Seemingly same but apparently different somewhat, both cloud environments make us think what’s the difference between, Multi-Cloud Vs Hybrid Cloud?
Multi-Cloud Vs Hybrid Cloud
With terms like multi-cloud and hybrid cloud becoming the norm in enterprises, there are doubts regarding the relationship between them. Is it the same or are they different? Are they closely related? Which of the two is better? So, Multi-Cloud Vs Hybrid Cloud? Here, we have a look at this aspect. When enterprises mix and match cloud services from different providers to meet their specific workload requirements, then it is a multi-cloud module. Here, the cloud services are not connected to one another. On the other hand, the Hybrid cloud is a mix of on-premises cloud which is a private and third-party cloud, which is public and there is orchestration between these two. Of the two, the hybrid cloud refers to the underlying technology portfolio, whereas Multi-Cloud refers to the overarching mode of implementation and cloud management.
Multi-Cloud Is Multi-Vendor Inherently
Hybrid cloud, with its mix of private and public cloud environments, helps the IT experts in an enterprise to move workloads to the best possible environments at the right times. This helps them to manage their sensitive data depending on their specific business and technology needs. In simpler terms, any data or service, which is in the public cloud and integrates or communicates with data systems from other clouds that are not part of it, is hybrid. Here, other clouds don’t necessarily imply only the public or private model, but also the systems external to the cloud apps or the legacy systems. multi-cloud is more of a strategy and is inherently multi-vendor, wherein, the apps and data run on multiple different public cloud environments so as to avoid lock-in to a single cloud vendor.
Why One Must Prefer Multi-Cloud over Hybrid Cloud?
Some specific workload or application requirements, both technically and commercially, are met by using the multi-cloud strategy in an enterprise. This is necessary because not every department or application will have the same requirements. The performance, privacy, security, and geographic reach for every workload vary. With cloud computing becoming more mature and mainstream, it becomes necessary to use multiple cloud providers that meet various application and data needs. So, while determining Multi-Cloud vs Hybrid Cloud for your firm, you can look into the following aspects.
- Some business units will require a separate cloud provider for a particular project and then the IT will merge it into an overall cloud plan.
- Some projects may require geographic benefits and hence opt for multiple providers like to address app latency concerns.
- Issues may arise regarding vendor lock-in concerns and cloud provider outages and IT leaders need to think of some alternatives like the use of multi-cloud.
- When there are single points of failure and downtime, or when the IT department wants to consume unique innovations from several cloud providers, then the multi-cloud environment is really beneficial.
- The multi-cloud strategy offers greater flexibility and agility for the enterprises, thus helping them to adapt to the ever-evolving advancements in technology.
- When enterprises adopt a multi-cloud strategy, it helps them to change it with the changing business needs.
- This is also an IT-forward strategy. With multi-cloud technology, the enterprises are less locked down and thus can grow with the rapidly changing developments.
- Multi-Cloud offers more options and flexibility and enterprises can grow with the cloud as in a good business case.
Some of the Challenges Faced with Multi-Cloud Environments
Any change requires that enterprises face hurdles and Multi-Cloud is no different. It is almost impossible to take full advantage of multi-cloud without proper planning. The enterprises need to take a cautious approach when they make the initial migration from the traditional data center on-premise to multiple cloud environments. Also, the trick lies in choosing the right vendor. The enterprises need to thoroughly understand potential platforms in terms of differences in pricing, security, and compliance and then be precise in their vendor selection lest they risk the threats of data breaches in a multi-cloud environment. But with the right vendor and proper planning and strategy, enterprises can avail the Multi-Cloud benefits. Along with appropriate CASB solutions in place for cloud security, one can reap the rich benefits of a multi-cloud environment.