By Dan Mallard, Director of Client Success at IronEdge
When most people think about cloud computing, they imagine a relatively new technology that exploded in the last decade. However, the concept of the cloud has been around for over 30 years.
According to an article from TechTarget, Andy Hertzfeld — one of the creators of the original Apple Mac — may have been the first to publicly use the term “cloud” to describe vast networks connecting users and systems in a 1994 Wired article. The concept took shape in the 1990s, and by 2006, Amazon launched AWS and made scalable cloud services mainstream. Different deployment models emerged throughout the 2010s, but it was COVID-19 that truly accelerated cloud adoption, as businesses scrambled to support remote work and digital operations.
Today, when it comes to IT infrastructure, the terms hybrid cloud and multi-cloud management platform get thrown around a lot — often interchangeably. But they’re actually very different approaches, each with unique benefits and considerations. Understanding these differences is essential for building an effective hybrid cloud strategy or determining if a multi-cloud setup is right for your business.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Hybrid Cloud?
In simple terms, hybrid cloud combines private computing environments — like your on-premises servers or a co-location data center — with public cloud services such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
For example, you might host certain files or software on servers physically located in your office while using cloud-based tools like Office 365 for collaboration and email. These two environments are connected to enable seamless operations.
Why would a business use a hybrid cloud strategy?
- Performance: Some files, like CAD design files or massive video files, don’t work well over the internet. Keeping them local improves speed and usability.
- Security and Control: Having certain servers on premises can reduce exposure to internet-based threats, although cloud providers often have stronger security resources than small internal teams.
- User Preference: Many business leaders prefer the traditional feel of accessing files through a mapped drive on their computer versus navigating SharePoint or web portals.
- Legacy Applications: Older software that can’t run in the cloud often requires a local server. This is common in manufacturing or property management, where gate computers or specialized tools still run on-premises.
What is Multi-Cloud?
Multi-cloud simply means using multiple separate public cloud providers for different services. For example, a business might use Microsoft 365 for email and document collaboration, Google Drive for additional storage, and Salesforce as their CRM.
Why choose a multi-cloud setup?
- Diversification of services to avoid vendor lock-in.
- Leveraging the best features of each platform.
- Supporting various department needs with different solutions.
However, managing a multi-cloud environment without the right tools can quickly become overwhelming, leading to data sprawl, inconsistent security, and user access headaches.
What is a Multi-Cloud Management Platform?
A multi-cloud management platform is a tool designed to simplify the management of multiple cloud services. It provides:
- Centralized dashboards to manage resources and costs.
- Identity and access management across platforms.
- Monitoring and alerting for performance and security.
- Governance and compliance controls.
For example, enterprise-scale tools like VMware Aria, Google Anthos, or IBM Turbonomic are true multi-cloud management platforms. These are typically used by mid-size to large enterprises with complex cloud infrastructures.
For smaller businesses, single sign-on (SSO) solutions like Okta can address some multi-cloud challenges by centralizing user authentication and access permissions across apps. While not full management platforms, SSO tools improve security and streamline administration significantly.
Common Pitfalls of Multi-Cloud Without Proper Management
Many SMBs adopt multiple cloud platforms as they grow. However, without a strategy or management solution in place, they face:
- Data sprawl: Files and data scattered across platforms, making it difficult to locate critical information.
- Security risks: Lack of centralized user management can leave ex-employee accounts active across platforms.
- Operational inefficiencies: Wasting time managing logins, permissions, and configurations for each separate cloud tool.
- Compliance challenges: Difficulty maintaining consistent security policies and compliance documentation.
How to Decide Between Hybrid Cloud and Multi-Cloud
When considering your options, think about:
- Your business structure: New, fully remote businesses often thrive with multi-cloud setups.
- Your infrastructure needs: Older or industry-specific software may require on-premises servers, making hybrid cloud a necessity.
- Performance requirements: If your work involves large design files, video editing, or specialized applications, local servers can improve speed and accessibility.
- Security priorities: While cloud services provide strong security, some leaders prefer the additional control of local environments.
- Disaster recovery: Hybrid cloud often allows for better integrated backups, with data stored both locally and in the cloud for resilience.
Where is Cloud Strategy Heading?
Looking ahead, everything continues moving towards the cloud. However, significant cyberattacks or cost shifts could push some businesses back to on-premises infrastructure for critical systems. According to a Forbes article, a 2022 Uptime Institute survey noted 33% of organizations have permanently moved from public cloud providers to colocation facilities or on-premises data centers.
For now, most SMBs benefit from cloud platforms, but it’s important to plan security, management, and backups appropriately.
How IronEdge Can Help SMBs with Cloud-based Solutions
At IronEdge Group, our job is to understand your unique business goals and design the best IT strategy and cloud services to support them. Whether that means:
- Building a hybrid cloud strategy that combines on-premises servers with cloud solutions for security, performance, and cost balance.
- Simplifying your multi-cloud environment with SSO, centralized management, and governance policies.
- Helping you evaluate whether a multi-cloud management platform is worth the investment for your operations.
We’re here to guide you through the pros, cons, and practical realities of each option — so you can make confident decisions for your team and your future.
If you’d like to learn more, download our e-book “How Managed IT Services Improves Scalability and Flexibility for Growing Businesses.”
Ready to rethink your IT strategy?
Contact IronEdge Group today for a free consultation on building a secure, scalable environment that supports your growth.