Your 2025 Guide to Multi-Cloud Management Platforms and Multi-Cloud Management Solutions

As businesses adopt multi-cloud solutions to leverage the strengths of various providers, without multi-cloud management platforms, they’re running into new challenges: ballooning costs, complex integrations, and headaches in security and compliance.

That’s why, In this guide, we’re diving into the best multi-cloud management platforms (CMPs)—what they’re great at, what makes them stand out, and who they work best for. Let’s jump in and see how you can make your multi-cloud setup a whole lot easier to handle.

 

Why Do I Need a Multi-Cloud Management Platform?

In 2024, 86% of organizations are planning to migrate to a multi-cloud system, a significant rise from 76% in 2023, and with over 54% of organizations migrating to cloud-based systems next year, it’s only going to increase.

And It’s only natural that using various cloud services together brings complexity, complexity that absolutely requires management software, namely, multi-cloud management software. For example, Netflix uses AWS for streaming infrastructure while relying on Google Cloud for data analytics, a combination that greatly improves operational efficiency and reduces costs. And the numbers don’t lie—organizations adopting multi-cloud management solutions report up to a 15% increase in revenue and a 4% boost in profitability. Additionally, 65% of companies surveyed said multi-cloud implementations helped them reduce time to market.

This is because multi-cloud management platforms: 

 

• Manage costs by optimizing resources and forecasting billing.
• Govern policies and guarantee compliance through service-level agreement metrics and conducting audits.
• Orchestrate and automate applications and standalone virtual machines (VMs).
• Monitor infrastructure performance across compute instances, storage solutions, networks, and application effectiveness.
• Provides security through implementing identity management practices, applying data protection strategies, and utilizing encryption methods.

 

General Electric, or GE, is a great example of multi-cloud management platform implementation. With a multi-cloud management solution powering its global industrial IoT operations, GE keeps everything running smoothly across a mix of systems. With so much deserved hype about cloud migration and multi-cloud setups, it might feel like an obligation for everyone to start migrating, but that completely depends on you and your needs, which you can learn more about in our guide about on-premise vs. cloud. As for the topic at hand, now that you know what all the hype is about, let’s talk about the best multi-cloud management platforms.

 

Overview

If you’re looking for specific features and capabilities, here’s an overview so that you don’t have to go through all of them:

• Best Multi-Cloud Management Platform for DevOps Integration: Morpheus
• Best Multi-Cloud Management Platform for Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC): Terraform
• Best Multi-Cloud Management Platform for Cost Optimization: CloudBolt
• Best Multi-Cloud Management Platform for Compliance: IBM Cloud Pak (MCMP)
• Best Multi-Cloud Management Platform for Containerized Workloads: OpenShift

 

Best Multi-Cloud Management Platforms

Each platform stands out in its own way. Some focus on deep DevOps integration; others shine with AI-driven compliance features, and a few excel at simplifying costs for leaner operations.

Here’s a closer look at the platforms leading the charge and why they’re worth your attention.

 

1. Morpheus

Morpheus is a powerhouse in multi-cloud management, handling over 600,000 workloads worldwide and supporting 200 enterprise customers. Backed by an impressive 14% annual staff growth and $14.1 million in revenue, it’s clear Morpheus means business. Their multi-cloud management platform stands out with features like self-service provisioning, detailed cost tracking, and cloud management tooling that help businesses cut hybrid cloud costs by up to 30%.

What really makes it pop is how well it works with DevOps tools like Terraform and Ansible. On top of that, its zero-trust architecture locks down security while giving your IT team full control over resource allocation—even in the most complex setups. It’s not exactly beginner-friendly. With so many features, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, and the setup isn’t the easiest. You’ll need some solid cloud expertise to really get the most out of it. But if you’re willing to put in the time, Morpheus delivers a big payoff with its multi-cloud management platform built for serious hybrid cloud operations.

 

2. Terraform

Terraform is the go-to choice for teams serious about infrastructure-as-code (IaC). By defining infrastructure with code, Terraform makes it easier to maintain consistency across cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. As of 2023, up to 90% of cloud users are adopting Infrastructure as Code (IaC), highlighting the growing trend towards IaC tools like Terraform. What’s great about Terraform? Its flexibility. Since Terraform is an open-source multi-cloud management platform, customization is a breeze with its active community and vast library of modules. This open-source multi-cloud management platform makes life easier by keeping version control simple, cutting down on deployment mistakes, and helping your team work together seamlessly—even in a multi-cloud setup.

