On-Prem Modernization Solutions for Hybrid Cloud
Mark Katz
CTO, Financial Services
July 23, 2024
From Hype to Hybrid, Part 2: Solving On-Prem Modernization in Hybrid Cloud
In our previous blog post, we discussed the shift from a public cloud-first approach to a more balanced hybrid cloud strategy. Today, we'll delve deeper into the first major challenge companies face in this transition: On-Prem Modernization.
Transformation is critical to staying competitive. For companies looking to innovate and stay ahead of the market, the cloud has become a key enabler of digital transformation. It enables you to adopt new technology faster and get greater value from it at much lower risk. But the benefits of the cloud shouldn't stop there.
By adopting the cloud as an operating model or principle, even without embracing it entirely, you can still leverage the latest and greatest, tried and tested technology at reduced risk. You just have to do it in a more strategic and deliberate way. That means changing not only how you think about the cloud, but how you think about what's happening in your data center. Importantly, it's crucial to meet the expectations of your application development team by modernizing your on-prem environment with a cloud-like approach. This includes provisioning infrastructure for their applications in a modern cloud paradigm via Infrastructure as Code (IaC) or simple web interfaces. After all, they are the internal customers of IT.
Read Our Insights Article: Time to Rethink the Cloud.
Cloud Transcends Boundaries of Technology
Ten years ago, the decision was less complex: move to the cloud or not? It was a discussion about technical infrastructure or an agile IT destination. The decision, often made by technical teams, focused on which cloud platform to use, how to migrate data and applications, and how to manage the cloud environment. But few had an actual plan or strategy for how they would use their cloud. Business leaders weren't yet thinking in terms of being data-driven or enabling specific business outcomes. Even aligning business objectives to the need for cloud migration was elusive.
The initial wave of cloud adoption was a land grab for agility and innovation. Businesses, particularly in sectors such as finance, flocked to the public cloud, lured by the promise of scalability and flexibility. However, the initial rush gave way to several challenges and the realization that a one-size-fits-all public cloud approach wasn't always the answer. Security concerns, regulatory compliance hurdles, and unforeseen costs led to a period of "rightsizing." Businesses began to strategically determine which workloads thrive in the public cloud and which required the control and security of on-prem infrastructure.
Watch Our Webinar: Design Your Workloads for Reliability and Cost in Your Hybrid Cloud Environment.
This rightsizing exercise exposed a critical challenge: the need to modernize on-prem environments to deliver a cloud-like experience. Traditional IT, characterized by manual processes and siloed operations, simply wouldn't suffice in a hybrid cloud world. The key to success lies in transforming on-prem infrastructure into an agile, self-service platform that can deliver the ease and efficiency of the public cloud.
The Pillars of On-Premises Modernization
There are two fundamental pillars to achieving a cloud-like on-prem experience: automation and modern storage solutions.
1. Automation is King: Manual IT processes are a bottleneck to agility and efficiency. Enter Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform. A simple web interface as a consumption model alongside IaC allows businesses to codify infrastructure provisioning and configuration, enabling automated deployments and eliminating human error. This streamlines IT operations, reduces workload, and ensures consistent deployments across the hybrid cloud.
2. Modern Storage Solutions: Traditional storage solutions were designed for a different era. In a hybrid cloud environment, storage needs to be flexible, scalable, and API-driven. Software-defined storage (SDS) solutions address these needs perfectly. They offer node-based, scale-out architecture, allowing storage capacity to grow on-demand. Additionally, SDS integrates seamlessly with IaC tools, enabling automated storage provisioning and management.
Beyond the Technology: Consumption Models
Modernization isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. There are two primary consumption models to consider:
- As-a-Service (aaS): For organizations seeking a faster path to modernization, the As-a-Service model offers a compelling option. Managed service providers handle the entire modernization process, including hardware procurement, software installation, and ongoing management. This frees up internal IT resources and allows businesses to leverage the expertise of a managed service provider. Read Our eBook: A New Era of Storage: Looking Beyond the Public Cloud Model.
- Traditional CapEx Model: Organizations with the resources and expertise can choose the traditional CapEx model. This involves purchasing or developing the necessary automation tools and compatible storage solutions like VSP One SDS. While requiring a larger upfront investment, this model offers greater control and customization over the on-premises environment.
The ideal choice depends on specific needs and resources. Businesses with limited IT staff or a tight timeline to modernization may benefit from the As-a-Service model, while organizations with a strong internal IT team and a desire for granular control, may prefer the traditional CapEx model.
Conclusion: The Bridge to a Seamless Hybrid Cloud
On-premises modernization is not simply about technology upgrades; it's a strategic shift towards a more agile and efficient IT environment. By embracing automation, modern storage solutions, and the right consumption model, businesses can bridge the gap between traditional IT and the public cloud. This paves the way for a seamless hybrid cloud experience, unlocking the full potential of agility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll tackle the complexities of managing a hybrid cloud environment.
Learn how Hitachi Vantara can help you define your path to hybrid cloud.
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