Hybrid Multicloud as an Operating Model: Streamlining Enterprise IT

Enterprise IT environments are often a tangled web of data centre infrastructure, private and public cloud deployments, and, increasingly, edge locations. This variety offers organisations flexibility but introduces a new level of complexity that can drive up costs, limit scalability, and demand extensive management. Add to the “challenge mix” that data volumes are surging, new applications are constantly emerging, and digital transformation efforts are pushing both budgetary and operational demands into never-seen-before territory.

Where we find ourselves is in a world where customers are grappling with infrastructure that is increasingly complex, inefficient, and costly to maintain. To overcome these challenges, forward-thinking organisations are embracing a hybrid multicloud strategy as a unified operating model. With hybrid multicloud, companies gain a structured way to manage multiple environments as a single, adaptable ecosystem—one that maximises flexibility without sacrificing control or security. 

It's an operating model that, when done right, extends beyond just an infrastructure shift; it ensures better data governance, helps optimise skills, and gives a business the agility needed to adapt and change workload placement as and when the business demands it.

Implementing Hybrid Multicloud as the Modern Operating Model

At its core, hybrid multicloud as an operating model integrates on-premises, private cloud, and multiple public cloud platforms into a single unified system. This unified model allows enterprises to adapt to changing workloads, optimise resource allocation, and maintain data governance across their environments. Workloads can be dynamically shifted based on cost, performance, or regulatory requirements, maximising operational efficiency.

Consider a retailer that needs rapid scalability during peak seasons like Black Friday or the last-minute holiday rush. Hybrid multicloud allows them to handle this surge by moving high-demand workloads to the cloud, then scaling back once demand normalises. This operational flexibility isn’t just convenient; it’s a competitive advantage.

The Growing Appeal of Hybrid Multicloud

The popularity of hybrid multicloud is evident: enterprises are increasingly adopting this model for its ability to reduce IT complexity while maintaining a flexible approach to workload management. Industry studies indicate that most enterprises already deploy multiple public cloud services alongside private data centres. A hybrid multicloud approach brings order to this variety, ensuring that environments work in unison rather than as isolated silos.

Moreover, a hybrid multicloud model supports innovation. Developers gain a consistent platform where applications can be built and deployed across all environments without the need for reconfiguration or additional coding. This seamless compatibility simplifies deployment pipelines, allowing organisations to bring new applications to market faster.

Shifting to Hybrid Multicloud Requires New IT Thinking

Remember, having multiple clouds doesn’t always equal a multicloud approach. Operating a hybrid multicloud model requires a different approach to IT management, one that breaks down traditional silos and introduces new efficiencies. By automating operations across the entire IT landscape, companies can reduce manual oversight and free up valuable time for innovation and strategic projects.

Automation, in this context, is key. By automating routine tasks such as provisioning, monitoring, and resource allocation, organisations can streamline processes and alleviate the burden on IT teams. This, in turn, allows IT teams to refocus on transformative initiatives that drive business growth rather than spending time on day-to-day operations. For example, a financial services firm could automate data backups and compliance checks across multiple environments, reducing both risk and the workload on IT staff.

Visibility and Cost Control in a Unified Operating Model

One of the standout benefits of a hybrid multicloud operating model is comprehensive visibility. With a unified platform, businesses gain a panoramic view of their IT landscape—from data centres and private cloud environments to public cloud and edge deployments. This visibility extends not only to infrastructure management but also to cost control. Enterprises can monitor usage and associated costs across environments, optimising for the best performance-to-cost ratio.

For instance, a healthcare provider might store non-sensitive data on a lower-cost public cloud platform while keeping sensitive patient data on-premises, balancing cost-effectiveness with strict compliance requirements. With centralised visibility, C-level executives have the information needed to make informed decisions, ensuring resources are allocated effectively across all environments.

The Path to Operational Simplicity

Hybrid multicloud as an operating model simplifies IT management by providing a consistent, unified framework. This common model can extend across data centres, public clouds, and edge environments, allowing enterprises to create a single process for deploying, securing, and managing applications across all infrastructures. Additionally, having a standardised framework makes it easier to incorporate AI-driven operations and automation, bolstering the resilience and agility of the entire ecosystem.

The impact of a unified operating model becomes especially apparent when dealing with unexpected demands or crises. A manufacturing company, for instance, could quickly reroute workloads to the cloud if a hardware issue arises on-premises, ensuring continuous operations and preventing downtime. 

Choosing the Right Hybrid Multicloud Platform

The ideal hybrid multicloud platform should offer a comprehensive suite of tools and integrations, providing flexibility and security across the entire IT landscape. Enterprises should look for platforms that align with their existing and future IT goals, enabling them to maximise efficiency while staying adaptable to emerging business requirements. Avoiding vendor lock-in is crucial to ensure adaptability and leverage emerging tools as needs evolve.

For example, a large enterprise might look for a platform that supports a broad range of partnerships and services, ensuring it can leverage the best tools for its industry needs. By investing in the right platform, enterprises can set themselves up for success, creating an agile, resilient infrastructure that drives operational efficiency and cost savings.

A Unified Approach to Modern IT

Ultimately, hybrid multicloud as an operating model is fast becoming a standard, transforming how enterprises manage IT. By treating their diverse environments as a single, adaptive system, businesses can streamline operations, reduce complexity, and unlock new efficiencies. Whether scaling to meet demand, controlling costs, or boosting operational resilience, hybrid multicloud provides the agility and control modern enterprises require.