However, keep in mind that it’s not exactly beginner-friendly. It takes a good grasp of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to really get the hang of it, which can be a hurdle for less experienced teams. Managing state files—the backbone of its system—also needs extra attention to keep everything secure. Once you’ve got it figured out, though, Terraform is a great multi-cloud management solution for improving efficiency.

 

3. VMware vRealize Suite

If your organization already uses VMware tech, vRealize Suite is like the cherry on top. vRealize combines automation, log analytics, and operations management to bring multi cloud environments under one roof with their multi-cloud management platform. Companies using it have seen service delivery improve by 40%, proving its ability to eliminate operational slowdowns.

What sets it apart is how well it integrates with VMware’s ecosystem. Automation tools handle routine tasks, and real-time performance monitoring keeps resources optimized and downtime to a minimum. For businesses already using VMware, it’s a comprehensive multi-cloud management solution that delivers real value.

But it’s not a fit for everyone. Organizations outside the VMware ecosystem might find it too specialized, and the licensing fees can stretch budgets. For those already committed to VMware tools, though, the gains in productivity make it a solid investment.

 

4. IBM Cloud Pak for Multi-Cloud Management (MCMP)

IBM’s MCMP doesn’t just manage multi cloud—it makes it smarter. Using AI-powered automation, it optimizes workloads and manages compliance across complex infrastructures. For industries like finance and healthcare, where regulations are king, IBM MCMP can save up to 25% in costs. This platform thrives in highly regulated environments. It’s built to handle the demands of compliance-heavy industries while ensuring resources are used efficiently. AI features also offer real-time insights and governance, taking a lot of the guesswork out of multicloud management. The catch? MCMP isn’t for beginners. Specialized expertise is needed to unlock its full potential, and onboarding can feel like climbing a mountain. Integrating it with legacy systems might add some frustration, but the long-term benefits can outweigh the upfront effort.

 

5. Azure Arc

Azure Arc breaks down the barriers between on-premises, cloud, and multi-cloud environments by extending Azure’s capabilities. It offers a unified multi-cloud management platform that simplifies operations across your infrastructure. Microsoft reports that businesses using Azure Arc experience a 30% gain in productivity for IT operations team members and an 80% reduction in the risk of data breaches from unsecured infrastructure.

Azure Arc’s real strength is how well it plays with Microsoft’s security and governance tools. For teams already using Azure, it’s a no-brainer. It keeps your cloud environments consistent and easy to manage, so your team can spend more time innovating and less time putting out fires. Plus, with its integration with AWS WAF, you can stop worrying about how to stop brute-force attacks. As for its cons, If you’re not already in the Azure ecosystem, its features might not feel as useful. Plus, getting it fully set up takes serious effort—it’s not exactly plug-and-play. But for Azure-focused teams, Arc makes managing multiple clouds a lot easier.

 

6. BMC Multi-Cloud Management

BMC’s multi-cloud management platform mainly focuses on governance and compliance. Designed with regulated industries in mind, it automates policy enforcement, cutting through red tape and reducing IT overhead. For industries like healthcare and finance, where compliance is non-negotiable, BMC delivers measurable results—companies using it report achieving compliance 50% faster.

The platform provides a clear view of resource usage while automating mundane tasks like policy updates, freeing up IT teams to focus on innovation. BMC helps organizations keep their cloud operations in check without skimping on security or performance That said, tweaking it to fit unique setups can take a while, and the interface isn’t as user-friendly as some of its competitors, which can slow things down for new users. But for industries that live and breathe compliance, the time saved on audits and policy enforcement makes it well worth the effort.

 

7. OpenShift

Red Hat’s OpenShift is the go-to choice for containerized applications. Built on Kubernetes, it excels at managing cloud-native apps and offers seamless support for CI/CD pipelines, which means you can pair it up with the best CI/CD tools to give a real boost to your DevOps workflow.

