Cloud solutions that combine advantages of a public cloud and a private cloud are called hybrid cloud. A hybrid cloud enables a flexible IT infrastructure in a company. Low costs, dynamic implementation of software and high IT security make a hybrid strategy in cloud computing extremely attractive. Learn how this type of cloud works in our article and find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid cloud.
What is a hybrid cloud?
The term “hybrid” usually refers to something that is composed of different elements or whose components have different origins. Accordingly, the hybrid cloud represents a hybrid of a public cloud solution and a private cloud. This demand-oriented combination of the different cloud environments combines the advantages of both concepts.
In companies, the hybrid cloud is represented in the following architecture: On the one hand, sensitive data and applications can be processed and stored within the company. At the same time, files and structures can be managed via the public Internet and external providers. For this, however, it is important to be aware of which business processes are to be classified as critical for data protection and which are not.
What is crucial, however, is that companies fundamentally do not work with two different systems. The hybrid cloud connects two units with each other and synchronizes them without additional effort and in a non-complicated way. In the classic sense, the cloud type of hybrid cloud consists of at least one public and one private cloud. In addition, the following characteristics represent a cloud-based hybrid structure.
The hybrid cloud connects several computers via a network and thus strengthens the IT resources in the company. It also allows individual operations to be connected between cloud environments and integrated into a unified management tool. Seamless integration is fundamental to the success of enterprise hybrid cloud.
Functionality of a hybrid cloud environment
A hybrid cloud typically consists of a network, a server and the software that virtualizes a cloud environment. This results in a comprehensive IT infrastructure with various application options in an organization. However, a hybrid cloud model does not just require a private cloud and a public cloud. Much more important is the flawless and uncomplicated connection point of the two components. Various options exist for this, but a fundamental distinction must be made between traditional and modern hybrid cloud architecture.
Hybrid cloud architecture on a traditional basis
If a hybrid cloud is traditionally structured, the public and private clouds are connected using middleware or preconfigured virtual private networks (VPN). Many public cloud providers provide this service in combination with their cloud resources. Examples include Dedicated Intercorrect (Google Cloud), Microsoft Azure with Express Route or Amazon Web Services with Direct Connect.
Hybrid cloud architecture in modern form
The traditional hybrid cloud is contrasted with modern cloud strategies. IT teams often focus on developing applications that can run in both public and private cloud environments. All of the software’s functions could then also be managed via a combined cloud platform. In addition, the entire IT infrastructure is often built on the same operating system. The universality of the complete environment in cloud computing eliminates the need for an application programming interface (API). In addition, the hybrid cloud strategy also includes automated deployment of new applications and software solutions.
Advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid cloud
Not only from a technological point of view does the use of the hybrid cloud require a well-considered concept. The internal requirements in the company should also be well thought out. Accordingly, the use of a hybrid cloud brings with it a number of advantages. On the other hand, however, there are also weaknesses. These aspects apply to both traditional and modern cloud applications.
Advantages of the hybrid cloud solution
Flexibility: By combining a private and public cloud on demand, companies remain flexible and do not have to commit to one cloud resource.
Scalability: Variable options are available to increase the computing power of the cloud when workloads change at short notice.
Cost reduction: Through elasticity and on-demand use, you keep the financial outlay for your cloud service to a minimum.
Security: The interaction between local data centers and online cloud storage improves security standards without limiting the flexibility of an IT environment.
Cloud service eligibility: For individual solutions, there are several providers with expertise in operating a hybrid cloud to choose from. The cloud platforms, which are often tailored to users, provide the optimal basis for efficient operations.
Disadvantages of a hybrid cloud
Complexity: The simultaneous use of a public cloud and private cloud increases the organizational differentiation. Likewise, the management of the cloud platform is somewhat more complex.
Management effort: The use of a hybrid cloud infrastructure only makes sense after an exact analysis of the business processes. In addition, there is the ongoing administration effort of the cloud.
Security: There remains a residual risk that sensitive data is stored in the wrong cloud environment and is therefore less protected.
Cost: If redundancy between cloud solutions cannot be avoided, there may be higher costs for operating the cloud.
Hybrid cloud: Examples of use cases
In general, companies should use a hybrid cloud environment if they want to benefit from the advantages of the private cloud and the public cloud. This may be the case, for example, when the resources in their own data center reach the limit. The infrastructure can then be expanded with a public cloud. It is also possible that the security standards offered by a public cloud provider are not sufficient. With a private cloud or an on-premise solution, the options for secure cloud use increase.
A hybrid cloud offers numerous application examples. On the one hand, the combined cloud model plays out its advantage when changing workloads occur in a company, especially with regard to requirements for security or storage capacities. The hybrid cloud is the optimal solution for this. Depending on requirements, data can be stored appropriately in the public cloud or in the private cloud.
Another example of a hybrid cloud application is the processing of large volumes of data. Big data is playing an increasingly important role, especially in the course of digital transformations in companies. The use of cloud computing must meet this challenge. It is often difficult to determine the exact volume of storage when large amounts of data need to be analyzed. Hybrid cloud systems offer the right solution for this through the rapidly scalable public cloud storage. Added to this are the private cloud areas in which data can be stored securely in compliance with GDPR.
The situation is similar when the need for capacity changes temporarily. Using applications for a foreseeable period of time is flexibly possible without having to set up new IT structures and make expensive investments beforehand. In many cases, public cloud services offer variable usage options for software solutions and other services so that processes can continue to run in the company.
TeamDrive and hybrid cloud solutions
Team Drive guarantees the highest security standards for its cloud services and uses a public cloud infrastructure. At the core of this is end-to-end encryption, which encrypts all data before it is transferred and stores it exclusively in encrypted form. The zero-knowledge architecture also ensures that only users can decrypt their data and thus retain complete control over their own data.
The modular TeamDrive system forms the optimal basis for hybrid operation in combination with services provided by companies’ own data centers, such as authentication servers like Active Directory or LDAP. This means that important services and passwords remain in the private cloud and the exchange and storage of files and data is highly encrypted via cost-effective and easily scalable public cloud servers. TeamDrive’s management console is powerful and minimizes administrative effort within the company.
As an infrastructure as a service provider, TeamDrive provides a cloud with scalable storage space. The cloud solution can be accessed by any number of users. Data storage is subject to European data protection law and with server locations in Germany, TeamDrive also meets the requirements of the GDPR.
In cooperation with TeamDrive’s customer service, individual performance services can be developed for companies. Contact us to flexibly book individual modules of a private cloud or public cloud.
