Understanding Hybrid Cloud Computing: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Business Impact

Cloud computing revolutionises how organisations manage IT infrastructure by offering scalable, flexible, and adaptable solutions. This technology not only reduces operational costs and enhances security but also ensures that employees have access to necessary digital tools and resources to work efficiently.

However, no single implementation fits all needs. Many enterprises adopt a tailored, hybrid approach, integrating public and private cloud solutions with on-premises infrastructure. This guide will help you understand what an enterprise hybrid cloud is and why it’s crucial for many organisations.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to delivering various IT services over the Internet instead of relying on local servers or personal devices. For instance, rather than saving work on a laptop’s hard drive, employees store their data on a cloud server, accessing applications online instead of running them directly on their computers.

Cloud computing encompasses a broad range of services, including:

• Data Storage and Backup: Securely storing and backing up data online.

• Software Provisioning: Accessing software applications via the cloud.

• Database Management: Handling databases through cloud services.

• Virtual Environments: Allowing users to access all required software and desktops from anywhere, ideal for remote work.

What is an Enterprise Hybrid Cloud?

An enterprise hybrid cloud combines various cloud solutions with on-premises IT infrastructure. This approach typically involves moving some IT infrastructure to the cloud while keeping certain services on-site. For example, an organisation might use cloud services for data storage and backup while running specialised software locally on employees’ computers due to complexity and cost considerations.

Hybrid cloud solutions often mix public and private cloud services, offering a tailored approach to meet specific needs.

Public Cloud Services:

Public cloud services are managed by third-party companies like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure. These services are known for their ease of access, scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Private Cloud Services:

Private cloud services are dedicated cloud infrastructures used exclusively by an organisation. They are housed within the organisation’s IT infrastructure, protected by its firewalls, and accessible only to internal users. These servers can be located in the organisation's data centres or hosted remotely by third-party providers.

Private clouds offer higher security and reliability compared to public clouds, though they usually come with higher costs.

What is a Hybrid Cloud Environment?

A hybrid cloud environment is the IT setup in which employees operate daily. Ideally, employees should not notice any difference between working in a hybrid cloud environment and a traditional on-premises setup. Some software might be installed locally, some accessed online via public cloud services, and some managed through private cloud services. Despite the varied infrastructure, employees should experience seamless performance without any noticeable lags or downtime.

Why Are Hybrid Clouds Important for Businesses?

While cloud computing has its advantages and disadvantages, a hybrid solution enables organisations to reap the benefits of cloud technology while minimising potential drawbacks. Here are the key advantages of a hybrid enterprise cloud approach:

• Flexibility: Allows organisations to migrate suitable data and processes to the cloud while keeping essential operations on-site.

• Freedom of Choice: Enables the use of multiple cloud providers, offering the best services from each rather than being restricted to one vendor.

• Variable Security: Tailors security measures to prioritise sensitive data and critical processes, while applying less stringent security to less important data.

• Continuity and Redundancy: Distributes systems and data across multiple cloud services, ensuring backup systems are available if one service is compromised, thus enhancing redundancy.

• Cost Efficiency: Provides a customised approach, selecting different levels of cloud services for various organisational needs, and optimising cloud service investments.

However, hybrid cloud solutions also present some challenges:

• Increased Complexity: Managing operations across different cloud services is more complex than using a single provider.

• Multiple Vendor Management: Handling contracts, relationships, and billing with multiple vendors adds to the complexity.

• Higher Costs for Private Hosting: Investing in private cloud infrastructure can be more expensive than using public cloud services alone.

Hybrid Enterprise Cloud Computing for Your Organisation

The significance of hybrid clouds in modern business operations is evident. However, determining whether a hybrid cloud approach suits your organisation depends on your specific cloud requirements and the need for flexibility that multiple cloud solutions provide.