How to adopt a hybrid cloud approach

Cloud can, if done right, deliver heaps of business benefits. In the real world however, it's not always that easy. Few organisations are completely cloud-native, so thought needs to be given to existing data centre workloads. Whilst some of these can (and should) be moved to the cloud, others may be better off staying put, at least for now. To support the blend of on-prem and cloud operations, a hybrid approach is needed. Read on to see how Cloud Gateway do it.

What is hybrid cloud?

Hybrid cloud is an IT model that integrates on-premise data centres with public and private cloud resources. This setup allows businesses to keep critical workloads on-premise for security and compliance while using cloud services for scalability and flexibility. Hybrid cloud provides a seamless, adaptable infrastructure that balances control, cost-efficiency, and innovation.

How data centre and cloud hosting can work in harmony

Adopting a hybrid cloud approach—where both cloud and on-premise data centres coexist - is not only practical but essential for many organisations.

The key lies in balancing and integrating these two environments effectively to capitalise on the strengths of each. By embracing a hybrid cloud technology model, businesses can achieve a seamless, scalable, and secure infrastructure that meets today’s complex requirements while adapting to evolving operational needs.

Hybrid cloud challenges

Successfully managing both cloud and on-premise environments introduces several challenges, both architecturally and commercially. Here are some of the key obstacles:

• Architectural complexity: Operating a hybrid cloud infrastructure requires a robust framework to manage data flow, networking, and application performance between cloud and on-premise environments.

• Data sovereignty and regulatory compliance: Many industries are subject to strict data sovereignty regulations, necessitating that some workloads remain on-premise to comply with legal requirements. Healthcare, finance, and government sectors, for example, often have sensitive data that must stay within specific geographical boundaries or controlled environments.

• Risk of large-scale migration: Migrating all workloads to the cloud in one go is often risky and impractical. A staged migration approach, using hybrid cloud applications, reduces risk by allowing organisations to test, adapt, and ensure stability before fully transitioning.

• Interoperability across environments: Applications need to communicate seamlessly, regardless of where they are hosted. This requires a sophisticated network infrastructure to ensure reliable data flow between on-premise systems and cloud services.

• Consistent security across environments: Implementing a consistent security policy across both environments is critical for maintaining control over access, monitoring, and response. Without uniform security policies, organisations face increased vulnerability to cyber threats.

• User access and experience: Employees need reliable and secure access to both data centre and cloud-hosted applications. This access must be seamless to ensure productivity and positive user experiences, regardless of the application’s location.

Hybrid cloud solutions : a unified networking and security service

To address these challenges, organisations like Cloud Gateway have developed solutions that unify networking and security for both cloud and on-premise environments. Here’s how these solutions can bridge the gap and foster harmony in a hybrid cloud setup:

• SASE platform integration: Cloud Gateway’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform connects clouds, data centres, remote sites, and users into one cohesive ecosystem. This unified approach enhances both security and connectivity, ensuring that data and applications can move freely between environments without compromising safety or efficiency.

• Digital foundation for gradual migration: By establishing a digital foundation, organisations can migrate workloads to the cloud at their own pace. This step-by-step migration strategy allows businesses to adopt the cloud in manageable phases, reducing the risk of downtime and ensuring critical systems remain operational.

• Interoperable network infrastructure: A hybrid cloud model ensures interoperability between the data centre and the cloud. For applications not yet ready to move, this setup ensures they continue to run efficiently in their current location while integrating smoothly with cloud-hosted systems.

• Enhanced security with Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS): Implementing security measures such as FWaaS safeguards both cloud and on-premise environments. FWaaS provides centralised security policies, ensuring a consistent layer of protection across the entire network, regardless of where the applications are hosted.

• Flexible access control for onsite and remote users: With a unified platform, organisations can easily manage access privileges for both onsite and remote users. This flexibility ensures that employees can access the data and applications they need while enabling IT teams to control access based on user roles, location, and other factors.

Building a Harmonious Hybrid Cloud Network

Embracing a hybrid cloud model allows organisations to enjoy the flexibility of the cloud while retaining the control and compliance offered by on-premise systems. By investing in a unified networking and security service like Cloud Gateway’s SASE platform, businesses can create a harmonious infrastructure that combines the best of both worlds.

Ready to explore hybrid cloud offerings?

Explore how hybrid cloud technology can work for your business by downloading our infographic and discover the steps to achieving a seamless hybrid environment. Start your journey towards a future where data centre and cloud hosting work together in perfect harmony.