For Australian business, especially AEC firms, leveraging the right cloud management platform is a strategic must-have for staying in control. At Interscale, we see how crucial a solid cloud migration strategy, backed by the right cloud management platform, truly is. Let’s look into what these tools are all about.
What is Cloud Management Software?
Cloud management software, or a cloud management platform as some call it, is a suite of tools that lets you monitor, secure, and optimise everything in the cloud. Whether you’re on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or a mix of private and hybrid setups, the software gives you a clear view of your cloud resources. All to automating tasks and keeping everything aligned with your business goals.
The benefit of cloud management software coupled with good management is huge, especially for AEC firms juggling complex projects. Here are several main benefits of a cloud management suite:
- Cost Optimisation: Track usage, avoid over-provisioning, and clean up idle resources.
- Security & Compliance: Manage access rights, enforce policies, monitor for threats, and meet local compliance requirements such as PSPF or ISO 27001.
- Operational Efficiency: Automate provisioning, backups, and configurations to reduce errors and speed up delivery.
- Unified Control: Gain full visibility into all cloud resources, whether you’re using AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, or a mix.
Key Features to Look For in Cloud Management Software
Choosing the right cloud management tools means knowing what features will make your AEC projects hum. Start with resource management. A good cloud management platform auto-discovers assets, tracks configurations, and lets users provision resources via self-service portals.
Next, cost management is non-negotiable. Look for granular insights that pinpoint spending by project or team, flag idle resources, and suggest savings. These considerations keep your budget in check.
Performance monitoring is another must. Real-time dashboards, anomaly alerts, and log analysis ensure your BIM tools or project platforms run smoothly. Don’t skimp on security and compliance either. Consider the features like IAM, vulnerability scanning, and compliance reports are critical for protecting IP.
Then check how the automation feature saves time and handles everything. Let’s say from cloud migration from on-premise or backups to infrastructure-as-code deployments. And if you’re mixing AWS, Azure, or on-premise systems, prioritise multi-cloud and hybrid support.
Top Cloud Management Software
The cloud management software list is packed with options. Whether you’re deep in AWS or balancing hybrid setups, the right tool depends on your environment. Here’s a quick look at leading options.
AWS CloudWatch
If you’re deep in the AWS ecosystem, AWS CloudWatch is your go-to for observability. It tracks metrics, monitors logs, and sets alarms, with slick dashboards and ML-driven anomaly detection. It’s a powerhouse for AWS-centric setups but may need extra tools for multi-cloud governance.
Azure Monitor
Azure Monitor is Microsoft’s answer for end-to-end visibility across Azure, other clouds, or on-premise to cloud setups. With metrics, logs, and tools like Application Insights, it’s ideal for Azure migration strategies. Azure Arc extends it to hybrid environments, making it versatile for AEC.
Google Cloud Operations Suite
Google Cloud Operations Suite (or Cloud Monitoring/Logging) delivers robust observability for Google Cloud users. It offers monitoring, logging, tracing, and profiling, with BigQuery integration for deep analytics. It’s a solid choice for GCP-focused or multi-cloud AEC projects.
VMware Aria
VMware Aria strength is in hybrid cloud management software. This strength makes it popular for complex enterprise setups. It’s particularly strong if you already use VMware, but it is designed for multi-cloud. Components cover automation, operations (performance, capacity, cost using AI/ML), logging, and cost management via CloudHealth.
Datadog
Datadog, a third-party gem, unifies monitoring and security across clouds, containers, and servers. boasts infrastructure monitoring, APM, log management, security features (CSPM, CWS), and hundreds of integrations. For firms wanting that single pane of glass for observability and security across everything, it’s a strong contender.
Migrate, Optimise, and Manage Your Cloud Infrastructure with Interscale
Here at Interscale, we’ve built our cloud management services specifically around the needs of Australian AEC firms. From Azure migration consultant support to optimising managed cloud setups, we know the AEC industries.
A tight budget, strict compliance, and complex teams are our client challenges. And we are ready for those kinds of challenges. So, our approach bridges the gap between tech and your day-to-day needs, ensuring your cloud investments deliver real value.
So, whether you’re moving on-premise to cloud, fine-tuning a multi-cloud strategy, or boosting security, we’ve got your back with proven expertise. Now, if you want to see the practical, just book a free session with our cloud experts here.
Your Next Steps
The cloud management software is the key to helping you control costs, tighten security, and deliver projects with confidence. Without it, you’re risking sprawl, overspending, or worse, data breaches. But do not let yourself do it alone. Reach out to the Interscale cloud migration team and simplify your journey with us.
