8 mins read
The world is moving to the cloud. While experts expect the future of data storage and communications to be running solely via the Internet sooner than later, it is hard to track this transition.
Why? Many businesses end up taking a hybrid route to reach the cloud.
The popularity of cloud-based solutions is evident in the pandemic-fueled transition to work from home. As businesses moved to remote set-ups, organising a centralised on-premise server became increasingly complicated. To ease the process, companies began turning to different cloud features.
What is a hybrid cloud system?
As is with new technologies, many legacy businesses are wary of the practicality of cloud services. While some would argue over issues related to its security and management, the real concern stems from shifting the status quo. This has led to the birth of hybrid cloud systems.
A hybrid infrastructure comprises the best of both worlds—offering a blend of on-premise and cloud-based solutions. Businesses that hope to enjoy the benefits of a robust cloud network can shift a large portion of their operations to the cloud while retaining essential features on their on-premise systems.
Myths and rumours about hybrid cloud communications
Cloud services are a new concept and, thus, attract several misconceptions about their workings. Let us understand these concerns and debunk them.
Myth #1: Big businesses cannot sustain a hybrid model
Due to the expansive reach of big legacy companies, many shy away from making a complete move to the cloud. They believe that the transition will be too costly to justify the benefits.
However, when viewed in the long term, cloud infrastructure has proven to be much more cost-efficient to businesses worldwide.
This is thanks to the simplicity of cloud server management. Since cloud service providers set up their servers worldwide, businesses do not need to invest in costly data centres for storage and communications. Forgoing costs related to set-ups and maintenance, businesses can use these savings to power other operations within their company.
Myth #2: Businesses lose control over the cloud
Another big misconception when it comes to hybrid communication systems is that businesses fear losing control over their operations. Even after moving to a server set up by cloud providers, companies have complete control over the access and distribution of their data and features.
Businesses on the cloud can define role-based access to provide data only to those who need it via authorised devices. While some can choose to use only company offered devices, the most significant benefit of cloud services is that employees can access information on the go, using any device.
It is this mobility and flexibility that has helped cloud communications quickly saturate the business landscape in the remote working environment.
Myth #3: Hybrid cloud lacks strict security
In the era of data breaches and hacks, businesses have become highly conscious of their digital security. Handing over sensitive company data to third-party servers may be a point of contention for many companies. However, this should not be the case with cloud communications solutions.
Businesses that want additional security can work with a provider who hosts their data on private servers. This server allows enterprises to control and decide their own storage and communication requirements while delivering additional security.
Companies that deal with sensitive data can host this information on their on-premise systems. This way, they can reap the fantastic benefits of cloud communications while protecting their most sensitive data.
Thus, businesses opt for reputable cloud providers and enjoy brute security.
Myth #4: Start-ups must be entirely on the cloud
To move with the times, startups in the digital age want to be as tech-savvy as they can be. While no direct rule forces them to host their data and processes on the cloud, many view it as a financially sound option.
With the help of cloud communication solutions, startups can enjoy a variety of benefits while keeping a part of their operation on on-premise servers. So, their sensitive data can remain on their own servers, and everything else can be housed on a public cloud system.
Doing so keeps their CapEx and OpEx to a minimum while allowing them to retain complete control over their most protected data.
Conclusion
Managing hybrid systems is getting easier with modern tools. Service providers offer a smooth and user-friendly interface to manage all communications and data storage activities, with access from anywhere using any device.
Whether businesses are looking to move all of their data and processes on the cloud or only some of it; whether they’re looking to save costs or ensure the safety of sensitive information—there’s a hybrid cloud for all purposes.
If you are interested in cloud services for your business communications, you can reach out to us at 0800-084-3663 or write to us at [email protected].
