Cloud integration is growing in popularity, but committing 100% to the cloud isn’t always practical or secure for organizations. If you’re in the market for cloud-based solutions, read our quick overview below. For a more comprehensive exploration of when to choose a hybrid cloud and how keep your data encrypted through and after the transition to a new system, you can request our new hybrid cloud eBook.
Considering Cloud-Based MFT?
Today's cloud marketplace provides a plethora of options to choose from, and organizations are increasingly integrating cloud solutions into their operations. But moving to the cloud doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning on-premises solutions: a hybrid cloud environment can combine the flexibility of the cloud and the freedom of internal servers.
Forty percent of organizations using a cloud-based solution have hybridized their approach according to a cloud report from Cybersecurity Insiders, making hybrid integrations arguably one of the most popular cloud environment strategies today. Hybrid cloud deployments can make running workloads and projects between the cloud and an on-site environment seamless.
Supporting secure file transfer is possible in hybrid cloud environments: MFT software delivers the security and control to safely move and protect files that reside on-premises, in the public/private cloud, or within a hybrid environment. It also maintains that security when transferring files between on-site and cloud systems.
Related Reading: Secure Your Cloud Data
Hybrid Cloud and Security
Due to governmental regulations and industry security requirements, a full move to the cloud isn't always feasible or practical for many organizations. Or, if a full move to the cloud is potentially in the future, a hybrid environment can provide a good testing ground for a cloud solution, with the added benefit of being simpler to roll back to a local environment if needed.
If storing sensitive information in the cloud is a priority, compile a list of necessary security features and compare them across top choice cloud service providers. Encryption is a non-negotiable feature in any data storage or transferring method today, and popular cloud environments regularly provide powerful encryption in their cloud solutions.
Related Reading: Driving Securely through the Cloud
Benefits of a Hybrid Environment and MFT
A hybrid environment is a great option to keep secure backups of sensitive data somewhere that's less likely to be affected by natural disasters, power outages, or other avenues that cause server downtime. Most cloud computing platforms run remote servers in multiple regions, so even if one location goes down, an organization can rest assured knowing its data is available and safe in a different locale.
How a Hybrid Cloud Works: | How Cloud-only Works: | |
| Cloud solutions work in tandem with on-site systems; some processes stay on premises, and some are run in the cloud. | All processes operate on remote internet servers hosted by a third-party service. | |
Key Benefits of a Hybrid Cloud: | Key Benefits of Cloud Deployment: | |
| The organization retains control over most environmental aspects, with the flexibility to continue development and freedom to keep some data controlled. | Easy to set up and scalable with fast and controllable upgrades. | |
Downsides of a Hybrid Cloud: | Downsides of the Cloud: | |
| A larger budget and greater time commitment may be required to monitor equipment, asset management, and on-premises and cloud servers. | Monthly or annual pricing, as well as support costs, are less foreseeable. Security is a concern when relying on a third-party to ensure data security. |
It's generally easy to set up an MFT instance in the cloud, and there are several directions towards which you can angle your implementation:
- Running MFT completely in the cloud
- Running a DMZ secure gateway solution in the cloud, pointed to on-premises servers
- Running MFT entirely on-premises but with connections to cloud users
Ready to Learn More About Hybrid Cloud Solutions?
Whether you're just getting started with your cloud research, or ready to implement a hybrid solution, check out the Guide to a Secure Hybrid Cloud.
