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Cloud computing and digital data storage have become staples of our business world.
Hybrid and multicloud platforms can change the ways in which businesses conduct themselves, and understanding their benefits and disadvantages can help organizations become more productive and secure.
SEE: What Is Multicloud Architecture? (TechRepublic)
What is multicloud?
Multicloud is the practice of using services from multiple heterogeneous cloud service providers, such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, or Microsoft Azure, as well as specialized platform-as-a-service, infrastructure-as-a-service, or software-as-a-service providers.
Platforms can offer options for organizations depending on what they produce. Businesses producing apps, for example, can take advantage of developer tools from within the cloud.
According to Statista, in a 2024 survey, around 57 percent of respondents stated that their organization’s primary use of multicloud was apps siloed on different cloud. Moreover, DR/failover between clouds was also commonly implemented, with 50 percent of respondents selecting it.
SEE: How to Adjust Disaster Recovery Plans for the Cloud (TechRepublic)
What is hybrid cloud?
The hybrid cloud model merges two different types of computing: public cloud software and private infrastructure. While similar to multicloud, hybrid cloud differs in one clear way. With this approach, organizations can still use aspects of multicloud technology while still maintaining control over their own data storage centers and in-house management systems.
This is important for companies that keep sensitive data. Hybrid cloud models provide more security than multicloud platforms. For example, they allow medical and personal information to remain safe when entrusted to businesses that provide delicate products or services.
Hybrid clouds, however, are often reserved for larger entities. While multicloud computing allows companies to use infrastructure from other organizations, a hybrid model forces businesses to invest in their own servers, routers, and interfaces. This is why it can be difficult for smaller businesses to participate in a hybrid workspace.
A hybrid model can also be used to supplement the demands of businesses, which some organizations may not be able to keep up with. Physical computing can be aided by cloud servers to provide relief during a retail spike, for example. This is most applicable to organizations that already have in-house computing technology.
SEE: Hiring Kit: Cloud Engineer (TechRepublic Premium)
Key features to look for in a cloud strategy
This is a very broad topic, but here are some key points to consider.
First, think about your business’ goals. Your choice of cloud could be dependent on cost optimization, innovation, global expansion, or something else.
Next, think about workload analysis. An organization needs to classify which workloads, such as mission-critical apps, analytics, development environments, are suitable for the cloud.
When it comes to implementing a cloud strategy, organizations must determine how important their digital security needs are before they can decide upon a cloud model. These security aspects include:
- The nature of collected data.
- The amount of collected data.
- The size of the organization.
It is also worth noting that multicloud approaches can include security options, but implementing them may fall to organizations rather than the cloud provider.
Strategies should also include specific information about which kind of cloud will be utilized. Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are all mainstream options. However, there are a lot of other choices.
SEE: What Is Hybrid Cloud? (TechRepublic)
Choosing between multicloud and hybrid
The merits of a multicloud approach are great. It is easy to implement, cheaper than investing in physical servers, and highly effective. Multicloud is best for small companies that cannot afford private servers. It is also suited to organizations that don’t have to adhere to severe security regulations or that experience regular shifts in user engagement. All of these issues can be managed by multicloud providers.
Hybrid is better for organizations that require a greater degree of control. Hybrid cloud is generally more secure than multicloud, which is required for businesses that provide healthcare and financial services as well as those that work for government agencies. While requiring more maintenance, it also grants organizations more control over their interfaces and digital production.
Further reading
If you’d like to read more about this topic, there is a wide selection of cloud-related articles at TechRepublic here.
TechRepublic Premium also offers cloud-related glossaries, hiring kits, policies, and checklists to enhance the work of IT and HR departments.
This article was originally published in September 2022. It was updated by Antony Peyton in June 2025.