While specific numbers may vary by organization, they are generally reported in the range of 20-30% improvement. Look at Porsche Informatik—they cut development times from 5-6 weeks to just hours with Red Hat OpenShift. Their old process was clogged with approvals, but now they can push out prototypes almost instantly.

OpenShift’s flexibility is its superpower. It handles everything from scaling microservices to managing complex architectures, keeping deployments smooth and reliable. Plus, Its DevOps integration means teams can move faster without cutting corners on quality.

On the other hand, OpenShift isn’t the easiest to get started with. Teams need solid Kubernetes skills to handle setup, and maintaining it can be a big lift. But for organizations with the expertise, it’s a powerful multicloud management tool for driving cloud innovation.

 

8. CloudBolt

CloudBolt’s biggest win is its user-friendly interface. It gives real-time insights into resource usage and spending, making it easier to spot inefficiencies. Plus, their multi-cloud management platform works well with existing IT setups, making it a solid choice for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

However, some of the advanced features take time to learn, which can add to setup costs. A few users have also mentioned that some integrations could be smoother. Still, for businesses looking to get a handle on costs without unnecessary hassle, CloudBolt offers serious value.

 

9. Ansible

Ansible brings simplicity to multi-cloud management with its lightweight, agentless architecture. It’s a favorite among IT teams looking to automate repetitive tasks without the complexity of traditional cloud management tooling. In fact, over 80% of users report improved IT efficiency after adopting Ansible.

What makes Ansible unique is its use of YAML-based configurations. Even teams with minimal cloud experience can get up to speed with Ansible. Its straightforward playbooks make automating everything from deployments to updates a breeze. This combination of flexibility and simplicity makes it a great pick for organizations just getting started with automation.

But keep in mind that Ansible isn’t the whole package. It’s great for automation, but it doesn’t cover everything—you might need extra tools for things like monitoring or reporting. For teams focused on streamlining repetitive tasks, though, it’s a strong and reliable addition to any cloud setup.

 

Hybrid Cloud: The Bigger Picture

Before choosing a platform, it’s worth stepping back to look at the bigger picture. The hybrid cloud market is growing fast, projected to reach a total market size of $368.242 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.05% from a valuation of $122.366 billion in 2021.

This rapid growth highlights the increasing complexity of managing multi cloud environments, driving demand for intelligent Cloud Ops tools. The market for these tools alone is expected to grow to $40 billion by 2028.

Platforms like Morpheus and Terraform are great examples of multi-cloud management platforms in cost optimization and DevOps integration, while others like IBM MCMP and BMC focus on compliance for regulated industries. With multi-cloud management platforms covering everything from automation and governance to scalability and security, these platforms are the backbone of modern cloud operations.

 

How to Choose a Multi-Cloud Management Platform and What to Look for

Now, as you can see, there are plenty of multi-cloud management platforms, and picking one can be a headache. However, it doesn’t have to be. The key is to know what you’re looking for and need, which is why, in this section, I’ve listed the main factors you need to consider, why they’re important, and multi-cloud management platform examples.

 

Compatibility

Make sure the CMP supports specific APIs, SDKs, and CLI tools for AWS, Azure, GCP, and any niche providers you use (e.g., Alibaba Cloud). It should also support popular infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Ansible.

What to Look For:

• Multi-provider SDKs for automating tasks across clouds.
• Prebuilt connectors for DevOps pipelines like Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD.
• Ability to manage native services (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure Blob Storage).

Example: An IT department using Azure AD and AWS Lambda should confirm that the CMP has native identity sync for Azure and that it has the ability to monitor AWS serverless functions.

 

Scalability

The CMP must offer horizontal and vertical scaling options, auto-detection of workload increases, and capacity planning tools. Look for elasticity in hybrid or edge environments.

What to Look For:

• Support for auto-scaling groups (ASGs) in AWS or virtual machine scale sets (VMSS) in Azure.
• Real-time resource optimization tools using predictive algorithms.
• Support for Kubernetes cluster scaling with tools like Cluster Autoscaler.

Example: A data analytics firm analyzing seasonal traffic should look for a CMP that integrates with AWS Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) for traffic shifts and provides CPU/memory usage forecasting.

 

Automation

Automation should cover infrastructure provisioning, backups, and orchestration. Choose tools that have event-driven workflows triggered by pre-defined rules.

