The hybrid cloud combines a public cloud provider with an organization’s private cloud platform. Because the two halves operate independently of one another, it’s possible to store proprietary data on the private cloud while placing noncritical information on the public one. The two systems, although stand-alone, can still communicate through an encrypted connection. This platform duality makes the hybrid cloud truly customizable and has some major advantages for businesses that have adopted the technology.
What’s in it for your business?
Now that you’ve been refreshed on what the hybrid cloud is, you’re probably wondering what benefits it can offer your business. There are plenty of pluses for companies that leverage their IT assets through the use of a hybrid cloud model:
Cost. Adopting a hybrid cloud model means at least part of your operation is going to the public cloud, which can mean a significant reduction (20-30 percent, as suggested by a 2014 KPMG report) in non-critical infrastructure investment and data center costs. What’s that mean? It means you can spend that extra money and resources investing in what sets your company apart and makes it profitable—your sweet spot, if you will—instead of on day-to-day data tasks.
Accessibility. I’m going to make a safe bet and say that your business could not go a day without technology. In today’s IT-driven world, that’s neither practical nor feasible. You need your applications and processes functioning optimally at all times to make sure your company remains efficient and profitable. Operating within a hybrid cloud model allows you to determine what parts of your infrastructure you want to keep in your back pocket for easy accessibility. Need to troubleshoot an issue quickly? Keeping critical IT applications in-house keeps them accessible so you can breathe easy.
Data Security. The hybrid cloud is all about risk mitigation when it comes to the security of your data. We’ve already talked about keeping your critical applications in-house so they’re always within reach. What about your proprietary and personal data? These should be kept on the private side of your hybrid cloud model, too, to minimize the threat of a breach. This strategy is especially helpful in industries like healthcare and finance, where the transfer of patient or customer information is commonplace. To determine what should be kept in-house and what can be stored on a public cloud, use a structured classification system to sort and categorize your data. This thorough and important step in hybrid cloud adoption ensures no piece of data falls through the cracks, leaving you vulnerable to security threats.
Asset Leverage. The hybrid cloud allows you to thoughtfully leverage your IT assets. Maybe you don’t deal as much with private customer data, so you can guide more of your applications and infrastructure into the public cloud. This approach can save your company money on the back end and free up resources for growth in other areas. Perhaps you move a lot of personal and private data daily, making the implications of missteps far-reaching and costly. In these instances, you can utilize a majority of your resources for in-house infrastructure and put the overflow in the public domain. Either way, you’ve got leverage on your side.
We’ve all heard the old saying, “Put your money where your mouth is.” Well, the hybrid cloud is all about putting your assets where your necessity is. What are your primary considerations as you work to determine which model is best for your business? Does one particular value proposition of the hybrid model hold more weight for you than the others? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this booming technology.
Additional Resources on this Topic:
Hybrid Cloud: What it is, Why it Matters
Are CIOs Ready For a Hybrid Cloud Future?
The Enterprise and Hybrid Cloud: What CIOs Need to Know
20 Hybrid Cloud Insights from Top Industry Experts
This post was written as part of the Dell Insight Partners program, which provides news and analysis about the evolving world of tech. For more on these topics, visit Dell’s thought leadership site Power More. Dell sponsored this article, but the opinions are my own and don’t necessarily represent Dell’s positions or strategies.
photo credit: Secure Cloud Computing via photopin (license)
