Hybrid IT: The Right Questions to Ask Before You Begin

Hybrid IT is rapidly becoming the norm for organisations striving to find the right balance between on-premises infrastructure and cloud services. However, adopting the cloud is not a decision to be made lightly. It requires a well-defined strategy that is rooted in technical necessities while aligning with the company's broader goals. Without this clarity, complexity is inevitable.

Before diving in, consider these crucial questions:

What are we really trying to solve?

Is scalability an issue? Are we bogged down by maintenance tasks instead of focusing on innovation? Are there bottlenecks hindering our progress? Gaining a clear understanding of the core challenges will help determine whether Hybrid IT is the right approach and, more importantly, how to implement it effectively.

What does success look like?

Is the goal to reduce costs, speed up service delivery, or improve resilience? While these are all valid objectives, it's essential to pinpoint what matters most to your organisation. Defining success from the outset keeps the project focused and ensures that outcomes can be accurately measured.

What data needs to stay on-premises?

Not all data is created equal. Some may need to stay on-site due to regulatory or security requirements, while other workloads may be better suited to the cloud. Treat your data as your most valuable asset and prioritise its management accordingly.

Can we manage a mixed environment?

Hybrid IT involves managing on-premises systems alongside multiple cloud platforms, potentially alongside legacy systems as well. Do you have the internal capabilities to handle this complexity, or will you need to bring in external expertise?

Have we factored in the full cost?

Look beyond the initial investment and think long-term. What will ongoing operational expenses: cloud consumption, support, maintenance, and training, look like? Understanding your total cost of ownership will help you avoid unwelcome surprises down the road.

Will it work alongside what we already have?

Chances are, your organisation is not starting from scratch. Existing systems, processes, and platforms will still be in place. How will the new hybrid model fit into this? Poor integration leads to inefficiencies and silos, which undermine the very benefits Hybrid IT is meant to offer.

How will we keep it secure?

Security becomes more complex when data and services are spread across environments. Strong access controls, encryption, monitoring, and clear policies need to work across the entire infrastructure and should be defined during the planning process.

Are we locking ourselves in?

While opting for a single provider may seem straightforward at first, it can restrict flexibility over time. To avoid being tied to a single vendor, work with an IT partner capable of delivering multiple solutions across different platforms. This ensures your business can evolve with its changing needs.

By addressing these questions upfront, you’ll lay the groundwork for a successful Hybrid IT strategy that drives efficiency, flexibility, and long-term value.

Thinking about your next steps? Let’s have a conversation. Get in touch!