Should Your Business Go for Hybrid Data Storage?

Your organization may choose to store data on premises, in the cloud, or a combination of the two. Onsite storage confers certain benefits, as does cloud storage. Hybrid solutions try to find a happy medium between the two.

If your organization is strategizing about how and where to store its data, this blog may help.

Three Different Types of Data Storage

There are three main types of data storage. They are on-premises storage, cloud storage, and hybrid storage. There are advantages to each approach.

Organizations that leverage the cloud tend to be more resilient and agile — and their CapEx costs are minimized and simplified. But even when migrating to the cloud, it’s not always best to move all your data there.

Or, if you do move all your data to the cloud, it may be prudent to keep it backed up in servers onsite, as well. Sometimes, larger organizations with a lot of legacy applications (like financial institutions) may be better served by keeping some of their applications on-premises. Others may prefer a multi-phase plan to move to the cloud over time rather than all at once.

Here are your different data storage options:

On-premises data storage is best for organizations that want to own their own hardware. Not only does this provide more control, but it also reduces network security risks and connectivity issues.

Cloud data storage is best for organizations that prize efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. Large CapEx bills disappear, and necessities like security hardware upgrades are baked into the OpEx cost.

Hybrid data storage is for organizations that need the best of both worlds. Often, hybrid systems provide further redundancy into play for better business continuity planning. Plus, they may help bridge the gap for companies still in transition whose legacy applications may not perform well in cloud environments.

Should You Go for Hybrid Storage?

There are three questions you should ask to decide if a hybrid system will fit your needs.

1. How much data does your organization generate? Knowing how much data you have to move to the cloud is useful when getting quotes from vendors. It may also help you estimate and plan your future storage needs, both in the cloud and onsite.

If you don’t know how much data you create, ask, what is the size of your organization? Generally, larger organizations have more data, and knowing your size can get you pretty close.

2. Which migrations are the highest priority? Some applications confer more advantages than others when moving to the cloud.

If you plan to move legacy applications to the cloud, you should do some planning first. Some legacy apps don’t work as well in cloud environments — and some will massively increase your data costs. You may want to keep those applications on premises, or you may consider replacing them with newer, cloud-optimized solutions.

3. Have you performed a cost-benefit analysis? Sometimes, the best decision is the one that makes the most sense financially. Your CBA should include your timeline, vendor estimates, which service(s) you’ll use to manage your data and apps, and anything else you can think of.

Should You Build Your Own Hybrid Storage?

If you’ve answered the three questions above, then you’re ready to think about building your data storage solution.

First, think about what you need. This is, in many ways, the most important consideration. Second, think about what you can afford. This is (unfortunately) the other most important consideration. Somewhere between the two, you’ll find a few options that fit your needs.

After you’ve come up with a few potential strategies, you’ll need to figure out which apps and data you’re keeping on premises. Also, consider which data you want to store on premises as a failover, in case you want to really push for redundancy.

Lastly, make sure you choose a vendor that best meets your needs. They may be able to provide expert insight and recommendations about how to create and manage your hybrid environment.

Where to Get Help with Hybrid Data Storage

Hypershift is a consulting organization focused on SaaS, subscription software, and cloud technologies. We help organizations navigate their shift toward subscription software models. Our mission is to ensure best-in-class security, support, and management to optimize enterprise-level cloud strategies.

You can read more about hybrid data storage systems here, or visit us at www.hypershift.com to see how we can help you find best-in-class storage solutions.