May 20, 2022
Why hybrid computing is ideal for CIOs
When it comes to cloud strategy, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are increasingly opting for a hybrid model, especially for large organisations that deal with highly sensitive data. These executives, who are in charge of the management, deployment and operation of information and computing technologies, have discovered that a hybrid solution gives businesses the advantages of both public and private cloud environments.
CIOs have had to respond quickly to lockdowns and other disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in recent years. Many of them have focused on addressing challenges, such as remote working teams and supply chain disruptions. A hybrid computing solution provides diversified connectivity by keeping certain data on the company's own network while transferring other data to a public cloud.
Enterprise connectivity is increasingly required to analyse large data sets and cloud infrastructure implementation allows businesses to gain a competitive advantage through data-driven decision making and automated process analysis. The cloud improves efficiency and allows for more innovation. CIOs are developing innovative strategies to take use of cloud computing's benefits and the hybrid model is one of them.
What is hybrid computing and how does it work?
Companies used to have to store all of their data on on-site servers before the cloud became so popular. The infrastructure required to process a company's data was typically quite costly. When the cloud was introduced, companies were able to start making use of third-party data centres. Since they reduce costs and are easy to implement, public clouds have become a preferred option for CIOs.
A hybrid model combines an on-premises data centre (a private cloud) with a public cloud service, such as Microsoft Azure. To create a hybrid model, or "multi-cloud," data is transferred between private and public clouds. As part of their cloud solutions geared for large organisations, SEACOM Business offers Kenyan enterprises access to the Microsoft Azure platform.
Hybrid computing scalability
Scalability is the first major benefit of the hybrid model. Businesses that need to use on-site servers are able to benefit from burstable capacity thanks to hybrid computing. Cloud services allow businesses to meet demand spikes and increased capacity that on-premise servers can't handle.
Financial organisations, for example, encounter short-term demand spikes during tax season and their applications and servers must be able to accommodate this. In the same way, the retail industry must be able to meet peak consumer demand. With the public cloud handling demand overflows, the hybrid approach is an ideal option for temporary spikes in demand.
A hybrid cloud saves money
Reduction of costs is the next key benefit of hybrid computing. There is no need to waste resources on the in-house cloud once a company has invested in scalable virtual architecture. Companies can scale down their IT departments by using SEACOM Business’s fully managed cloud services.
CIOs must consider cloud economics and weigh the costs of on-premise cloud solutions, as well as the expected lifespan of required hardware and software. Increasing server resource capacity is costly, but virtual public clouds provide a cost-effective alternative.
Dealing with complexities of a hybrid model
The hybrid model is a more complex IT ecosystem, which is one of the challenges that CIOs face. With hybrid computing, troubleshooting, architectural complexity and security complexity are all systemic. When transferring workloads to the cloud, caution is advised, and automation is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of human error. Since clouds aren't designed to be managed manually, CIOs should incorporate automated technology into their cloud migration strategies whenever possible.
There are several environments to monitor and maintain, so a hybrid model provides less visibility. If an institution's public and private clouds are not well integrated, critical issues may be overlooked. Architects must ensure that the private cloud and the public cloud are compatible. Microsoft Azure's Stack service allows businesses to apply Azure features to on-premises systems. In essence, this extends the cloud experience to a private cloud, reducing a lot of the complexity that is inherent with a hybrid system.
Hybrid computing provides a higher level of security
Certain sectors that deal with highly sensitive data, such as finance, governance and healthcare, benefit from a hybrid cloud. Private servers can be used to store sensitive information, while the public cloud can be used to store less sensitive material. Hybrid computing is a flexible alternative that allows businesses to meet industry compliance and privacy needs while still maintaining complete control over their data.
A hybrid model can limit data exposure by allowing CIOs to choose where their most sensitive data is stored. Public clouds provide security protections that are comparable to, if not better than, on-premise servers. Together with its cloud services, SEACOM Business provides industry-leading cybersecurity, offering Kenyan businesses access advanced security.
Why CIOs opt for a hybrid cloud solution
A hybrid model improves performance, cost and efficiency while accelerating cloud migration. Microsoft Azure offers a holistic approach to cloud computing by seamlessly integrating with existing systems. CIOs interested in a multi-cloud environment should seek out partners that can manage hybrid architecture.
SEACOM Business assists companies to adopt cloud computing by minimising the complexity of integration and maintenance. A hybrid approach may be the best option for businesses that require a close link between their data, users and digital services, especially if they want to keep a private cloud alongside an affordable and scalable public cloud. For more information or to get a quote for our cloud solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.
SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.
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