Cloud computing offers businesses many benefits when compared to traditional, on-premises environments. One of the most impactful merits of cloud computing is the ability to access enterprise systems from any location with an Internet connection. This capability has become increasingly important as organizations attempt to support a growing mobile workforce.
Companies have a variety of choices when implementing a cloud solution. The available options enable organizations to architect a unique infrastructure based on their business requirements and objectives. In many cases, a hybrid cloud solution is the most effective way to go.
Two Basic Types of Cloud Environments
Two basic types of cloud environments are available to companies looking to move away from on-premises infrastructure. They both enable users to access computing resources from anywhere with an Internet connection. While connectivity is similar when using either type of cloud environment, there are substantial differences between a public and private cloud solution.
Public clouds
A public cloud is constructed from the resources of a public cloud service provider (CSP). A CSP can provide virtually limitless storage and compute capacity to its customers. While a customer’s software and applications are only available to its authorized users, workloads from multiple organizations are run on a CSP’s shared infrastructure.
Public clouds offer customers the following attractive benefits that are the reason many organizations opt for this type of solution.
- Elimination of hardware procurement – The hardware used to construct the infrastructure is provided by the CSP. This eliminates the capital costs associated with purchasing the hardware and the expenses involved with its maintenance.
- Simplicity – Without the challenges of building an infrastructure, public cloud services are simple to set up and use. Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions allow companies to add functionality by simply logging into an application offered and managed by a CSP.
- Scalability – The scalability possible with a public cloud environment is one of its more compelling features. Customers can add storage and compute capacity on-demand to address fluctuating business requirements. A public cloud infrastructure enables companies to effectively handle seasonal customer spikes without adding capacity that will eventually sit idle. They can scale up and down as needed.
- Predictable costs – Contracting with a CSP offers customers predictable costs for IT support. There are no financial surprises involved with replacing failed hardware. Pay-as-you-go billing enables companies to better control the cost of providing a viable IT environment.
Private clouds
A private cloud is typically built using infrastructure owned by the organization constructing it. Some CSPs also offer customers the ability to use public cloud data centers and services to build a private cloud. However the private cloud is hosted, it provides the same kind of benefits that make it an appealing option for some companies.
- More control – Organizations have more control over the specific hardware and software used to construct the environment. They are not constrained by configuration or other limitations that may be necessary in a public cloud setting.
- Potentially lower costs – Companies may be able to lower costs by building a private cloud. The investment in a private cloud that provides an IT environment for an extended time can be less expensive than contracting public cloud services for an organization in the long run.
- Enhanced security – A private cloud can provide enhanced security in several ways. Organizations running a private cloud environment have full responsibility for implementing security, which is shared with the CSP in a public cloud. Hardware and other resources are not shared with other customers who may not be effectively securing their environment.
What is a Hybrid Cloud Environment?
A hybrid cloud solution is constructed using components of both public and private clouds. Hybrid clouds can be built using a combination of public cloud and on-premises or private cloud services. Another type of hybrid cloud solution runs public cloud services on private infrastructure such as with AWS Outposts.
Eliminating the restrictions of using solely public or private services when constructing a cloud environment allows for more flexibility and creativity in its architecture. Companies can build a cloud environment that addresses their unique business requirements and objectives.
Advantages of a Hybrid Cloud Solution
A hybrid cloud solution offers unique advantages that directly address the needs of many organizations. The key is to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the business when designing a hybrid cloud solution. Some workloads or systems may be more appropriate for either the public or private component of the hybrid environment.
Since there are certain advantages to public and private clouds, a well-architected hybrid cloud can combine benefits from each of them, resulting in an effective and efficient IT solution.
- Scalability – The scalability of public cloud services makes them an appropriate solution to address fluctuating business needs. Organizations can take advantage of the public cloud to provide unlimited storage and archiving capabilities without incurring capital costs.
- Security – Companies that have valuable and sensitive information can retain control of it by processing and storing the data in the private cloud component. This eliminates concern regarding the shared nature of public cloud resources and lets organizations provide maximum protection for critical data assets.
- Compliance – Hybrid cloud solutions can help promote regulatory compliance. Some data resources may need to be processed in a private infrastructure to meet compliance requirements.
- Costs – Balancing the costs and functionality of public and private clouds for specific aspects of the overall IT environment provides decision-makers with options that can stretch the budget.
Leverage VAST’s Experience with Hybrid Cloud Infrastructures
Achieving the potential advantages of a hybrid cloud solution can be challenging without previous experience. There can be substantial difficulties in addressing the increased architectural complexity of a hybrid environment and deciding how to segregate systems to achieve optimal benefits.
Engaging an experienced partner like VAST IT Services eliminates these difficulties. VAST works with the top public cloud providers and industry-leading vendors to help your company design, implement, and maintain a hybrid cloud solution that helps your business flourish.
Talk to the experts at VAST and see how they can help your business optimize its IT environment with a hybrid cloud solution.
