Hybrid Cloud vs Multi-Cloud: Know Which Is Ideal for Your Business

Global cloud adoption rate has been expanding rapidly especially in the past few years since it distinctively provides more security than local servers and eliminates the need to worry about losing your crucial data in case of an unpredictable disaster.

However, rapid growth of cloud technologies is particularly confusing to businesses new to cloud adoption, and they sometimes go wrong while choosing the right cloud model. Since there is no single best cloud computing model, enterprises need to understand their requirements before opting for one because as the technologies change, they continuously try to adopt the right cloud to achieve their business goals over time.

Apart from maintaining data on only a private or a public cloud server, the other two cloud models — hybrid cloud and multi-cloud — offer flexibility, ease to deploy tailored infrastructures and provide the benefits of both private cloud and public cloud. However, both these architectures have a distinct definition and purpose.

As per Gartner, over 85% of enterprises are going to shift to a cloud-first strategy before 2025 and without the use of cloud-native technologies and architecture, it is impossible to execute their digital strategies.

According to Statista, hybrid cloud’s market share ($52 million dollars in 2020) will reach $145 billion dollars in 2026, which is almost a 200% increase. It is also estimated that Asia Pacific region will see the highest growth rate.

Fig 1- Hybrid cloud market size worldwide in 2020 and 2026 (expected)

What is Difference Between Hybrid Cloud And Multi-Cloud?

The main difference between a hybrid cloud and a multi-cloud is that a hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds, whereas a multi-cloud uses multiple public clouds from different providers.

Read on further to learn more about both hybrid and multi-cloud architecture in detail:

What is Hybrid Cloud?

A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that combines the use of public and private clouds. It allows organizations to leverage the benefits of both public and private clouds, such as the scalability of the public cloud and the security of the private cloud.

What is Multi Cloud?

Multi-cloud means using multiple public clouds from different providers. It helps avoid vendor lock-in and enables organizations to leverage unique features and pricing models of different providers.

This approach is widespread since it enables users to carry on with their private cloud servers while also taking advantage of public cloud options.

Enterprises deploy workloads in private environments and public clouds allowing them to switch between them as their computing needs and costs change, enabling flexibility.

Switching to hybrid cloud computing enables organizations to scale computing resources, saves the need to invest huge capital in purchasing additional resources and provides the organization an opportunity to multiply their cloud computing capacity.

Fig.2- Hybrid Cloud Basic Structure

5 Reasons why Businesses Should Switch to a Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud hosting offers the benefits of both private and public clouds to enterprises while taking advantage of the existing infrastructure. By choosing the right combination of private and public cloud for your tasks at hand, you can eliminate the disadvantages associated with using either public or private cloud public or private cloud exclusively.

Hybrid cloud benefits organizations in many ways. Let’s look at the major ones:

1. Cost Management: Shifting to a hybrid cloud model eliminates the need to purchase your own data center equipment. Organizations with hybrid cloud technology can save huge capital costs by only paying for the cloud services and resources they use.
2. Business continuity: By putting in place a hybrid cloud architecture, the downtime for maintenance or repair can be significantly lowered as a hybrid cloud set-up typically comprises multiple servers which are often located in physically separate data centers. So, in case of failure of one server, business operations will continue to function due to the availability of backup servers. Furthermore, as hybrid clouds are highly scalable, in case there is a surge in the number of users, they can be scaled instantly to meet the requirements.
3. Security: A hybrid cloud provides consistent security by storing sensitive information in a private environment and non-sensitive information in a public cloud environment. Thus, organizations can comply with various data privacy rules and regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. Also, the risk of private and confidential information getting exposed in security breaches —which are, unfortunately all too common these days — is eliminated.
4. Scalability: A hybrid cloud set-up enables better resource allocation and control to businesses. The storage, RAM, CPU and GPU resources are all scalable just like on a public cloud and can cater to more demand when needed.
5. Reliability: Since the data is securely stored across multiple data centers, it is less prone to data failure or any security breach, as data is encrypted, and IDS is used with multiple security layers. Even if one of the servers fails, you would not lose the data and its copy will be available on other available servers. This is helpful especially when you are using a third-party backup service as you will not be able to retrieve the data instantaneously. Moreover, the data centers are kept physically secure as well.

Hence, hybrid cloud is ideal for those organizations that want to avoid the cost of setting up a private cloud infrastructure and reduce their dependence on it. By adding public cloud to your private setup, you can expand your computing capacity and leverage speed and security of private cloud, combined with the scalability of public cloud.

Why Multi-Cloud is Important for your Business?

The one major difference which makes multi-cloud distinct from hybrid cloud is that it consists of two or more clouds (either public or private cloud) from different cloud vendors to perform a distinct pre-defined task, unlike a hybrid cloud where at least one private and one public cloud works in unison to perform the same job.

Additionally, we primarily use hybrid cloud to store diverse types of data, however, we use different cloud models in multi-cloud, for a specific task.

For example, if a cloud provider has the best GPU performance, we subscribe to that provider’s GPU service and likewise other services from another provider and assemble our multi-cloud server.

A multi-cloud solution refers to the combination of Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) model. You can also convert your hybrid cloud to a multi-cloud if more than one public cloud model is combined along with private cloud resources.

Multi-cloud offers different cloud services from more than one provider; for instance, Cloud A for enterprise databases and Cloud B for application workloads.

