Hybrid IT is an approach to IT that enables enterprises to make the best use of on-premises and cloud technologies to achieve business goals through digital transformation. However, to have an effective hybrid IT environment, IT leaders have to do their due diligence and plan accordingly. Simply incorporating the most recent and popular digital technologies through the cloud will not serve the best interests of an enterprise. IT leaders have to act and think deliberately and make value-driven decisions.
To develop a hybrid IT environment that is specially suited for your enterprise and that will align directly with business goals requires significant effort and knowledge. Here are some best practices to employ when planning and implementing your enterprise’s hybrid IT environment.
Prioritize Business Capabilities and Delivery Models when Selecting Applications to Move to Cloud
IT leaders have to be discerning when considering which asset to move to the cloud as not all are suited to be deployed to the cloud. Factors such as business capabilities should be considered when selecting applications for the cloud. For example, systems of record typically have high complexity and customization and do not require web connectivity in order to access software; these factors make them poor candidates for the cloud. On the other hand, systems of engagement or those front-end systems with which customers or vendors interact directly may benefit more from being deployed from the cloud where having an online presence gives an enterprise a competitive edge.
Incorporate Automation and Distributed Architectures
When managing a hybrid IT model, IT leaders have to be open to stepping away from conventional modes of operation and embrace the new solutions needed to effectively manage the infrastructure. The inclusion of automation is necessary so that processes can occur automatically. For example, the scaling, relocation and remediation of services and applications can be executed automatically, allowing the IT teams focus on other high-value tasks. A distributed architecture is key to integration for hybrid IT as it provide the flexibility need to integrate data and applications securely while maintaining quality of service, regardless of data volume or quantity of endpoints.
Acquire Core Hybrid IT Skills and Knowledge
The planning, deployment and managing of a hybrid infrastructure requires a set of core technical skills and knowledge pertaining to cross-silo engineering, application migration, platform management, distributed architectures, APIs, infrastructure monitoring and more. These skills can be developed or acquired within the enterprise or through vendors who provide managed IT solutions. When pursuing these skills and experience, it is important to keep in mind that they should not only pertain to the new technologies that will be deployed, but also to the existing technologies that are already being used and that have to be calibrated to work smoothly throughout the enterprise.
Implement Proper Processes and Controls to Secure the Hybrid IT Environment
Creating a hybrid IT infrastructure expands the attack surface of an enterprise’s system, with every touchpoint being a possible point of vulnerability. The on-premises architecture is being integrated with the shared architectures of cloud vendors, increasing the types of controls used and the number of control points. One issue to be mindful of is that some of the different infrastructure security processes and protocols may not be compatible, or may in fact, directly conflict with one another. Another consideration is that the complete security in one component can be offset by the inadequate security in another component. To keep the hybrid environment secure, security processes and controls should be aligned cross the environment. There should also be cross-vendor controls that limit exposure at every vendor touchpoint.
Avoid Letting Architectural Complexity Limit Agility and Flexibility
The hybrid IT architecture can become very complicated very quickly as more components are added to the environment. For instance, IT teams must be careful to avoid incorporating duplicate capabilities across the multiple vendors that are used. As the number of components grows, IT leaders will have to prioritize integration. Another architectural issue is that additional controls may be required when multitenant data centers are being used (such as when an enterprise owns the servers and has control over the software and hardware, but the facility where the servers dwell are owned by a third party that oversees equipment security and maintenance). Additionally, blending non-cloud and cloud solutions results in more complicated architecture at the touchpoints. To prevent these architectural complexities from negatively impacting agility and flexibility, IT teams can prioritize migrating those capabilities that have to be changed frequently (in order for the enterprise to maintain its competitiveness) and that can be easily switched out as better solutions or upgrades become available.
Use the Right Tools for Comprehensive Visibility
With each workload added to the infrastructure, visibility, and security becomes more complex. Without comprehensive visibility into the hybrid environment, there are increasing risks, particularly in the cloud. However, maintaining visibility in the cloud can be challenging because the cloud environment is dynamic, and using legacy solutions intended for on-premises environments do not work. Also, trying to use disparate solutions can add more complications. IT leaders have to take proactive action and integrate solutions, such as cloud security posture management, that enable centralized visibility and management throughout the whole hybrid environment.
Creating and managing a hybrid IT environment can be a huge undertaking, even for the largest of enterprises with resources at their disposal. One alternative to attempting a project of this scale internally is to partner with an IT solutions provider can help you through your technology journey. Compugen has the expertise and knowledge to enterprises reach the next level of technological integration. Do you want to know more about how our team can help you visualize, plan and create the perfect hybrid IT environment for your desired business outcomes? Get in touch with us today.
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