Many organizations have built up a substantial collection of on-premise technologies, but with the benefits of cloud computing many companies are ditching this tech and adopting cloud-first IT models.
There are a huge number of benefits from a cloud-based IT model, which we have covered in our blog ‘What is Cloud Computing and How Can My Business Benefit?’, but there’s also advantages of an on-premise IT strategy as well.
As a result, there’s a growing number of organizations that are transitioning to hybrid IT models. In fact, a 2019 report from Flexera found that organizations with a hybrid strategy (combining on-premise technology with public and private cloud services) grew to 58 percent in 2019 - up from 51 percent in 2018.
But what exactly is a hybrid IT model, and is it right for your organization? OT Group answers your questions in this blog.
What is Hybrid IT?
A hybrid IT model, which is also referred to as hybrid cloud, is an IT strategy in which an organization uses both in-house technologies and cloud-based services.
Companies use a mixture of internal and external services - a combination of on-premise technologies, private cloud and public services - to support their operational processes and business outcomes.
Organizations using a hybrid IT model are able to gain the full benefits of cloud computing such as flexibility and scalability, while at the same time retaining full control over certain technologies that they may not want to expose to the cloud.
The best of both worlds
Small and medium-sized businesses will benefit greatly from the use of a hybrid IT model. In fact, the implementation of hybrid IT will give your organization the benefits of on-premise technologies combined with the power and flexibility of cloud-based systems.
Companies can effectively outsource and procure IT resources from a cloud service provider to improve operational efficiencies and cut costs, while at the same time keeping a number of resources in-house for complete control.
Here are some of the top benefits of a hybrid IT model:
Enhanced security: The public cloud can increase the exposure of your company’s private data to hackers and other security issues. You will significantly decrease this exposure through the implementation of a hybrid IT model. Your company will have access to the speed and flexibility of the public cloud, while still being able to employ the high-security measures of the private cloud.
Improved operational efficiencies: Having an agile computing infrastructure made of on-premise technologies, private cloud services and public cloud services means your business has the agility to select the right locations for workloads. This improves your internal efficiencies.
Faster business transitions: Operating in a market that requires an agile business model to meet changing business demand? Hybrid IT is the perfect solution. A mixture of on-premise infrastructure and cloud technology allows your company to increase its speed to market and make faster changes to your business to meet new demand.
Easy scalability: As your business grows and evolves, so does your demand for IT services. A hybrid IT model with access to the cloud gives your company the tools it needs to scale its IT services quickly for new workloads or additional employees.
Business continuity: When a failure or disaster happens within your organization’s IT systems, it’s crucial that your data is still accessible to avoid downtime and ensure your business can continue to operate. Hybrid IT is a key component of a business continuity solution as data can be replicated across multiple locations within your IT infrastructure, from your on-premise hardware to your cloud systems.
How can my company implement a hybrid IT model?
Creating an effective IT strategy is important for the ongoing success of your organization, but many companies are getting it wrong. That’s why it’s important that your Ontario-based business partners with a professional third-party IT expert.
Here at OT Group, for example, we use the latest technologies to provide our clients with a competitive edge. We can work with you to design an improved IT strategy and infrastructure that supports your company's unique business goals.
Want to learn more about hybrid IT and how OT Group can help set you up with an effective and efficient IT strategy? Contact us today. Our team of IT experts would love to answer any questions that you may have.
.png)
