Hybrid cloud and multicloud are often used interchangeably, however, there are several significant key differences. A hybrid cloud network is when a private cloud network connects with a public cloud network in such a way they begin to act as one network. Whereas, multicloud architectures are when two or more public cloud networks connect together and operate as a single unit. If a hybrid cloud network (connecting public and private cloud networks) becomes attached to a second public cloud network, then the network has both hybrid and multicloud characteristics.
Hybrid clouds work to utilize diverse configurations in private networks to secure proprietary data and software while relying on abundant cloud resources to run the day-to-day business.
Multicloud configuration can be used for redundancy measures, or for edge to cloud infrastructure services, by duplicating data at several locations, users can access it with greater speed and reliability. Even if one cloud in a multicloud setup goes down, the others can take on the workload until repairs are completed.
Operationally, multicloud refers to the use of multiple services from connecting public clouds, usually from more than one cloud vendor or provider. For example, interconnecting Google Cloud, with Salesforce, Quickbooks, and MailChimp would be considered a multicloud setup. When enterprises use multicloud they typically will use platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) from more than one cloud provider, like AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Oracle, IBM Cloud, or Alibaba Cloud, to build in redundancy, scalability, and localization of resources into their overall IT infrastructure.
Hybrid clouds are network infrastructure configurations that combine at least one linkage between public and private cloud networks. These configurations are managed using software-defined networking technologies that meld these disparate networks under a single application of control. Users of the hybrid cloud interact with it as if it were one seamlessly unified network.
Hybrid clouds are different from multicloud configurations by always including at least one private network, whereas multicloud combine multiple public cloud services, which themselves may be part of a hybrid cloud.
Hybrid clouds enable organizations to reduce the costly inefficiencies of maintaining their own infrastructure. Additionally, hybrid clouds help companies address scaling concerns, and offer security features.
It is the location of resources in the cloud architecture that differentiates multicloud and hybrid cloud architectures. If a company's interlinked resources are entirely in the cloud, they have deployed a multicloud strategy. If a private network, and a public cloud service or provider are linked, then the company has deployed a hybrid cloud strategy. If the organization deploys both a private cloud, and two or more public cloud services, then it is a hybrid and multicloud.
Strategic choices about multicloud and hybrid architectures should be based on a variety of demands. Scale, compliance, flexibility, technological access, and business goals, are all considerations that determine the effectiveness of a multicloud or hybrid cloud or multi and hybrid cloud strategy.
Multicloud and hybrid cloud architecture have several of the same key benefits.
Public cloud challenges shared by multicloud and hybrid cloud configurations
Multicloud and hybrid cloud rest in large part on public cloud infrastructure, so public cloud challenges will impact both architecture choices. Main public cloud challenges that IT admins should address include:
Multicloud and hybrid cloud implementation challenges
While the public cloud introduces its own challenges, choosing a multicloud or hybrid cloud strategy also introduces new planning and implementation challenges to adoptive architecture.
Determining between implementing a multicloud or hybrid cloud strategy requires considering many factors, but ultimately answering a single question, will the organization be utilizing an on-premise private network as a significant piece of their IT infrastructure? If yes, then implement a hybrid cloud, if not then implement a multicloud. After deciding, follow Gartner’s six steps for IT leaders to build and implement cloud strategies.
There are several top vendors that offer cloud management platforms (CMPs). Multicloud and hybrid cloud are similar in many respects and CMPs can manage cloud environments, services, and resources for both configurations. In addition to deploying a CMP, cloud environment best practices abound. Adopt those that work for the organization understanding that every organization’s IT infrastructure is different.
There are many cloud services to choose from, such as Salesforce, Quicken, or Workday. Enterprise-level cloud providers include AWS, Azure, IBM, or Google. With a plethora of household names, sometimes their offerings can be overwhelming. When choosing which one to go with, for small and medium businesses, cloud offerings can fall into three fundamental cloud categories.