Hybrid Cloud
A computing environment that combines on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services, allowing data and applications to move between private and public environments.
In-Depth Explanation
Hybrid cloud combines on-premises (or private cloud) infrastructure with public cloud services, connected through networking that allows data and workloads to move between them. It provides flexibility to run each workload in the most appropriate environment.
Hybrid cloud architectures:
- Cloud bursting: Running normally on-premises, spilling to cloud during peak demand
- Tiered: Different workloads in different environments based on requirements
- Distributed: Components of the same application across on-premises and cloud
- DR/backup: Primary on-premises with cloud-based disaster recovery
When hybrid cloud makes sense:
- Regulatory requirements keeping some data on-premises
- Legacy applications that cannot easily migrate to cloud
- Low-latency requirements for certain workloads
- Gradual cloud migration strategy
- Cost optimisation (some workloads cheaper on-premises at scale)
- Data sovereignty requirements
Hybrid cloud challenges:
- Network connectivity between environments
- Consistent security policies across environments
- Data synchronisation and consistency
- Increased operational complexity
- Skill requirements for both environments
- Cost management across platforms
Hybrid cloud technologies:
- AWS Outposts: AWS infrastructure on-premises
- Azure Arc: Manage on-premises and cloud from Azure
- Google Anthos: Hybrid and multi-cloud Kubernetes platform
- VMware Cloud: Extend VMware environments to cloud
- VPN/Direct Connect: Secure networking between environments
Australian hybrid cloud considerations:
- NBN and dedicated links for connectivity
- Data sovereignty for sensitive workloads kept on-premises
- Latency between on-premises and cloud for distributed applications
- Cost comparison of on-premises vs. cloud for stable workloads
Business Context
Hybrid cloud allows businesses to keep sensitive data on-premises while leveraging cloud scalability and innovation, providing a practical migration path that does not require an all-or-nothing cloud decision.
How Clever Ops Uses This
Clever Ops designs hybrid cloud architectures for Australian businesses that balance security, compliance, and performance requirements. We connect on-premises systems with cloud services, implement secure networking, and help businesses determine which workloads belong in which environment based on cost, performance, and regulatory factors.
Example Use Case
"An Australian law firm keeps their document management and client data on-premises for data sensitivity while using Azure for email, collaboration tools, and disaster recovery, achieving cloud benefits without moving sensitive data."