A hybrid cloud can give businesses the major innovation boost they need, but benefits such as flexibility and cost-efficiency only come when it is deployed correctly and data and workloads are properly allocated. Our Syntax IT cloud experts support customers in the development and implementation of tailored hybrid cloud solutions.
What is the definition of a hybrid cloud?
A hybrid cloud is a combination of private cloud and public cloud provisioning models. Companies often opt for this hybrid format to support their data and workloads in the best way depending on requirements and area of use. In most cases this means using the dedicated infrastructure of a private cloud to host and operate applications using sensitive data subject to elevated data protection and compliance rules. Only authorised users can access these systems. Other workloads and data can then be provided through the public internet using the distributed IT infrastructure of a public cloud. These are provided via a uniform platform operated by a hyperscaler – one of the major operators such as Amazon (AWS) or Microsoft (Azure). Nevertheless, each company’s data and applications are stored and managed in entirely separate areas.
What are the benefits of a hybrid cloud?
The key advantage of a hybrid cloud (or managed hybrid cloud) solution is its ability to play to the strengths of both cloud models, without accepting the restrictions. In specific terms this means:
Flexibility
A hybrid cloud solution combines the potential requirement for adding capacity when workloads peak (public cloud) with the option of designing an architecture that is tailored to the needs of the business (private cloud).
Availability
System availability is often compromised when running systems in locally operated (on-premises) data centres. Centralised provisioning though a hyperscaler or private cloud provider ensures that companies always have access to all of their workloads.
Services
A managed hybrid cloud solution offers additional services for improved process integration and orchestration, or for comprehensive data analysis using artificial intelligence for example – a key requirement for future business models.
Cost efficiency
The perfect hybrid cloud solution takes the flexible billing models of both provisioning methods and finds the optimum balance between standardisation and a custom architecture.
Hybrid cloud solutions as part of the corporate IT
Any company can benefit from the use of a hybrid cloud solution. The ideal architecture depends on the size, distribution and structure of the relevant workloads. Complex and mission-critical applications demand a custom architecture model and are better suited to operation in a private cloud. Non-critical and less complicated applications and data can take advantage of options for dynamic workloads offered by the public cloud, especially when these escalate. In this way, the extensive security and control features of the private cloud can be combined with the scalability of the public cloud.
In the manufacturing sector in particular, companies frequently need to seamlessly integrate production data that is generated via on-premises systems using their own hardware due to latency requirements into the hybrid cloud system. The utility of the data can then be fully exploited using data analytics to form the basis of new business models (for example establishing a network of connected machines).
The route to the hybrid cloud with Syntax
Our hybrid cloud services include support for implementation and operation as well as expert advice and consultancy. We understand the challenges of many different industries and sectors and will guide you through four steps to find a tailored hybrid cloud solution:
1. Analysis
We conduct a detailed assessment to produce an overview of your current situation and identify potential areas for optimisation.
2. Planning
In collaboration with you, we pinpoint the workloads that are best suited to each of the models and decide which cloud variant is most appropriate for each type of data.
3. Migration
Data that can be used as it is will simply be moved over to the cloud. When workloads are not currently suitable for operation in a public cloud, we carry out a transformation to adapt them for the new environments.
4. Operation
We give you access to Syntax CxHub, our own portal developed in-house, which enables you to optimise your daily operations on a data-driven and ongoing basis.
FAQ: Hybrid Cloud
How secure is a hybrid cloud?
A hybrid cloud solution and hybrid cloud computing in general are as secure as the sum of their private cloud and public cloud parts. To ensure that the flexibility of a hybrid cloud solution is not to the detriment of security, companies should rely on a provider that understands all of the provisioning models, can realistically assess the potential security risks of both cloud forms and is able to keep an eye on the operation around the clock through a managed hybrid cloud service.
What is a hybrid cloud management platform?
A Hybrid Cloud Management Platform like Syntax’s CxHub supports users to efficiently manage hybrid cloud deployments, taking full advantage of all of the benefits. The functions provided should include:
- A consistent UI and appropriate dashboards that provide an overview of all deployed hybrid cloud computing infrastructures
- Comprehensive, centralised administration and self-service functions
- Automated reporting for effective cost management
- An integrated ticketing system where the hybrid cloud solution is a managed service
- Options for connection to additional solutions through appropriate interfaces
