A hybrid multi-cloud approach is emerging as the preferred IT platform for implementing a business-focused strategy.

The priority of delivering a successful hybrid IT strategy is ensuring that it aligns with your business needs. This plan involves determining the most suitable on-premise systems and combining these with the most effective software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications available that meet the requirements of your organisation.

Adopting the best available SaaS technologies needn’t mean eliminating all non-cloud systems. Many businesses need these installed systems to support any plans for further innovation and digital transformation. Other challenging, resource-focused services may not be cloud-ready. These conditions require a hybrid approach, which enables cloud and non-cloud systems to work together so companies can operate various applications in non-cloud conditions while adopting cheaper and more efficient SaaS technology services.

Another vital consideration for creating the best hybrid multi-cloud strategy is ensuring the correct infrastructure model is applied when moving from legacy systems to a blend of SaaS-focused models.  

The costs associated with maintaining in-house systems must consider the operational costs of the buildings as well as the opportunity cost that comes with datacentre infrastructure. This is especially true when expanding a business or utilising new cloud technologies to accelerate transformation.

It’s important to take note of the possible inefficiencies that can occur with a data centre when factoring in these costs. Studies suggest that data centres can waste up to 90% of the energy used from the energy grid. Switching to a cloud-first datacentre model enables a business to take advantage of the economies of scale. It reduces a portion of that waste and can enable more efficient IT technology expenditures and allow for a quicker transition with the best available SaaS technologies.

Combining a hybrid IT strategy with a structured implementation plan allows infrastructure to be scaled, improves enterprise agility and enhances transformation by using a good mix of on-premise and SaaS technologies.