What is a cloud management platform? A cloud management platform (CMP) refers to a suite of software tools that enterprises use to manage and optimize their cloud resources. Gartner coined the term. These tools allow users to exercise administrative control over private, public, and hybrid clouds.  

So, why does an enterprise need a cloud management platform? Many enterprises have adopted the cloud because it allows for the optimization of costs. The cost-benefit is largely down to its pay-as-you-go model. The cloud also provides the agility needed to meet the rapidly changing needs of the modern-day customer. But there’s a problem – the cloud is not as simple and straightforward as it sounds. A cloud management platform enables users to manage cloud resources more effectively. 

How Does a Cloud Management Platform Work?

A CMP enables organizations to manage cloud resources via an orchestration suite that helps automate cloud management tasks. The CMP provides full visibility into every cloud environment the enterprise is running – both private and public clouds. It also monitors the use of cloud resources to make sure organizations are utilizing them optimally. Overall, CMPs automate cloud orchestration tasks to optimize resource usage.  

Why Do Enterprises Need a Cloud Management Platform?

Here are some of the reasons you should introduce a CMP to your enterprise: 

 Self-Service Management
Enable enterprises to provision resources themselves rather than have the cloud provider deliver a set amount. 
Cloud cost management
A CMP allows you to identify idle resources. This can help bring down cloud costs considerably. 
Automated management policies
A CMP automates orchestration to optimize resource utilization. For example, the CMP can identify and fix resource usage problems without human intervention. 

Related Links:

What is demand self-service in cloud computing?

What is hybrid cloud management?

What is cloud management software?