The Business IT Introduction to Hybrid Cloud Storage

Hybrid cloud storage could be the ideal solution for business owners looking for a storage solution that combines the flexibility of the public cloud with the security of private cloud

Businesses from all industries have begun recognizing the power of cloud storage. From small, independent shops to large corporations, data storage and protection is key for meeting day-to-day operations and long-term goals. This is why cloud storage is growing in popularity and expected to continue growing exponentially.

Cloud storage has the potential to personalize and distribute data storage, but the debate has long raged about whether public cloud storage or private cloud storage is best. Enter hybrid cloud storage — a third option with some very compelling benefits.

In this article, we will break down the types of cloud storage, including public, private, and hybrid. We will highlight their benefits and drawbacks and leave you with an idea of how to decide which type of storage is best for your needs.

The 3 types of cloud storage

While the technology is nuanced and rapidly evolving, for the purposes of this article, we will define three types of cloud storage: public, private, and hybrid.

Public cloud storage

This is the type of cloud storage you are likely already familiar with, even if you are not especially technology-savvy. Popular file-sharing platforms such as Google Drive and Dropbox rely on public cloud storage to make data easily accessible. In the world of business storage, platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud allow businesses to store every kind of data and build the apps that use it all on cloud storage and computing.

The advantage of public cloud storage is that it has unlimited capacity and can scale to meet the needs of an evolving business. The servers are reliable and have a large network to prevent outages, and they are generally more cost-efficient than the other solutions. The disadvantage of public cloud storage lies in its security. In a world of costly data breaches, security is everything and some data is too sensitive to be trusted to public servers. Public cloud storage can compromise a business’s data. For companies handling certain sensitive information, this is a significant legal concern.

Private cloud storage

Also referred to as internal cloud storage, private cloud seeks to offer a solution to the security concerns of public cloud storage. However, the advantages come with some drawbacks. Private cloud storage is exactly what the name implies: private. It relies on secure servers and is owned and operated by one organization — your own or a cloud service provider that rents out dedicated servers. Data access is only granted to individuals within the organization or those with special permission.

This type of cloud is scalable, allows total control, and is prized for easy API integration. However, it requires a costlier investment than public cloud storage (which can become lower eventually). The autonomy, which is typically seen as an advantage, can also work as a disadvantage because you’re responsible for security, hardware, and maintenance.

Hybrid cloud storage

Hybrid cloud storage utilizes both public and private clouds to deliver a customized data storage experience. This method of data storage works by using multiple vendors, offering the business the option to determine whether data is stored on a public cloud or a private cloud.

This is a very flexible platform. Fans of hybrid cloud storage praise its ability to tap into both private and public clouds to optimize data management. It provides the usability, accessibility, and resources of a public option with the security and independence of a private option.

Through a mix of on-site hardware and off-site servers, hybrid cloud storage facilitates an architecture that is scalable and can be altered to fit the needs of the data. To put it simply, hybrid cloud storage is the best of both worlds: Private, sensitive data receives top security, and non-sensitive, readily available data remains accessible. Hybrid cloud storage does require multiple vendors, so there is a slight learning curve for those who are transitioning into this model, but the time and money invested is worth the long-term benefits.

Next steps

After assessing your data storage and developing an understanding of private, public, and hybrid cloud storage, it is time to evaluate your technology needs. At Unisol International, we provide a range of products and services to help solve any storage challenges your organization has, including helping companies design hybrid cloud strategies.

To learn more about how our products can improve your enterprise, contact Unisol today to get started.