Hybrid cloud is a simple idea with a technical-sounding name: some of your business systems run in the cloud, and some stay on equipment in your office. Most small businesses are already working this way without calling it hybrid cloud. Understanding the approach helps you decide what belongs where, and avoid paying for the wrong solution.
What hybrid cloud looks like in a small business
- Email, calendars and documents in Microsoft 365, while accounting software runs on a computer in the office.
- Files stored on an office server or network storage device, with copies backed up to the cloud.
- A line-of-business application hosted in the cloud, accessed by staff on office computers and laptops.
Why businesses choose a hybrid approach
- Flexibility: move services to the cloud when it makes sense, without replacing everything at once.
- Performance: large files and specialized software often run faster on local equipment.
- Resilience: cloud backups protect against fire, theft or hardware failure in the office.
- Cost control: keep paying once for hardware you already own while adding subscriptions only where they add value.
The trade-offs to plan for
- Two environments to secure and manage instead of one.
- Reliance on a dependable internet connection for cloud services.
- Clear rules for where each type of data is stored and who can access it.
How to decide what goes where
| Usually best in the cloud | Often best on-site |
|---|---|
| Email and calendars | Large media or design files |
| Shared documents and collaboration | Specialized equipment software |
| Off-site backups | Systems that must work without internet |
| Remote access for traveling staff | Very large data that changes constantly |
Getting started with hybrid cloud
- List the systems and data your business depends on.
- Move email and documents to Microsoft 365 Business Standard if you have not already.
- Use reliable on-site storage or a Windows Server for systems that must stay local.
- Back up both environments, and test restores regularly.
- Protect everything with multi-factor sign-in and a business firewall.
Request a free IT quote to plan the right mix for your business. The downloadable guide below covers the key questions to ask.
A quick guide on hybrid cloud benefits and as-a-service options for growing businesses.