Hybrid cloud is a popular IT strategy that combines the benefits of public and private cloud environments. However, it also comes with some challenges that can affect performance, security, cost, and governance. In this article, you will learn about some of the common hybrid cloud challenges and how to overcome them with best practices and tools.
One of the main challenges of hybrid cloud is managing the network connectivity and performance between the different cloud platforms and on-premises systems. Network complexity can cause latency, bandwidth issues, data loss, and security risks. To overcome this challenge, you need to design a robust network architecture that ensures high availability, scalability, and security. You also need to use tools and services that can monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot the network performance and health across the hybrid cloud.
SDWAN with SSE will help here. In addition a full review of the AS-Is Network architecture to plan a gradual transformation toward a right-sized robust architecture. To help reduce costs and build efficiency, virtualising as many network functions is needed as well.
One of the most important themes across all cloud migration challenges has been hardening the LAN/WAN topology. A disparate workforce (or hybrid in today's day/age) welcomes cloud-first with open arms, but an on prem employee base, accustomed to on-prem performance will be disappointed if the move to the cloud doesn't put performance above redundancy.
Another challenge of hybrid cloud is integrating and synchronizing the data from various sources and locations. Data integration can affect the quality, consistency, and accessibility of the data for analytics, reporting, and decision making. To overcome this challenge, you need to implement a data governance framework that defines the roles, policies, and standards for data management across the hybrid cloud. You also need to use tools and services that can enable data migration, transformation, and orchestration across the hybrid cloud.
A third challenge of hybrid cloud is ensuring the security and compliance of the data and applications across the different cloud platforms and on-premises systems. Security and compliance can be compromised by cyberattacks, human errors, or regulatory changes. To overcome this challenge, you need to adopt a unified security strategy that covers the identity, access, encryption, backup, and audit of the data and applications across the hybrid cloud. You also need to use tools and services that can help you comply with the relevant laws and regulations for data protection and privacy across the hybrid cloud.
A fourth challenge of hybrid cloud is optimizing the cost and efficiency of the resources and services across the different cloud platforms and on-premises systems. Cost optimization can be difficult due to the variability, unpredictability, and complexity of the hybrid cloud usage and billing. To overcome this challenge, you need to establish a clear budget and allocation model that aligns with your business goals and priorities. You also need to use tools and services that can help you monitor, analyze, and optimize the cost and performance of the resources and services across the hybrid cloud.
A fifth challenge of hybrid cloud is bridging the skills gap and ensuring the collaboration and coordination of the IT teams across the different cloud platforms and on-premises systems. Skills gap can affect the quality, speed, and innovation of the hybrid cloud projects and operations. To overcome this challenge, you need to invest in training and development programs that can enhance the skills and competencies of your IT staff in hybrid cloud technologies and practices. You also need to use tools and services that can facilitate the communication, collaboration, and automation of the IT processes across the hybrid cloud.
A sixth challenge of hybrid cloud is avoiding the vendor lock-in and ensuring the flexibility and portability of the data and applications across the different cloud platforms and on-premises systems. Vendor lock-in can limit your options, control, and agility in the hybrid cloud environment. To overcome this challenge, you need to adopt a multi-cloud strategy that can leverage the best features and services from different cloud providers. You also need to use tools and services that can support the interoperability, integration, and migration of the data and applications across the hybrid cloud.