Hybrid Cloud Computing: Why the Middle Ground Means Business

Grazed from Midsize Insider.  Author: Doug Bonderud.

By 2017, over half of large enterprises will use some form of hybrid cloud computing, according to research firm Gartner. This cloud "middle ground" has become a major factor in IT discussions over the last few years as a viable alternative to purely public or entirely private options; but does walking the line really offer benefits to midsize businesses?

The Debate Is Over

A May 27 article from VentureBeat predicts a speedy end to the public vs. private debate thanks to the development of robust hybrid alternatives. Writer Sharon Wagner makes the case for security and workload: By keeping sensitive data behind firewalled private servers, companies do not risk accidental exposure, and by utilizing public resources for peak loads, businesses maximize workload capacity without breaking the bank…


Finding the middle ground seems simple enough, but midsize IT professionals know that the reality is often much more complex. For example, how does a company decide which applications should be deployed to a public cloud and which need to stay behind closed doors? How will users access resources, and how will this use be measured? One advantage to a purely public or totally private system is the lack of any cloud-to-cloud transition points, which can be hard to monitor and even harder to regulate. Of course, cost must also be a part of the hybrid discussion. Midsize companies are often drawn to public clouds thanks to their lower cost footprint — at least up front. What kind of premium comes with going hybrid?…

Read more from the source @ http://midsizeinsider.com/en-us/article/hybrid-cloud-computing-why-the-middle-g