What’s the Hybrid Cloud?

The hybrid cloud is a combination of a private or public cloud service that manages a company's data and computing functions on remote servers and a network of on-premises computing facilities managed by the company's own IT professionals. The hybrid cloud is a cloud services management strategy that allows a company to manage different aspects of its data in different ways.

The Hybrid Cloud: Comprehensive Solutions from Combined Resources

A hybrid cloud strategy might include using public cloud services for tasks such as customer relations management, data storage, or a set of workplace tools that all employees from any location can access. But for critical or sensitive data that could be vulnerable to security risks in a public environment, the same company could use a local network with on-premises hardware, managed by its own IT staff and accessible only to employees with appropriate credentials.

Some companies might choose to use a private cloud hosting service on dedicated servers over the public cloud for hosting specific mission-critical software that may need additional levels of data security or improved customization, such as hosted QuickBooks or hosted Sage. These companies may keep their data and tools stored remotely on servers not shared by users in the public cloud, with an on-site network for other files. This combination of a third-party cloud service – with specific tools for specific functions and an on-site network – is rapidly becoming the cloud service model of choice for a growing number of users.

Whether a hybrid cloud consists of a public or private cloud service combined with a local network, its components work in sync to carry out all the computing functions a company needs. This provides a comprehensive solution that supports mission goals as well as the needs of specific projects and tasks.

Multi-Cloud Options: Diversity and Flexibility

Multi-cloud computing is another way to combine the strengths of multiple cloud types to meet a variety of business computing needs. A multi-cloud solution can leverage the power of the hybrid cloud along with the resources of available public clouds to build a network that supports specific tasks, projects, and functions within the company. Recent statistics on the state of cloud computing reveal that companies with a multi-cloud strategy use an average of six different clouds, utilizing the available tools of each at need.

Multi-cloud computing allows users to spread data storage and functions across multiple remote servers, which can provide backup and protect data from loss or compromise in the event that one cloud service fails or is hacked. A multi-cloud approach also allows users to "mix and match" functionality to tailor a solution that uniquely addresses a company's needs at any given time and to drop or add functions in response to changing goals and workloads. Multi-cloud computing can embrace a variety of combinations, such as an on-site network plus two or three public clouds, a group of public clouds offering desired services, or a suite of public and private clouds for different essential functions.

Where does Summit Hosting fit in?

At Summit Hosting, we offer dedicated cloud servers for businesses of all sizes. Our approach to cloud hosting is based on security, ease of use, and customization to fit your cloud hosting needs. If you need to utilize a hybrid cloud approach with a mixture of cloud-based and on-premise servers, our teams can establish those connections, or if you want to take a full-cloud approach but need multiple servers, we can accommodate that as well. In addition to this flexibility, we offer our clients the ability to securely access their data and run their business from anywhere in the world on nearly any internet-connected device by utilizing the tools and features within Summit Secure Workspace™. 

Should I Move My Business to the Cloud?

The cloud offers numerous benefits you may be unable to utilize currently if you've taken an on-premise approach. When you use a dedicated cloud solution from a cloud hosting provider, you'll experience enhanced remote access that allows you to work from anywhere, technical support, and additional layers of data security. Additionally, a dedicated private cloud or multi-cloud approach enables you to integrate more 3rd-party applications into your software to give it a significant boost in functionality.

If you'd like to learn more about how moving to the cloud can help your business, contact one of our knowledgable cloud hosting specialists today: 888-244-6559.