As more businesses are looking to leverage the benefits of cloud computing, the hybrid cloud is rising in popularity. Before we outline the benefits of hybrid cloud computing, let’s define each type of cloud service:

• Public Cloud: Computing and storage are provided by third-party services, such as Microsoft Azure to external customers using the public internet architecture.
• Private Cloud: This cloud computing service is accessible only by one client, either over a virtual private network (VPN) or hosted internally.
• Hybrid Cloud: This is an integrated cloud setup that combines both internal (private) and external (public) cloud services. Your organisation orchestrates the workflow between the two cloud systems. In the hybrid cloud, both internal and external services are connected using encryption technology over a WAN.

Hybrid cloud computing: reasons to migrate

Hybrid cloud computing provides numerous advantages, both to businesses, and organisations handling the work flow. The hybrid cloud provides:

• Flexibility: Businesses can leverage the scalability of public cloud services to run high-workload applications or store data, all while maintaining the governance required for sensitive data by restricting it to the private cloud.
• Scalability: Updating your on-site systems is expensive and time-consuming. The hybrid cloud offers effortless scalability by provisioning public cloud resources. The third-party provider takes care of the rest.
• Agility: When high application usage arises, businesses can quickly leverage the public cloud for more computing resources and switch workloads to the public systems. This will improve performance, reduce outages, and result in less downtime for your applications.
• Cost-effectiveness: The beauty of hybrid cloud computing is the ability to dynamically adjust the amount of capacity used in the public or private environment. This reduces costs considerably as most public cloud providers offer a pay-per-use structure.

Things to consider before transitioning to the hybrid cloud

By now you should have an understanding of what the hybrid cloud offers and its benefits. When preparing for a hybrid cloud transition, there are some important points to consider. We have provided the following checklist to ease the transition into the hybrid cloud:

1. Research the third-party public cloud providers and perform the necessary due diligence.
2. Prepare for outages and back up your data.
3. Be familiar with the provider’s compliance requirements.
4. Introduce a virtual private network (VPN) to set up the private cloud system.
5. Segment application workloads.
6. Migrate to the new cloud system in phases.
7. Prepare a budget for the transition.
8. Have a scaling strategy in place.
9. Implement a security policy for sensitive data.

Hybrid cloud computer services with CodeBlue

If you’re looking at expanding your business, or want to ensure your data is highly secure and easily backed up, speak to one of our team today. We can advise on the best cloud services solution for your business, while providing exceptional IT support services.
If you’re looking for one of the most trusted IT companies in Auckland and are interested in the services we offer, call CodeBlue today.