Hybrid Cloud is fast becoming the data architecture of choice. Hybrid Clouds incorporate a mix of on-premises, colocation, Public Cloud, and Private Cloud resources. Using orchestration software and networking, a flexible, optimized architecture can be built.
Characteristics of Public and Private Clouds
Public Cloud services such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud offer flexibility and scalability with minimal capital expenses. Services can be brought online in minutes via self-service portals. A wide variety of processing and storage options are available. However, Public Cloud services employ a Shared Responsibility model requiring knowledge of complex and changing environments to assure adequate security. Pricing models are difficult to understand and costs can increase unexpectedly due to egress fees. Latency can also be a problem with Public Clouds as can ensuring compliance requirements are met.
Private Cloud is typically more expensive than Public Cloud but it offers better security, lower latency, and better compliance assurance. The cost of Private Cloud services is usually more transparent than Public Cloud services.
Colocation Characteristics
Colocation data centers are often selected to provide low latency services. Security and compliance are better with colocation than Public Clouds. Though capital expenses are higher than Public or Private Clouds, colocation may not require much capital expense if the IT systems to be used have already been purchased. Customized solutions, ongoing support, and predictable pricing are features of colocation. The ability to add or delete services immediately and self-service functions are not generally available with colocation.
On Premises Characteristics
On Premises solutions are sometimes preferred. Systems installed onsite are well understood and have been proven over time. Infrastructure may have already been paid for and adequate space may be available. Applications that are unique often perform best on premises and latency can be minimized. However, availability may be jeopardized due to lower levels of redundancy. On Premise solutions are not an option when organizations close their offices to Work From Home.
Types of Workloads
There are many different types of workloads. Each workload may require different infrastructure features for optimal performance. Listed below are several common workload types and the infrastructure best suited to meet specific requirements.
Websites
Websites benefit from the elasticity and scalability of Public Cloud solutions. In almost all cases the Public Cloud is the best choice for hosting websites. Exceptions would be for websites that require extremely low latency, that have strict compliance demands, or that require large data outbound transfers where egress fees can become exorbitant.
Financial Trading Applications
Private Cloud or Colocation services are usually preferred to provide low latency, high security, and high compliance solutions.
SaaS Applications
Public Cloud services are usually the best choice for SaaS due to their low entry costs, scalability, and flexibility. In some cases, Private Cloud services are used to provide enhanced security and compliance.
Workloads with Big Data Transfer Requirements
Applications that transfer large amounts of data from a database and applications transmitting large outbound video files can quickly become extremely expensive if hosted on the Public Cloud. This is because Public Cloud providers charge egress fees for outbound data transfers. Organizations are repatriating these workloads to colocation facilities to save money.
Offsite Data Backup and Restoral
Offsite data backup is essential to protect against ransomware and other cyber breaches. Though the Public Cloud provides a low cost option for storing data backups and for long term data archival, the egress cost of downloading this data for tests or data restoral can become excessive. In these cases, offsite data backup is best done at a colocation facility.
Each workload has different requirements for optimal performance. The flexibility of the Hybrid Cloud architecture makes it possible to host each application on the most appropriate infrastructure. Please contact CAPS to discuss your Hybrid Cloud colocation and Private Cloud service requirements.
