Hybrid Cloud vs. Multi-Cloud: Advantages and Disadvantages

The terms “hybrid cloud” and “multi-cloud” are often used interchangeably but are different models. A hybrid cloud can incorporate a multi-cloud environment, but the multi-cloud may lack a key element of the hybrid cloud architecture. Let’s examine the two models and their advantages and disadvantages.

Before we dive in, it’s important to have a working definition of “cloud.” A cloud consists of IT resources that users can provision and release on demand with minimal interaction with the service provider. The resources can be accessed from anywhere and scaled as needed. A public cloud is a multitenant environment used by multiple customers, while a private cloud is used by one organization.

What Is Hybrid Cloud?

Many organizations adopted public cloud services to gain the cost advantages and near-infinite scalability they provide. However, the public cloud isn’t suitable for all workloads. For example, compliance requirements may dictate where certain data must be stored. In some cases, legacy applications will only run on certain platforms or operating systems that public cloud providers don’t support.

The hybrid cloud model resolves these issues by combining the shared resources of one or more public cloud services with a private cloud platform. Although the two infrastructures operate independently, they’re managed as a single entity. Most importantly, the two environments can securely communicate so data and applications can move between them.

What Is Multi-Cloud?

A multi-cloud environment combines two or more public clouds but doesn’t necessarily include private cloud infrastructure. The organization may still run some workloads on-premises or in a colocation data center but not in a private cloud. In this model, the on-premises environment is managed separately and does not integrate with the public cloud services.

According to the Flexera 2023 State of the Cloud Report, 87 percent of organizations have implemented a multi-cloud strategy. This includes the 72 percent that have adopted a hybrid cloud as well as 13 percent that use multiple public clouds, and 2 percent that use multiple private clouds.

Hybrid Cloud Advantages and Disadvantages

With hybrid cloud, you can choose the right environment for each workload based on business, compliance, and technical requirements. In particular, hybrid cloud enables you to keep your most sensitive applications and data in private infrastructure for maximum security and control. Because the infrastructure is not shared, the private cloud can also provide lower-latency access to mission-critical applications and data.

Performance and scalability are important considerations when placing workloads. Organizations may choose a private cloud for steady workloads and a public cloud for less-predictable workloads. Cloud bursting makes it possible to shift traffic automatically from a private to a public cloud to handle spikes in demand.

The primary challenges associated with hybrid cloud are the cost and complexity of implementing a private cloud and integrating it with a public cloud environment. The in-house IT team is responsible for deploying new equipment to scale capacity and monitoring and securing the private cloud environment. Maintaining visibility across the hybrid cloud and managing its inherent complexity can be difficult.

Multi-Cloud Benefits and Challenges

The multi-cloud model is popular because it provides choice and flexibility. You can match certain workloads to specific cloud platforms based on cost, performance, and other criteria. Workloads can be moved between clouds as business needs dictate. Also, there is no single point of failure for the entire environment.

However, a multi-cloud strategy also presents some unique management challenges. Organizations must dedicate time and resources toward learning and managing the cloud platforms they use. Furthermore, traditional siloed IT operations are not conducive to effective cloud management. A multi-cloud strategy demands a cross-functional team capable of monitoring, optimizing, and securing multiple platforms and tiers across hundreds of applications.

Make Enconnex Part of Your Cloud Strategy

Data centers play an essential role in cloud computing. They make public and private clouds possible. Whatever cloud strategy you choose, you need a solid data center infrastructure to support your on-premises IT equipment. Enconnex offers an array of solutions, including enterprise-class racks and cabinets that maximize flexibility and scalability. The Enconnex InfiniRack data center cabinet is highly customizable and configured to meet your needs. Contact our specialists to learn more.