Hybrid Computing Models
A decade or so ago, the main consideration for buying servers was the operating system you used – there was a wide variety of offerings such as Netware, Unix, Windows, not to mention a range of proprietary mid-range systems and mainframes. Whilst there are still choices around operating systems, the variety has reduced and a few clear winners have emerged.
The big question now is, do you get a server at all or do you consider using a cloud solution? Or are you going to choose an application that’s delivered through SaaS (software as a service) so you don’t need a server at all? Or perhaps you want to buy some servers to create your own private cloud? These are far more fundamental decisions that are primarily driven by commercial rather than technical factors.
A mixed, or hybrid, model of infrastructure to deliver your IT needs is going to become increasingly prevalent, because different systems will require different approaches to your infrastructure. For example:
- Best of breed applications that are the best match for your business needs may only be delivered through a SaaS model;
- Increasing demand for access to applications from anywhere on a variety of devices may make cloud or hosted delivery the most appropriate approach;
- Compliance or technical requirements may make traditional, self-hosted infrastructure the only option for some situations;
- Quick fix, tactical solutions or applications where data or processing needs are unclear may be best delivered through cloud solutions.
In short, every situation is unique and you want to pick the best route for your own circumstances. That’s why at Perfect Image we don’t blindly advocate or promote just one approach; we look to provide the best approach for you. We think that increasingly this is the way IT Managers will think about things and for many larger organisations a mixture of approaches will become inevitable.
