Choosing between a multi-cloud and hybrid architecture requires careful evaluation of their respective complexities. It is prudent to ask pertinent questions such as the applicability of either architecture to your specific needs, and determining which one is preferable under which circumstances. Additionally, establishing a hybrid cloud setting may entail significant effort. While the answers to these questions may not always be clear cut, we hope that the insights provided here will help you make an informed decision that suits your business requirements best.
Benefits of Adopting Multiple Clouds
Employing a multi-cloud strategy requires utilizing multiple cloud computing platforms or providers to cater to diverse business operations. TechTarget states that an organization may opt for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) from a public cloud provider to host its workloads, while other entities like Software as a Service (SaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS) can be utilized for more specialized business services such as facilitating office productivity with Office 365 or monitoring and reporting expenditures with Concur.
The following are some benefits of adopting this approach:
Cost management is enhanced.
By leveraging cloud services, companies can pay only for the resources that they consume. On-premises infrastructure investment often goes underutilized. The pay-per-use model, on the other hand, allows businesses to predict future costs with greater accuracy and is thus more popular with them.Infrastructure problems are reduced.
With more organizations transitioning to cloud-based alternatives, there is less demand for personnel to manage, maintain, and upgrade on-premises infrastructure. Additionally, this shift can help mitigate expenditure on underutilized hardware.Enhanced resilience.
Redundant workloads distributed through various cloud environments ensure uninterrupted business operations, which are critical for meeting compliance obligations. Their utilization also boosts customer satisfaction and guarantees business continuity in the case of any interruption.Improved customer support.
It is important to remember that not all cloud service providers are equal; some excel in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), while others focus on testing and development. Each service has its distinct characteristics, which can be utilized to achieve the most optimal outcome for a variety of operational needs.
Apart from its advantages, the multi-cloud approach also has notable disadvantages.
Limited security.
While cloud service providers do offer secure data storage solutions, there may be risks associated with data transfer between your network and those providers. Furthermore, if you adopt a multi-cloud strategy, you might have to coordinate distinct and incompatible security configurations.Regulatory concerns.
Utilizing a multi-cloud strategy can help ensure compliance when complying with multiple regulatory entities. However, improper data storage can lead to non-compliance and have the opposite effect instead.Risk of disruption.
It is crucial to note that cloud service providers are vulnerable to natural disasters and malicious cyberattacks. Additionally, any disruption of internet connection, provider acquisitions or business failure can have a significant impact. It is therefore necessary to have proper measures in place to mitigate potential risks.
Hybrid Cloud: An Overview
A hybrid cloud approach typically involves combining public cloud resources with private cloud or on-premises infrastructure. For instance, TechTarget suggests that a company might use a private cloud to host critical cloud-native applications or facilitate self-service resource provisioning for developers. A company may also connect its private cloud to a public cloud to increase power and flexibility for storage and application development, as discussed.
It is worth noting that a multi-cloud infrastructure can support a hybrid cloud.
As discussed in this article, hybrid cloud strategies offer several benefits akin to those of multi-cloud approaches:
Flexibility.
By adopting a hybrid method, businesses can enjoy a high degree of flexibility. For example, certain processes may need to be conducted on-premises hardware due to compliance reasons, while others may be better suited for public cloud solutions. The cost of each system can be evaluated, and adjustments can be made accordingly.Scalability.
With a hybrid approach, if your operations are at full capacity and you’re using cloud services for extra resources, you won’t have to invest in additional hardware until it’s absolutely necessary. The scalability of cloud solutions allows your business to easily adapt to shifting market conditions and address the demands of a growing consumer base.Remote Access.
Companies that allow employees to work remotely have a responsibility to provide them with the tools they need to complete their tasks effectively. Employing a hybrid cloud arrangement could allow staff working from remote locations to access the same data and applications used in the office.
However, there are additional challenges associated with the hybrid cloud model, including:
Risk of Disruption.
The hybrid cloud approach is just as susceptible to disruption as the multi-cloud model regarding cloud service providers.High Costs.
Unlike other approaches, the development of hybrid cloud systems requires both time and money. (However, once implemented, they may help keep expenses under control.)Integration Issues.
Companies that use both public and private cloud resources face significant challenges when trying to integrate the two. Additionally, it’s critical to stay current with any updates issued by the respective cloud service providers.Lack of Expertise.
Only a few companies have staff with the requisite experience to design and maintain a hybrid cloud system.
Which Option Do You Consider the Best?
There is no one “perfect” approach when deciding between a multi-cloud and hybrid cloud strategy, and it’s critical to review this matter frequently. It’s important to comprehend the benefits of each option and to plan their implementation meticulously to make an informed decision.
When developing a strategy, it’s important to take into account your company’s specifics and technical environment, as failing to do so can result in an ineffective strategy. Some basic recommendations, however, are to use a multi-cloud approach if you require specialized cloud services, and a hybrid cloud approach if you need access to both types of cloud.
