glance: What STACKIT Multi Cloud Actually Delivers

Whether it’s flexibility, risk minimization, or future-proofing—the strategic potential of a multi-cloud environment is clear. But exactly how does STACKIT help companies, government agencies, and hybrid providers to strategically advance their IT?

Stay independent – act flexibly

STACKIT enables the distribution of applications and data across different providers. This helps you avoid vendor lock-in and ensures you remain agile at all times.

Run workloads where it makes sense

Not every cloud is right for every solution. With STACKIT, you can specifically choose the platform that best suits your needs in terms of security, performance, computing capacity, or cost.

Increase reliability

If a provider goes down, your systems remain available—thanks to flexible migration to other environments. A major advantage for anyone who relies on operational stability.

Keep data protection and compliance under control

STACKIT meets the highest European standards. You retain control over your data while relying on a scalable cloud service.

Targeted cost reduction

By efficiently allocating resources, you can reduce your IT expenses. At the same time, the quality of your services is guaranteed at all times.

Centralized control, open tools

STACKIT supports APIs, OpenStack, and Kubernetes. This enables efficient management and integration of complex environments.

Innovate faster

New tools and technologies can be tested flexibly—without posing a risk to existing systems. This increases your agility in the market.

Start at your own pace

With STACKIT, you can make the transition step by step. Hybrid setups and custom migration paths are possible at any time.

STACKIT Multi Cloud in Detail: Architecture and Application

STACKIT provides a modular cloud platform that encompasses both Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Applications can be run in different environments as needed—in the private cloud, via public cloud platforms, or in hybrid configurations. Central management is handled via intuitive tools with open APIs and standard interfaces that facilitate integration into existing systems.

Thanks to STACKIT’s multi-cloud approach, companies can intelligently combine the advantages and offerings of various providers. Sensitive data and critical applications are hosted in the sovereign STACKIT Private Cloud. At the same time, less security-critical workloads can be run on external platforms. The result is a secure, cost-effective, and adaptable cloud environment that responds ideally to individual requirements.

Practical Applications at a Glance

Public Sector: Sovereign Data Management with Maximum Flexibility

A municipal IT manager uses STACKIT to operate administrative applications efficiently and in compliance with data protection regulations. Citizen data remains in the STACKIT Private Cloud, while analytics tools and AI services from other service clouds are integrated. Migration is carried out using specialized tools that guarantee legal compliance and technical stability.

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Digital Health: Maximum Compliance Meets Modular Cloud Architectures

A CTO operates medical applications with the strictest requirements for availability and data security. With STACKIT, diagnostic tools and patient services can be hosted in separate, controlled environments, while AI services from third-party platforms are securely integrated. Certifications such as C5 and ISO 27001 ensure full compliance.

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Retail & E-Commerce: Scalable Power for Peak Sales Days

An e-commerce company operates its web shops with high availability via the STACKIT Multi Cloud. During peak times, workloads are automatically distributed across additional resources. By using Kubernetes and container technologies, new features can be rolled out flexibly—without compromising security or performance.

To the Retail Industry Solution

Top down view of a startup team sitting at a conference table

Startup: Grow Fast and Securely

Scalability is crucial for a financial startup. STACKIT ensures that the app can be developed flexibly—while maintaining high stability, security, and cost efficiency. The solution supports rapid development, protects sensitive user data, and provides full control over the technical setup.

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Partners & ISVs: Migration Without Compromise

A SaaS provider migrates its applications using STACKIT in multiple phases—from the test environment to live operation. Technical support, open interfaces, and custom connectors ensure that customer systems continue to run without any changes. The multi-cloud architecture helps the provider scale flexibly and roll out new features more quickly.

Getting Started: Helpful Tips for the STACKIT Multi-Cloud Strategy

1. Think strategically from the start

Before you begin, conduct a thorough analysis: What are the requirements of your applications, data, and organization? Decide between a private, public, or hybrid cloud. Involve key stakeholders early on and plan the migration in realistic, well-coordinated steps.

2. Simplify migration with the right tools

STACKIT and its partners offer specialized migration tools to support you in transitioning existing systems. Ideal for complex setups with multiple platforms or legacy applications. This ensures a secure and structured transition to the multi-cloud environment.

3. Think security holistically

A good security strategy considers more than just the infrastructure. Ensure protection at all levels: from access and applications to data flows. STACKIT supports you with modern security services, regular audits, and certifications such as ISO 27001 or BSI C5.

4. Manage resources smartly

Use centralized management tools and automated processes to efficiently manage your workloads. Monitoring, Terraform scripts, and smart scaling rules help save time, prevent errors, and optimize the use of your cloud resources.

5. Manage costs transparently

Keep an eye on your budget: STACKIT’s pay-as-you-go model enables usage-based billing, while dashboards and reporting tools ensure full cost transparency. These are particularly helpful for government agencies, startups, and organizations with limited resources.

6. Use containers – stay agile

With Kubernetes and Cloud Foundry, container-based applications can be quickly deployed, scaled, and maintained. Perfect for agile development processes, rapid rollouts, and flexible workload management.

7. Proactively manage compliance

Ensure compliance with legal requirements such as GDPR, KRITIS, ISO 27001, or C5 early on. STACKIT supports you with technical documentation, compliance consulting, and hosting in European data centers.

8. Test first, then go live

Before deploying new applications in production, test functions, interfaces, and performance in protected test environments. This minimizes risks—especially when dealing with sensitive data or critical business processes.

Your step toward digital freedom

Whether you’re a government agency, an SME, or a digital service provider: if you’re looking for more control, more flexibility, and greater future-proofing, the STACKIT Cloud is the right choice.

The platform combines data sovereignty, certified security, high-performance infrastructure services, and open interfaces—all operated in European data centers in Germany and Austria. Whether you’re migrating existing applications, developing new solutions, or orchestrating hybrid environments: With STACKIT, you can design your IT exactly as it suits you.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About STACKIT’s Multi-Cloud

What sets STACKIT apart from other providers?

STACKIT offers a cloud platform that stands for European data sovereignty and meets the highest security standards. Certified to ISO 27001 and BSI C5, STACKIT ensures that your data is processed in accordance with the strictest security guidelines. Furthermore, STACKIT is fully compliant with the GDPR, ensuring adherence to European data protection regulations. In addition to personalized support, the platform enables easy integration into existing systems thanks to open interfaces. Everything is operated in highly secure data centers in Germany and Austria to ensure maximum data security and availability.

How flexible is the scaling of resources and services?

Through the self-service portal and modern APIs, you can adjust resources such as computing capacity, storage, processing power, network, and containers at any time. Thanks to the pay-as-you-go model, you only pay for the resources you actually use, giving you full cost control.

How does STACKIT support migration to the multi-cloud?

STACKIT offers specialized migration tools and personalized consulting to make your transition to a multi-cloud environment as smooth as possible. From the initial analysis through planning to live operation, STACKIT supports you with expert technical assistance. Even complex environments and applications can be migrated securely.

Is STACKIT Multi Cloud suitable for hybrid architectures?

Yes, the platform supports hybrid cloud scenarios and enables the seamless integration of private, public, and on-premises environments into a unified infrastructure. You retain full control over your data, security policies, and the scalability of your infrastructure.

How is the security of my data ensured?

STACKIT relies on a comprehensive security concept: with Security by Design, role-based access, strong encryption, and continuous monitoring. Thanks to these security measures, you can rest assured that your data is processed securely and transparently at all times.