Your Guide to Hybrid Cloud

For most people, hybrid computing sounds like an alien term, probably because they are used to hearing cloud computing, and hybrid sounds more confusing. However, based on the basic definition of the term hybrid, you can deduce a lot of information. For starters, a hybrid means that something has been created through combining 2 different elements. In the same way, hybrid computing involves combination of public cloud and private cloud. The purpose of this is to create a system where the user can benefit from both sides. This means that as a user, you will handle your own cloud in-house, and outsource the other cloud.

Cloud computing is ideally the mother of hybrid computing; hybrid cloud was therefore borne from cloud computing. When cloud computing first burst into the scene, there was a lot of excitement and everyone wanted to come on board. It was an awesome innovation and it made things much easier for organizations. However, with time they realized that it was not 100% solid because there were several lapses especially security-wise. This is where the need to create a hybrid cloud where the user would be able to enjoy the benefits from both sides was born. Organizations also needed more control of their own network, which was not possible via public cloud. Creating a hybrid cloud was therefore a way of ensuring that the user gains from both sides, which is actually a very brilliant strategy.

Below are some of the aspects that make hybrid computing more superior:

– Security was one of the major reasons for the creation of a hybrid, because there are serious security concerns when it comes to using a public cloud. It becomes difficult to share out critical data on a public cloud because there is always the constant risk of a security breach. Imagine a situation where competitors or just malicious criminals are able to access confidential organizational files. This would create a crisis, because they will definitely use the info against you, just to gain a competitive edge.

– In hybrid computing, the user is able to create a private cloud where critical information is stored and shared out among a close knit group of people, who have the authorization. General information may be shared out through the public cloud, because it is info that will not put the business at any risk.

When you create a private cloud, you need to ensure that you install strong firewalls, so as to keep off any malware or viruses that may be used in order to breach the cloud’s security.

– Cost-effectiveness: the best thing about a public cloud is the fact that it provides the best software and application at a much cheaper cost. This means that with a hybrid, you have the ability to use some of the services provided cheaply on a public cloud. Additionally, a public cloud also comes with a variety of services, some of which most organizations may not be able to provide on their own. This means that the user will be able to use all the services provided in the public cloud at a lower price, and hence capitalize on using the private cloud for services that are not provided efficiently on the public cloud. Moreover, the user may also rely more on a public cloud for the day-to-day running of the business and use the private cloud just minimally but with more effectiveness. This means that the user is able to invest highly on the private cloud, on the few areas that are critical for the business.

– More storage options: perhaps one of the most common ways that cloud computing is used by most organizations, is for storage purposes. This is because your data is more secure on a cloud, than on an internal hard drive, which is susceptible to loss of data thorough system breakdown, viruses or formatting. Cloud computing is not only used by businesses, it is also used by individuals for storing important files. Another good thing about storing your files on a cloud is that you may access them from multiple devices. Even if you are not connected to the organizations system you will still be able to access files and information wherever you are, provided you have an internet connection and relevant authorization. Hence, when you have a hybrid cloud, you have more storage options. This is very convenient because it allows storage of data on two different secure locations. Most organizations use the public cloud for storing general data and files, while the private cloud is used for storage of critical and confidential data. This is because the private cloud is in-house built, meaning that access is strictly only for those who have the relevant authorization.

– More control: one of the greatest downsides of public cloud computing is the fact that the user has less control, since most of it is managed and controlled by the cloud service provider. This means that the user has limited or no control over the firewalls and other critical aspects that most organizations would love to be in control of. This sort of makes most users feel as if they are operating in a shadow, since they have been deprived of any control to the cloud. Of course you cannot blame the cloud service providers in any way because they are providing cloud computing to multiple users, and it does not make sense to give one more control over others.

– Hybrid computing ensures that the user has more control over their own cloud, and may therefore be used for processes which the user requires more control. For example, in a private cloud the user has more control over security, and may therefore upgrade the firewalls from time to time, just to ensure safety of the stored data. The public cloud will therefore be utilized for services which require less control in terms of security or monitoring.

– Scalability: the decision to upgrade your cloud may be easier in terms of time and machinery required, since you may easily import some of the programs and applications provided on the public cloud into the private cloud. Additionally, any lapse in either of the cloud means that the organization’s day-to-day operations will not be affected, since they have diversified their storage. For example, if the private cloud`s servers are down, then the organization will rely on the public cloud until the situation is rectified.

Hybrid clouding is a wave of fresh air in the cloud computing industry, and more should be expected in the near future.