what-is-hybrid-cloud.jpgCloud computing has continued to evolve. Businesses and organizations are realizing that they need different types of cloud services. Private and public cloud computing are the two traditional categories of cloud computing environments. A third type, however, the hybrid cloud environment, is becoming increasingly popular and many businesses are taking advantage of its benefits. Hybrid cloud computing refers to a process whereby an organization uses public cloud environments and private cloud environments in its cloud computing processes.

The public cloud means a cloud computing environment that is comprised of numerous interconnected servers. It is established by an individual or organization to provide cloud services to third parties, most times at a fee. Basing your business on a public cloud gives room for better project collaboration from third parties and is relatively less expensive. It is less secure and reliable than the other forms of cloud environments, however.

A private cloud, on the other hand, is essentially concerned with providing cloud services to a single individual or organization. It is usually based on a server operated by a single individual or organization. It is more secure and reliable than a public cloud, but it is more expensive and doesn’t give much room for much collaboration from third parties.

A combination of the public cloud and private cloud culminates in hybrid cloud computing. A hybrid cloud environment is a cloud environment where elements of a public cloud environment and a private cloud environment are enmeshed together, in varying degrees, to give rise to a unique blend.

The evolution of the hybrid cloud environment is changing the face of cloud computing. Hybrid cloud environments ensure more efficiency and flexibility in the use of cloud services. It gives businesses more leverage to innovate and expand their data organization and management processes. It adds more value to the cloud computing concept.

Benefits of Hybrid Cloud Computing

Benefits of hybrid cloud computing include:

  • The ability to harness the advantages of public cloud computing and private cloud computing: By combining public and private cloud computing, businesses are able to leverage the advantages of the two cloud environments. The hybrid environment enables organizations to harness the cost-effective public cloud for less sensitive operations and, at the same time, use private clouds for more sensitive processes.

  • Flexibility: Instead of being restricted to one form of cloud environment, hybrid systems enable businesses to seamlessly navigate between different types of cloud environments.

  • Budget-friendly: In the long run, hybrid cloud computing systems are more budget friendly, as solely using private clouds can rip deep into the finances of a business, especially a small business. The value gained from hybrid systems is not, as a result, watered down. It is rather optimized.

Many organizations have taken advantage of the benefits of hybrid cloud computing and many more are moving to the hybrid cloud environment. It would not be a bad idea if you follow this trend and position your business to take advantage of the benefits of the hybrid cloud environment, giving you the chance to leverage the advantages of the public and private cloud environments, while at the same time, eliminating most of the drawbacks of the two systems. Using hybrid systems simply gives you the best of both worlds.

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