Cloud computing has recently become the focus of IT decision makers and business owners. Although touted for its convenience, many security-conscious businesses have been hesitant to move data into the cloud. However, a new form of cloud computing known as the hybrid cloud has made it more secure and accessible than ever before.
Hybrid Cloud: The Best of Both Worlds
A hybrid cloud is the combination of one or more public cloud providers (such as Google Drive) with a private cloud platform. The public cloud and private infrastructure operate independently of each other. This provides businesses with a lot of flexibility, without sacrificing security.
Private Cloud
Private clouds provide computing power as a service from a private infrastructure. Under the private cloud model, the cloud is only accessible by a single organization. This offers greater control and privacy. Private clouds restrict access to connections made from within the business firewall. This ensures that information remains secure.
3rd Party Cloud Providers
A 3rd party cloud is managed by another company off-site. They provide the IT, security, and maintenance. The advantage of a 3rd party provider is the low cost and ease of sharing information with clients. The disadvantages are security and lack of control. Involving a 3rd party in any aspect of business presents similar issues.
The Hybrid Model
By allowing workloads to move between private and public clouds, hybrid cloud services can give your business greater flexibility and more data storage options. It marries the need for a secure, private platform with the convenience of a low maintenance public cloud. It’s a good middle ground for businesses that need to expand but can’t afford to build out their infrastructure.
Benefits of the Hybrid Cloud Model
With the hybrid cloud model, businesses have more control than they would have with a public cloud platform. This includes increased efficiency and the flexibility. This is especially useful for businesses that experience peak computing periods such as an accounting firm during tax season. They only need to expand their private infrastructure just a few weeks out of the year. The addition of a public cloud to an existing private platform is a viable solution.
Facilitating a Hybrid Cloud for Your Business
Despite its benefits, hybrid cloud can present some challenges. If you didn’t plan your infrastructure with a hybrid plan in mind, you might have connectivity issues. It’s important to ensure that you have strong network capabilities and API compatibility. API (application program interface) is code that allows two software programs to communicate with each other. Without it, your public and private clouds won’t work together.
Maximize Your Efficiency
With a hybrid cloud, your business can maximize its efficiency by using public cloud services for all non-sensitive workflow, only relying on a private cloud where security is required. This creates a flexible, dynamic workflow. Don’t wait, streamline your IT infrastructure with the hybrid cloud today.
Contact Us to learn more about how a hybrid cloud model could be right for your business.
