Hybrid Cloud
A computing environment combining on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services.
Definition
Hybrid cloud is a computing environment that combines on-premises data centers (private cloud) with public cloud services, with orchestration between the two. Organizations use hybrid cloud to keep sensitive data on-premises while leveraging public cloud for scalability, development, and less sensitive workloads. Hybrid architectures allow workloads to move between private and public clouds as needs change. Key technologies enabling hybrid cloud include Azure Arc, AWS Outposts, and Google Anthos.
Example
“A hospital keeps patient health records on its own private servers for compliance, while running analytics workloads on AWS's public cloud.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied hybrid cloud best practices to improve their cloud computing outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding hybrid cloud is essential for anyone building a career in IT & Technology.”
When & How to Use
Use 'Hybrid Cloud' when working in Cloud Computing contexts where hybrid cloud is a computing environment that combines on-premises data centers (private cloud) with public cloud services, with orchestration between the two.
- ▸Applying hybrid cloud principles during a cloud computing project or initiative
- ▸Explaining hybrid cloud to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with IT & Technology
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using hybrid cloud as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'Hybrid Cloud' derives from professional usage and entered IT & Technology professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of hybrid cloud has evolved alongside IT & Technology. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of cloud computing in the mid-20th century. Today, hybrid cloud is a standard part of IT & Technology practice globally.
Synonyms
- mixed cloud
- blended cloud
- cloud bridge
Antonyms / Opposites
- public cloud only
- private cloud only
- on-premises only
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Related Terms
- public-cloud
- private-cloud
- multi-cloud
- cloud-computing