Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 15 | Page 65

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cloud F5 Networks report reveals growing influence of multi- cloud architectures ///////////////////////////// IN EMEA, APPLYING CONSISTENT SECURITY POLICIES ACROSS ALL COMPANY APPLICATIONS WAS DEEMED TO BE THE ‘MOST CHALLENGING OR FRUSTRATING’ ASPECT OF MANAGING MULTI-CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS. F 5 Networks has revealed the results of its 2018 State of Application Delivery (SOAD) report. Now in its fourth year, the only global report of its kind shows how the growing www.intelligentcio.com influence of multi-cloud deployments are helping EMEA organisations better optimise apps, automate and embrace digital transformation. It also highlights the most up-to-date operational and security challenges associated with this shift. “More than ever before, EMEA is heavily focused on building the foundation necessary for application-driven digital transformation, said Cindy Borovick, Business Intelligence Director at F5. “As a result, many are moving toward multi-cloud environments that will enable them to pioneer platforms for competitive differentiation and innovation in the digital economy.” Digital transformation inspires new architectures and IT optimisation initiatives According to SOAD 2018, IT optimisation is the number one benefit expected from digital transformation efforts in EMEA (69% of respondents). Competitive advantage came second with 59% and INTELLIGENTCIO 65