Some companies use the term multi-cloud to indicate that a hybrid cloud merely uses multiple platforms and is not an entity unto itself. The hybrid cloud model is becoming increasingly popular as a viable method with which an organization can leverage the power of the cloud. In many cases, it offers advantages over a solution which only uses a single cloud model. 

Benefits Offered by Hybrid Cloud Environments

When an enterprise is considering the kind of cloud implementation that best fits its business needs, these are some of the potential advantages of a hybrid solution. 

Balancing capital and operating expenses - Rather than spending financial resources on additional infrastructure and hardware, a company can obtain the capacity they need from a cloud provider. Connecting the cloud to its existing infrastructure creates a hybrid IT environment.

Handling variable workloads - Businesses that see widely variable workloads due to seasonal factors benefit by the scalability of the public portion of the hybrid model. Cloud providers can scale on request to provide exactly the capacity required to satisfy increased demands. 

Encouraging innovation and development - The ability to rapidly deploy cloud resources can result in increased development speed and innovation. A cloud provider can offer virtually limitless computing power to be employed for a specific purpose and will quickly sunset them when the job is complete. 

Providing enhanced security - Some systems may be considered too sensitive for their security to be entrusted to any third-party. A hybrid cloud scenario enables these systems to remain on-premises or in a private cloud while the public cloud is used for other computing activities. 

Examples of Hybrid Cloud Implementations

Some market sectors have embraced the hybrid cloud model more than others. The healthcare industry has increasingly been adopting the hybrid cloud and is expected to double its use of this computing platform in the next two years. Some of the factors driving the hybrid cloud in healthcare are the legacy systems that the industry often employs and the exploding quantities of data that are involved in providing healthcare.

It is more economical to use the cloud for infrastructure than to modernize current facilities. Managing growth and evolving compliance standards are more easily accomplished with a hybrid model that builds upon legacy information systems. Strict security of sensitive data can be maintained in-house if desired.

The financial services industry is another prime candidate for hybrid cloud environments. They too have a large investment in legacy systems that need to be maintained and upgraded. Sensitive data exists in their databases that management may not want to be exposed to any other entity. Hybrid environments allow them to move to the cloud deliberately, retaining full control of specific systems while using the provider’s infrastructure when it makes sense to do so.

Aligning a legacy IT environment with the cloud can produce a more flexible solution that can address the ever-changing business landscape. A hybrid cloud can also serve as a bridge toward a full public cloud implementation.