A hybrid cloud audit and optimization service matters to enterprises due to the benefits that cannot be achieved by operating exclusively in the public cloud or in a private cloud. Since enterprise needs and networks vary- below are some common themes:
The ability to use public cloud technologies while retaining legacy systems within a private cloud or on-premises IT infrastructure. The ability to retain sensitive data on a dedicated servers while running front-end applications in the public cloud. Giving you the ability to take advantage of cost efficiency and on-demand scalability. The ability to cut spending while lining up cost patterns to revenue and demand patterns. The ability to move from an exclusively CapEx model to a mixed CapEx/OpEx model.
When designing a hybrid cloud environment API compatibility and network connectivity are more important than ever because workloads are distributed across public and private clouds, and have to be able to access and interact with each other.
A further issue is that a hybrid cloud environment has more attack surfaces compared to the exclusive use of a public or private cloud. Cloud security in a hybrid environment needs a holistic approach that takes into account both internal and external infrastructures and views them as a single ecosystem.
Smaller businesses are adopting the cloud too. They are able to do this now due to a number of tools being made available by Cloud Service Providers that seamlessly create an agile, flexible and secure environment with the same benefits as enjoyed by large enterprises.
A great example would be a small e-Commerce business that experiences seasonal spikes in demand. The business could scale it's private cloud or on-premises IT infrastructure for the normal level of demand, and burst to the public cloud when demand spikes. This provides enormous flexibility and scalability.
This hybrid cloud use case shows you a more cost-effective way of operating than scaling a private cloud or on-premises IT infrastructure to always accommodate peak requirements and it gives businesses with highly-variable workloads a commercial advantage allowing them to compete with larger companies.
Once companies have migrated to a hybrid cloud environment, it becomes important to understand that you don't necessarily have more services to manage. They are just divided between different infrastructures. Consequently, it can be harder to keep track of them and ensure they are optimized for cost and performance.
This is why having a periodic health check of your cloud environment becomes essential to keep the pulse on all moving pieces. Â
If you want to learn more about how to optimize your existing cloud services with a Cloud Health Check , or are considering new cloud services, let's schedule a meeting to discuss. I look forward to hearing from you.
Andre Corr
Waggle Solutions
andre@wagglesolutions.com
206-225-5915