Monday, March 31, 2014

Taking the Myth Out of Hybrid Cloud Computing

The terms hybrid computing and cloud computing have been in the news for some time but, for many people, they are confusing and ambiguous terms. So what is hybrid cloud computing?
 
In very simple terms it is when an organization uses both the public cloud and their private cloud to do their computing. This needs further explanation before this concept can be properly understood.
 
The Public and Private Cloud
 
In cloud computing, the term cloud is a metaphor for the internet, so cloud computing is computing using computers linked though an internet connection, utilizing shared computing resources.
 
The public cloud is cloud computing where a company uses a third-party vendor to supply computing services in the form of servers, software applications, and data storage over the internet. Another form of public cloud computing is where a service provider provides a service to the public, for example, social networking services.
 
A key aspect of the public cloud is that it is available to the public who share the resources provided by the vendor.
 
A private cloud is similar to the public cloud, except that it is run privately for use by an organization and is behind that organization's firewall. It has many of the same features, but the essential difference is that the resources are owned and controlled by the company. Some companies choose this solution because of security concerns.
 
What Is Hybrid Cloud Computing?
 
If your operation is large, and you use both your own network of interconnected servers and those of a third party web-based service provider so that your applications and data are spread over these servers, you are performing hybrid cloud computing, as, your computing and, specifically your data, is shared between the private and public cloud.
 
Another form of hybrid computing is cloud storage, where a company would store critical data in their private cloud and other data in the public cloud.
 
Management of the Hybrid Cloud
 
The hybrid cloud is a great concept, freeing critical resources and providing flexible off-site resources that can meet short term needs.
 
However, if it is to function efficiently, it is important that the cloud is properly mapped out, that a database of all critical parameters is maintained, and that you have a management strategy in place to administer change control, data security, fault monitoring, and resource management.
 
Another consideration is the availability of, and access to, essential critical applications and data. This can be achieved by ensuring that critical information is stored within the company's private cloud so that access is unaffected should external network issues affect access to their public cloud
 
What Is Hybrid Cloud Computing All About?
 
A common use of the hybrid cloud is to expand your data storage capability without the purchase of additional hardware. This is especially useful if your need is transient or temporary, such as for a product launch, political campaign, or major project. This is often called cloud bursting, where applications move from the private cloud to the public cloud to take advantage of additional computing resources available in the public cloud.
 
Another reason for hybrid computing is cost, as instead of purchasing more servers for your internal data center, it may be more cost effective to use the servers of a cloud service provider, such as AWS or Rackspace.
 
Companies and organizations with global operations can use hybrid cloud computing to provide their operations with readily available and reasonably secure access, taking advantage of the internet's resilience.
 
Users of Hybrid Computing
 
Hybrid computing is a growth industry and Gartner predicts that by 2017, 50% of enterprises will adopt it. In many ways, hybrid cloud computing offers the best solution for large and diverse organizations.



Bit by Bit can provide the resources and expertise to make your move to the cloud a success, if you would like to learn more, please contact me at 800.860.5831 x190

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