Hybrid IT: Getting the basics right

There are many reasons why a business may opt to migrate to the Cloud – agility, efficiency, security. What is also true is that a one-size-fits-all approach does not necessarily suit every organisation's unique needs.

Relying on one approach – whether it’s on-premises, public cloud, or private cloud – can limit your ability to scale, innovate, and stay compliant.

The smart way to go about this is a flexible strategy that blends the best of all environments: Hybrid IT.

But what does it mean for your business?

Very often you come across businesses that allow a single technology or environment dictate their IT strategy. They are attracted by the latest tech but end up with a solution that's not tailored to their specific needs. It looks great, but it's neither practical nor cost-effective.

Hybrid IT is all about your IT, your way. It's about finding the right mix of technologies and services to support your business goals.

Adopting the right strategy from the outset

1. Know Your Business

Before you even start thinking about technology, understand your business needs. What are your biggest challenges? What are your growth plans? What are your security requirements? The clearer you are about your business goals, the better equipped you'll be to choose the right IT solutions.

2. It’s OK to Mix and Match

Hybrid IT is all about flexibility. You're not locked into a single vendor or technology. You can pick and choose the best solutions for each part of your business, whether it's cloud (private or public), on-premises, or a combination of both. Think of it as a buffet – you get to choose what you want.

3. Focus on Integration

A successful Hybrid IT strategy is one where all your different systems work together seamlessly. Don't just focus on individual technologies; think about how they'll integrate with each other. You want a well-oiled machine, not a collection of isolated parts.

4. Keep Control of Your Data

Data is the lifeblood of your business. Make sure you have a clear understanding of where your data is stored and how it's protected. Don't blindly trust a platform with your sensitive information. Keep control of your data, and make sure it's secure.

5. Avoid Vendor Lock-In

Choose solutions that are open and interoperable, so you can avoid being stuck with a vendor that no longer meets your needs. You want to be able to switch vendors, if necessary, without having to rip and replace your entire infrastructure. Success depends a lot on your choice of cloud service provider and their breadth of offering.

6. Think Long-term

Hybrid IT is not a one-time project; it's an ongoing journey. Think about how your needs might change in the future, and choose solutions that are scalable and adaptable. You want a solution that can grow with your business.

Your IT Strategy

Hybrid IT is about making IT decisions that work for your business, not the other way around. Hybrid IT takes you one step closer to find the optimal solution. Your IT. Your Way.

BMIT has been advising on, deploying and managing hybrid environments for over a decade. If you’re planning on changing or improving how your enterprise IT environment operates, talk to us.