Distinguishing Multi-Cloud from Hybrid Cloud Architectures
When businesses in the modern age set out to design their digital infrastructure, they are often faced with an abundance of options and choices. And the one technology that always seems to find itself at the center of strategic discussions is cloud computing. Furthermore, as companies seek to streamline their operations, achieve better scalability, and further strengthen their business in the face of technological disruptions, it becomes absolutely imperative to understand the nuances between different cloud offerings, such as multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments.
So, in this blog, I will give you a quick download about the key differences between multi-cloud and hybrid cloud based on the most relevant factors for businesses today. Let’s get started, then.
But first, the basics.
What Refers to As Multi-Cloud?
It is the use of multiple cloud computing platforms or services from different providers instead of relying on a single cloud service. This means you are not relying on only one provider, instead, selecting services from various vendors based on your business’s individual needs.
What Refers to As Hybrid Cloud?
This one is a cloud computing environment wherein both on-premises infrastructure, i.e. private cloud, and public cloud services are combined. The hybrid cloud computing model brings with it the flexibility to leverage the cost-effectiveness and scalability of public clouds for some select tasks, while also maintaining control over sensitive data and critical apps on the given company’s private infrastructure.
Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud: Are They Different?:-
● Cost: We will start things off with what is arguably among the most important considerations for companies in the multi-cloud vs hybrid cloud debate, if not the most important: costs. In this regard, the multi-cloud option may appear to be expensive at first but the fact remains that it is entirely possible to optimize costs with multi-cloud computing by opting for cost-effective services from different providers.
As for hybrid cloud — well, this one offers quite a high potential for cost optimization since it uses public cloud resources for scalable workloads and maintaining on-premises infrastructure for stable and/or sensitive workloads. However, with hybrid cloud, the initial setup costs as well as ongoing management and maintenance costs must also be factored in.
● Flexibility: It goes without saying that flexibility too is an important consideration for organizations in this day and age. So, what the multi-cloud option offers in this regard is high flexibility, with organizations being able to opt for services from different cloud service providers based on their company’s specific needs.
Hybrid computing too fares well in this department, providing a balanced approach via the combination of on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services. This means companies have the flexibility to keep sensitive data on-premises while tapping into the scalability of public clouds for other tasks and information.
● Architecture: Multi-cloud computing involves a distributed architecture — one where services from different cloud providers are integrated, resulting in a more complex architecture albeit one that offers the advantage of not being dependent on just one cloud service provider.
On the other hand, is hybrid cloud computing, which combines on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services. This combination is conducive to seamless data and app integration between environments.
● Security: When it comes to security, multi-clouds can prove to be a bit complex owing to the different security protocols and standards involved. With hybrid cloud, organizations can exercise better control over sensitive data in the private cloud, though they still need robust security measures for data transfer and integration points.
The choice between these two options, eventually, will depend on the unique needs, goals, and priorities of the given organization.