Fig.3- Multi-Cloud Basic Structure

De-mystifying how Multi-cloud Approach can Boost your Business Strategy?

A multi-cloud approach presents enterprises with a wide range of benefits, from choice of options when it comes to selecting vendors, flexibility, and more technical benefits, as well as other benefits including:

• Avoid vendor-lock in: Instead of relying on one vendor for all software requirements, a multi-cloud approach enables businesses to deploy multiple specialist services to avoid being locked into one vendor or service provider.
• Security and risk reduction: Since multi-cloud solution is a combination of more than one service, if one of your cloud providers has a temporary failure, you can temporarily switch to another setup and pay as per use or you can choose to permanently shift to a new cloud provider if the existing cloud service does not meet your expectations.
• Scalability: A multi-cloud setup offers almost unlimited scalability as there is always an option to increase or decrease the number of cloud servers depending on the number of visitors you’re getting on your website. As workload on your servers increases, you can simply opt for more servers to balance the workload instead of over-burdening the existing servers.
• Business Agility: A multi-cloud approach empowers organizations to easily resize their compute and other resources according to their unique requirements, along with letting them manage everything remotely. For example, if you are unable to keep up with the growing resource demands of your company in-house, some of the tasks can be outsourced to other cloud providers and if there are too many tasks outsourced, you can simply cancel some of the services and transfer those tasks on-premises.

Multi-cloud is particularly beneficial for those organizations that want to distribute computing workloads, minimize the risk of data loss, want to avoid vendor lock-in, want to replicate and split their workloads and have their offices across multiple locations.

Can Hybrid Cloud Also be A Multi Cloud?

Yes, a hybrid cloud can also be a multi-cloud environment. For example, an organization may use a mix of private and public clouds from multiple cloud providers, creating a hybrid multi-cloud environment.

This approach allows organizations to take advantage of the benefits of both hybrid and multi-cloud environments, such as increased flexibility and reduced vendor lock-in.

What are the Factors While Choosing A Cloud Model?

When choosing a cloud model, there are several factors to consider, including:

1. Workload requirements: Different cloud models may be better suited for specific types of workloads, so it’s important to understand your requirements before making a choice.
2. Security and compliance: Depending on your industry or geographic location, there may be specific security and compliance requirements that need to be met.
3. Cost: Different cloud models have different pricing structures, so it’s important to consider the cost implications of each option.
4. Scalability: Depending on your business needs, you may require a cloud model that can easily scale up or down to meet changing demands.
5. Management and support: Different cloud models may offer varying levels of management and support, so it’s important to understand the level of involvement your organization requires.

By considering these factors, organizations can make an informed decision when choosing a cloud model that best meets their specific needs.

Hybrid Cloud vs Multi Cloud – Which One Should You Go For?

When choosing between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud, the decision ultimately depends on your organization’s specific needs and goals.

A hybrid cloud can be ideal for organizations that require the security of a private cloud for sensitive workloads while also leveraging the scalability and cost-effectiveness of the public cloud for other workloads. On the other hand, a multi-cloud approach may be better for organizations that prioritize flexibility and want to avoid vendor lock-in. By using multiple cloud providers, organizations can take advantage of the unique features and pricing models offered by each provider.

Ultimately, the choice between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud depends on factors such as workload requirements, security and compliance needs, and cost considerations. A cloud expert can help assess your organization’s needs and guide you towards the right choice.

Fig no.4- Hybrid Cloud vs Multi-Cloud

How Ace Cloud Can Help You?

Ace Cloud is a cloud services provider that offers a range of cloud solutions, including cloud hosting, storage, and cloud GPU server. By leveraging Ace Cloud’s expertise, organizations can achieve improved scalability, security, and reliability for their IT infrastructure.

Additionally, Ace Cloud’s team of cloud experts can provide personalized support and guidance to help businesses navigate the complexities of cloud computing.

If you’re looking to enhance your organization’s IT capabilities, consider partnering with Ace Cloud to unlock the full potential of cloud technology. Contact us today!

FAQs – Hybrid Cloud Vs. Multi Cloud

What is a hybrid cloud?

A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that combines the use of private and public clouds.

What is a multi-cloud environment?

A multi-cloud environment involves using multiple public cloud platforms from different providers.

What are the benefits of a hybrid cloud?

A hybrid cloud offers the security of a private cloud and the scalability and cost-effectiveness of the public cloud.

What are the benefits of a multi-cloud environment?

A multi-cloud environment offers flexibility and the ability to avoid vendor lock-in.

Which is more expensive, a hybrid cloud or a multi-cloud environment?

The cost depends on the specific circumstances and requirements of each organization.

Can a hybrid cloud also be a multi-cloud environment?

Yes, a hybrid cloud can incorporate multiple public clouds from different providers.

What are the security considerations when choosing between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud?

A hybrid cloud can offer greater security for sensitive workloads, while a multi-cloud approach may require additional security measures.

What are the management considerations when choosing between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud?

A hybrid cloud may require more management and support, while a multi-cloud approach may require greater coordination and integration.

Which is better for scalability, a hybrid cloud or a multi-cloud environment?

Both hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments can offer scalability, depending on the specific requirements of the organization.

What role do workload requirements play in choosing between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud?

Workload requirements are a key factor in determining which cloud model is best for an organization’s specific needs.t can help assess your organization’s needs and guide you towards the right choice.