What are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid clouds? 

A hybrid cloud is a blend of two or more distinct cloud structures, using private and public clouds to provide separate functions within the same organisation. Hybrid cloud structures retain their unique entities but are able to seamlessly integrate data and applications. However, building a hybrid cloud does pose some challenges and it might not be the best solution for every company. 

The downsides of hybrid clouds 

One major reason for not proceeding with a hybrid cloud is the initial cost of investment. Although a hybrid cloud can save costs once it is up and running – ongoing usage costs do need to be accounted for – building a hybrid cloud requires a significant amount of expenditure on physical hardware. Security is another important consideration. Cloud services are not inherently more vulnerable to attacks but it is essential that the proper precautions and measures are in place from the start. Some industries may also have regulations concerning cloud data which may prohibit the use of the cloud entirely. 

The benefits of hybrid clouds 

A hybrid cloud could save your business time and money, keeping vital IT infrastructure in place on your premises, whilst having access to the public cloud for times when the computational workload exceeds the limits of the private cloud. It is also ideal for developing and testing new applications and the 24/7 accessibility is another key benefit. 

Recent reports show that hybrid cloud services actually offer heightened levels of security, contrary to public perception. A hybrid cloud also offers generally better organisational capabilities, resulting in fewer outages and downtime. 

All IT projects require significant planning and investment and a hybrid cloud is no exception. However, if all factors are accounted for, the benefits of a hybrid cloud could easily outweigh the disadvantages for many businesses.