A guide to cloud/hybrid IT solutions

In simple terms a cloud/hybrid IT system involves a combination of on site computer systems, private and public cloud systems. The reason why you may want to consider this kind of solution is because it can allow for a greater flexibility.

For example, if you have something more sensitive that you want protecting then you may choose to use an on site system. By contrast third party providers can be used for less sensitive uses such as development workloads. In a lot of cases you can pick and choose- there is no “right” or “wrong” as such which is why it makes sense to work with a provider who can give you the right system for your particular needs.

Demand

Another reason you may want to use a hybrid setup is practical. You may have resources available to deal with a projected workload using a private server or a cloud system. Most of the time this will be adequate for you.

But sometimes spikes in demand can occur at unpredictable times. For example, if you were a phone company and you were in an area where flooding occurred the chances are you would be getting a lot more calls. If you were in an insurer in that area, then you would have to process a lot more claims. Having an additional resource can provide a suitable backup in these situations, giving you more of an ability to cope with an unexpected increase in demand.

The right option

How the hybrid system works depends on the type of business you’ve got- a larger amount of sensitive data means you may not necessarily want to go with a public cloud system, while a company that uses less or doesn’t use any sensitive data may be better off using more public cloud systems because it is more cost effective and involves less risk.

With a hybrid system you can have more control- you can have an on site server that allows you to decide how much people can access. For example, you may choose to keep sensitive information on customers in a private server but you may want people in a store that you run to have access to information on the products you sell in those stores.

Another reason why this is worth considering is additional protection- if you want to manage a number of systems remotely then you have something that can provide access. So for example if you had a four or five offices in a call center there would be somewhere to go in the event of a server going down.

We can help

At Digi Toolbox we believe in helping people look at the options available to them. What we can do is look at the setup of your business and gauge what type of system is most appropriate for you.

Contact us today and we will be happy to show you a range of options and help you get the most effective IT solution for your business.