A hybrid cloud environment combines the scalability of public clouds and the security of private clouds. This creates an agile setup that offers several benefits, including improved business continuity, lower operational costs, and better remote work support. However, hybrid clouds are complex systems that can be difficult to manage, and one misstep can make it vulnerable to cyberattacks. On top of that, you can rack up inadvertent expenses that can burn a hole in your pocket if you don't plan its implementation properly.
Hybrid cloud environments are complex systems, and one misstep can make it vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Keep your hybrid cloud from creating a giant storm and wreaking havoc by following these industry best practices:
Have a good grasp of what is being managed
Not having an idea of what workloads and applications will run on your hybrid cloud can make monitoring and management quite a feat. Your IT managers must not only know how apps interact with end users but also how data is expected to be managed.
Before you implement a hybrid cloud, find out who owns which workloads within your organization. If things go wrong, who should be contacted and what protocol should be followed? Determine workload priorities as well. Learn how specific workloads contribute to your business and what can happen if these are compromised. Also, take note of when your workloads are scheduled to run; some run continuously, while others run only during certain times of the day. Knowing these will help simplify hybrid cloud management and streamline response in case of a disaster or downtime.
Understand security and governance compliance requirements
Following security and governance requirements is part and parcel of implementing a hybrid cloud environment. Mandates such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and those set by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security hold organizations accountable for meeting and upholding certain cloud security requirements. This is why IT managers must be able to balance security and performance. For instance, while compliance requirements state that data should always be encrypted whether at rest or in transit, data must still be accessible to those who need it at any time.
IT leaders must also understand policy management. Regulatory compliance requires that policies are written and enforced, and knowing exactly how these policies are implemented will help your IT department achieve and maintain compliance without getting in the way of operations.
Know your service level agreements (SLAs) inside out
SLAs set the baseline level of service you can expect from a vendor, thus ensuring that their services will always meet specific expectations. SLAs often require regularly assessing negotiated agreements, so periodically monitor your environment to check whether the current agreement is fair to your organization and if you’re getting the best possible service.
Some common things to look out for in SLAs are the intervals between performance assessments, how quick responses should be in case of disruptions, and the penalties for not meeting agreed-upon criteria.
Leverage the best tools
Managing hybrid clouds can be extremely complicated, so always consider implementing a wide array of solutions that cover anything from API management to resource management to performance management. Also, regularly review how data is captured, stored, and used to ensure that the tools you use are aligned with your changing needs.
Partnering with a cloud expert like XBASE Technologies can also help you make the most of your IT investment. Cloud management is a shared responsibility, and you need a reliable partner that utilizes the best tools available in the market to help you optimize your hybrid cloud environment for future growth. XBASE uses only top-of-the-line hardware and software to deliver secure server solutions for your hybrid cloud environment, driving you to reap the benefits of rapid deployment and improved flexibility, all while saving on costs.
Realize the full benefits of the cloud with XBASE Technologies. Whether you need assistance with Azure migrations or expert advice in setting up a multilocational virtualized server environment, our specialists are ready to lend a hand. Book a FREE consultation with us today.