When considering the application of either a multi-cloud or hybrid architecture, it is important to assess the complexities of each option. Questions to consider include: when is a multi-cloud architecture preferable to a hybrid architecture, and is either option suitable for your needs? Additionally, how much work is required to establish a hybrid cloud setting? While the answers to these questions are not always straightforward, we trust that the information provided here will assist you in making the most suitable choice for your business.
Why Use Multiple Clouds?
A multi-cloud strategy involves utilizing multiple cloud computing platforms or providers to support different business operations. As noted by TechTarget, a company may use the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) of a public cloud provider to host its workloads, while Software as a Service (SaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS) can be employed for more specialized business services such as Office 365 for office productivity or Concur for expenditure monitoring and reporting.
Here are a few advantages of taking this route:
Management of costs has been improved.
As organizations take advantage of cloud services, they only pay for what they use. In comparison, hosting on-site infrastructure requires businesses to invest in hardware which may not always be utilized to its full potential. The pay-per-use model is popular among businesses since it provides a more accurate forecasting of future costs.Infrastructure issues are minimized.
As an increasing number of organizations are transitioning to cloud-based alternatives, the need for personnel to manage, maintain and upgrade on-premises infrastructure is reducing. Moreover, this shift can also reduce the risk of wasted expenditure on unused hardware.Superior resistance to harm.
Redundant workloads across multiple cloud environments ensure continuous operations, which is essential for meeting compliance requirements. Utilizing redundant workloads also increases customer satisfaction and ensures business continuity in the event of an interruption.Better support for customers.
It is essential to bear in mind that not all cloud service providers are the same; some are particularly strong in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), while others specialize in testing and development. Each service has its own distinct features which can be utilized to achieve the most effective outcome for a range of operational requirements.
In addition to its benefits, the multi-cloud strategy has significant drawbacks.
Deficiencies in safety.
Cloud service providers may provide a secure environment for your data, however there can be risks associated with the data travelling between your network and the cloud service provider. Additionally, if you are employing a multi-cloud strategy, you may need to coordinate multiple, incompatible security configurations.Questions of regulation.
When managing multiple regulatory entities, employing a multi-cloud strategy can help ensure compliance. However, incorrect data storage can have the opposite effect and reduce compliance.A chance of upheaval.
It is important to be aware that cloud service providers are not immune to natural disasters or malicious cyberattacks. Furthermore, any issues with internet connection, provider buy-outs or business collapse can all have an impact. Therefore, it is essential to ensure appropriate measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks.
The Hybrid Cloud: What Is It?
A hybrid cloud approach is typically defined as the combination of public cloud resources and private cloud/on-premises infrastructure. As an example, TechTarget states that this strategy can be applied in the following way: a company may opt for a private cloud to host vital cloud-native applications or to enable self-service resource provisioning for software developers. Moreover, for greater power and flexibility, a company may choose to connect its private cloud to a public cloud for storage and application development.
Keep in mind that a multi-cloud infrastructure may accommodate a hybrid cloud.
Hybrid cloud strategies provide various advantages, similar to those of multi-cloud approaches:
Flexibility.
Businesses may be granted a great degree of flexibility when utilizing a hybrid approach. For instance, due to compliance reasons, certain processes may need to be conducted on on-premise hardware, while others may be better suited for public cloud solutions. The cost of each system can be analyzed and alterations can be made in accordance.Scalability.
If your operations are running at full capacity and you are relying on cloud services for any additional resources, you won’t need to invest in additional hardware until it is absolutely necessary. The scalability of cloud services enables your business to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and meet the demands of a growing consumer base.Get on the computer from afar.
Organizations that permit employees to work remotely have a duty to provide them with the necessary tools to conduct their tasks efficiently. Utilizing a hybrid cloud setup could enable employees working from distant locations to continue accessing the same data and applications used in the office.
There are further difficulties associated with the hybrid cloud model, such as:
A chance of upheaval.
When it comes to cloud service providers, the hybrid cloud strategy is just as vulnerable as the multi-cloud model.Exorbitant prices.
Unlike other methods, developing hybrid cloud systems takes time and money. (Once in place, however, they may be useful for keeping expenses down.)Problems with integration.
Organizations that utilize both public and private cloud resources face a considerable challenge when attempting to integrate the two. Furthermore, it is essential to remain up to date with any updates released by the providers of the respective cloud services.Inadequate ability to do the job.
Not many businesses have the personnel with the necessary expertise to construct and manage a hybrid cloud system.
In Your Opinion, Which Is the Top Pick?
It is not possible to identify an “optimal” approach when determining whether to opt for a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud strategy, and it is essential that this issue is revisited regularly. In order to make an informed decision, it is important to understand the advantages of each option and to plan its implementation carefully.
It is essential to consider the specifics of your organization and technological environment when devising a strategy, as a lack of consideration can lead to an ineffective strategy. Nevertheless, some fundamental guidelines are to use a multi-cloud strategy if you require specialized cloud services, and a hybrid cloud strategy if you need the ability to access both types of cloud.