What to Look For:

• Support for automation frameworks (e.g., AWS Step Functions or Azure Logic Apps).
• Integration with webhooks or event listeners to trigger automated recovery or scaling tasks.
• Automatic tagging to maintain metadata for financial auditing or compliance.

Example: A development team deploying apps daily might use a CMP that integrates with GitOps workflows, automatically setting up testing environments using Kubernetes namespaces following PR merges.

 

Vendor Lock-In Avoidance

Cross-cloud orchestration is a must. Avoid platforms that require custom configurations only compatible with specific vendors.

What to Look For:

• Support for multi-cloud CI/CD pipelines and cloud-agnostic workload formats (e.g., containerized apps in Docker).
• Native integration with cloud-neutral orchestration tools like HashiCorp Nomad.
• Tools allowing configuration drift detection between environments.

Example: A financial services company should seek a CMP that orchestrates VM snapshots across providers for disaster recovery without relying solely on one provider’s API.

 

Cost Management

Analyze cost visualization, anomaly alerts, and intelligent cost recommendations.

What to Look For:

• Real-time usage tracking dashboards with resource-wise breakdowns.
• AI-driven cost alerts for over-provisioned or underutilized resources (e.g., idle VMs).
• Prebuilt support for cost tagging rules (e.g., AWS Budgets or Google Cloud Billing).
  Example: An eCommerce retailer scaling up during peak months should check for predictive pricing calculators that detect budget risks for regional S3 bucket costs.

 

Security and Compliance

The CMP must provide granular identity and access management, encryption management, and automated compliance checks.

What to Look For:

• Support for IAM policy creation across multiple providers.
• Continuous compliance scanning for standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, or HIPAA.
• Secure logging integrations with SIEM tools like Splunk or Datadog.
  Example: A healthcare provider storing sensitive patient data should verify that the CMP offers fine-grained key rotation policies for KMS in both AWS and Azure and implements regulatory adherence checks for HIPAA.

 

Usability and User Experience

An intuitive dashboard with customizable views and role-based access is honestly the bare minimum, so:

Look For:

• Drag-and-drop workflows for provisioning (e.g., Terraform visual orchestration).
• Prebuilt templates for multi-cloud management.
• SSO capabilities with corporate directories (e.g., LDAP, Okta).

Example: A software company managing hundreds of environments should prioritize CMPs with dashboards that provide custom resource grouping by project and environment status with granular, filterable logs.

 

Special Features

Last but not least, check for the following features, especially if you have niche requirements and needs.

• Tools with multi-region replication to reduce latency (e.g., AWS Global Accelerator, GCP Load Balancer).
• Unified dashboards aggregating hybrid environment performance in real-time.
• Advanced reporting for executive summaries or custom KPIs.Example: An IoT company managing billions of devices might need real-time device telemetry support integrated across AWS IoT Core and Azure IoT Hub.

 

As someone who’s researching multi-cloud management solutions, you might’ve probably heard of CMDBs and how similar these two management systems sound, so if you’re interested in that, check out our guide on the best CMDB software.

 

Best Practices for Creating a Successful Multi-Cloud Strategy

Now, even if you choose the very best multi-cloud management platform for your specific needs, it’s not going to do you much if you don’t have a multi-cloud management strategy in place. So here are some important things you need to keep in mind:

• Define Clear Business Objectives: Think about setting clear goals for adopting a multi-cloud approach, like boosting service resilience, making costs more efficient, or upgrading your overall performance scalability.
• Assess Workload Compatibility: Take a moment to consider which workloads align best with different cloud providers by looking at their performance needs, compliance requirements, and how well they integrate with other systems’ capabilities.
• Implement Strong Governance Policies: Establish extensive governance frameworks to manage access controls, compliance standards, and data security across all cloud environments.
• Invest in Cross-Cloud Skills: Equip your IT team with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and operate across different cloud platforms.
• Leverage Automation Tools: Take advantage of automation for your deployment, monitoring, and management tasks. This will help simplify processes and cut down on human error, making everything smoother for you.

 

Final Thoughts

With so much deserved hype about cloud migration and multi-cloud setups, it might feel like an obligation for everyone to start migrating; but whether you should stay on-premise vs. cloud completely depends on you and your needs.