Hybrid cloud vs. multi-cloud
Hybrid cloud vs. multi-cloud: What is the difference?

A hybrid cloud environment blends public cloud services with on-premises private cloud infrastructure for flexible and secure IT resource management whereas multi-cloud uses public cloud services from multiple vendors, benefiting from each provider's infrastructure.

A multi-cloud approach enhances your options across public cloud providers, while a hybrid cloud extends your on-premises infrastructure.

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  • Architectural differences of hybrid cloud and multi-cloud
  • Types of cloud deployment
  • HPE hybrid cloud and multi-cloud
Architectural differences of hybrid cloud and multi-cloud

What are the architectural differences between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud?

Implementing the appropriate cloud architecture is vital for the success of your organization. Here are the main architectural distinctions between hybrid and multi-cloud deployments:

  • Place of deployment:

- Hybrid cloud: Utilises on-premises infrastructure (servers, storage, networking) for key IT activities, including authentication, security, databases, and monitoring. By using this method, you can tightly connect it to the systems you already have in place.

- Multi-cloud: Utilises cloud-based resources from many providers, either the same or distinct. This expands specialized services and can lower initial expenses.

  • Integrating and managing data:

- Hybrid cloud: Needs strong data integration to link on-premises and public cloud data. Management gets more complicated when you manage on-premises and public cloud systems with various tools.

- Multi-cloud: Integrates services from several vendors' public cloud solutions. Managing various cloud provider consoles is more complicated than infrastructure management.

  • Security concerns:

- Hybrid cloud: Applies security policies and controls to both on-premises and public cloud settings. This enables data security granularity.

- Multi-cloud: Security depends on the security measures provided by each public cloud provider. A complete security posture requires integration with your existing security products.

What is the difference between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud?

Hybrid cloud vs multi-cloud

Aspect
Hybrid cloud
Multi-cloud

Definition

Combines private and public cloud infrastructure

Incorporates multiple public cloud platforms

Architecture

Integrates on-premises infrastructure with cloud

Utilizes various cloud services from different providers

Flexibility

Offers flexibility to balance workloads

Provides flexibility in service selection

Vendor Lock-in

Reduces dependency on a single cloud provider

Mitigates risks of vendor lock-in across services

Complexity

Requires managing integration and data movement

Demands effective orchestration and governance

HPE hybrid cloud

Cloud Solutions: Complete your hybrid cloud

A hybrid cloud designed to help simplify and transform your hybrid cloud operations. Turn the data you have into the intelligence you need with security features built in.

Learn more about completing your hybrid cloud with HPE GreenLake.

Related topics

Hybrid cloud

Multi-cloud

Cloud services