What Is a Hybrid Cloud? Definition, Pros And Cons – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

The power of a hybrid cloud for small businesses lies in its flexibility and control. But how does it achieve this?

First, let’s look at what a hybrid cloud is: a computing environment that combines the use of private and public cloud services (as well as on-premises services), so that data and applications can be shared among them.

In essence, then, a hybrid cloud leverages the best of both public and private cloud environments. It allows you to secure sensitive data either on-premises or in a private cloud, while also having access to the vast resources and scalability of a public cloud for handling your less sensitive data and applications. By using this dual approach, you get a balance of security, cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

So what scenarios are the best for adopting a hybrid cloud environment? Let’s explore some common situations where going the hybrid cloud route can be a powerful tool for your business.

Scaling Business Operations With Hybrid Cloud

For small businesses, growth is often a double-edged sword: you want to expand to meet increasing demand—but you also need to keep your costs in check. So how do you scale your operations without breaking the bank?

A hybrid cloud can help you strike the right balance. By using a public cloud, you can scale your operations up or down as needed, without the hefty price tag of investing in new hardware. At the same time, your sensitive data remains secure in a private cloud or on-premises, giving you a cost-effective way to grow your business without sacrificing security.

Maintaining Regulatory Compliance in the Cloud

In a world where data breaches regularly make headlines, regulatory compliance is your business’s friend and shield. But you have to be able to wield this shield without slowing down your business.

Enter the hybrid cloud: By keeping sensitive data secure in a private cloud or on-premises, you’re able to meet data and privacy regulations head-on. And with a public cloud for everything else, you can enjoy the vast resources of the cloud. It’s like having a superhero on your team—one that helps you maintain compliance while still reaping the operational efficiency of public cloud computing.

Hybrid Cloud for On-Premises Applications

What about all those on-premises applications that form the backbone of your business? These apps are solid, dependable and efficient. But they’re also deeply rooted in your on-site infrastructure, and are often inflexible and difficult to scale.

A hybrid cloud works like a bridge, letting you keep these apps right where they are while giving you the freedom to use a public cloud for other tasks. It’s a win-win situation: You get the security and familiarity of maintaining your crucial apps on-premises but with the added bonus of the flexibility and scalability the public cloud offers.

Leveraging Hybrid Cloud for Remote Edge Locations

Are you running a business with remote edge locations (locations that serve your customers but are far from your central operations—for example, pop-up shops, kiosks or even the home offices of remote employees)? Providing adequate support for remote edge locations can sometimes feel like juggling: You’re trying to keep all those tech balls in the air, but it’s definitely a challenge.

So how do you ensure these locations have the resources they need without putting a strain on your central location? A hybrid cloud can be the ideal solution. With a hybrid cloud, you can keep your core operations secure while also providing support to your remote locations using public cloud resources. It’s like having an extra set of hands to help you keep all those balls in the air.

High-Performance Computing Meets Hybrid Cloud

High-performance computing isn’t a luxury for businesses anymore. In fact, it’s a necessity, especially if you’re dealing with large volumes of data. But high-performance computing also requires immense processing power, storage and speed—all resources that can be both expensive and challenging to manage through on-premises apps and hardware.

What if you could tap into a virtually limitless pool of resources whenever you need them? With a hybrid cloud, you can. By using the vast resources of a public cloud for your high-performance computing tasks, you can supercharge your data processing capabilities. Meanwhile, your sensitive data stays secure in a private cloud (or on-premises), giving you the best of both worlds.