On-Premises vs Hybrid vs Cloud Networks: A better understanding

Most of today’s computer network platforms fall into one of three categories: on-premises, hybrid, or cloud network. These are the most common platform depending on business requirements. The most common is the hybrid network as it’s a mix of on-premises and a cloud network.

With the heavy reliance on Microsoft with 365 and Azure, it now makes it possible that you can be on-premises today, and tomorrow, move to a more hybrid network, where you can have some users in your office, then some work away from the office, use a local device with Microsoft 365 business applications or Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) for a full remote desktop experience.

Firstly, before we dive into the reason why these three networks are beneficial, let’s go into some detail about these three platforms:

On-Premises Network:
An on-premises network refers to the traditional IT infrastructure where all the hardware, software, and data are located within the physical premises of an organization. This means that the organization owns and manages all the servers, storage devices, networking equipment, and applications required to run its corporate network. In this setup, the organization is responsible for maintaining and securing the entire infrastructure.

Hybrid Network:
A hybrid network combines both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure/network. Organizations with a hybrid network leverage the benefits of both models by integrating their on-premises resources with cloud services. This integration allows them to maintain certain sensitive data or critical applications on-site while utilizing the cloud for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and additional services.

Cloud Network:
A cloud network, on the other hand, refers to a network infrastructure that relies on cloud computing services. Instead of hosting all the hardware and software on-site, the organization utilizes resources provided by third-party cloud service providers like Microsoft Azure. These resources are accessed and managed over the Internet, enabling a more agile, scalable and flexible approach to IT infrastructure.

Advantages of Hybrid Cloud Networks:

1. Flexibility and Scalability: Organizations can scale their resources up or down as needed, utilizing the cloud’s elasticity while retaining on-premises control for specific workloads.
2. Cost Optimization: By dynamically adjusting resource allocation between on-premises and the cloud, organizations can optimize costs based on demand and usage patterns.
3. Security and Compliance: Sensitive data can be kept within the organization’s on-premises infrastructure, addressing data sovereignty and compliance requirements.
4. Disaster Recovery and Redundancy: Cloud-based resources can act as backup and redundancy for on-premises systems, enhancing disaster recovery capabilities.
5. Legacy System Integration: Hybrid networks facilitate the integration of legacy systems with modern cloud applications, allowing organizations to modernize at their own pace.

Benefits of Full Cloud Network using Microsoft 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Platform:

1. Scalability and Performance: Microsoft Azure provides virtually unlimited scalability, allowing businesses to quickly scale up or down based on demand. AVD offers a high-performance virtual desktop experience to users regardless of their device’s capabilities.
2. Cost Savings: By using a cloud-based model, organizations can avoid the upfront capital expenditure on hardware and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
3. Security and Compliance: Microsoft invests heavily in security measures for its cloud services like Azure and Microsoft 365. They implement robust security protocols, data encryption, and compliance certifications to ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.
4. Anywhere Access: With Microsoft 365 and AVD, employees can access their desktops and applications from any device with an internet connection, enabling remote work and improving productivity.
5. Automatic Updates and Maintenance: Microsoft manages updates, patches, and maintenance for its cloud services, reducing the burden on IT teams and ensuring systems are up-to-date and secure.
6. Collaboration and Productivity: Microsoft 365 provides a suite of collaboration tools, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, fostering teamwork and efficient document sharing.
7. Business Continuity: Cloud networks offer robust disaster recovery and redundancy features, ensuring critical data and applications are safe and accessible when configured to utilise multiple availability zones for when unforeseen events occur.
8. Device Flexibility: With AVD, users can access their virtual desktops and applications from various devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and even smartphones. This device agnosticism enhances user flexibility and productivity.
9. Centralized Management: A full cloud network allows centralized management of resources, applications, and user access. IT administrators can efficiently deploy, update, and manage virtual desktops and applications from a single console, streamlining operations and reducing administrative overhead.
10. Global Reach: Microsoft Azure has data centres located worldwide, ensuring low-latency access to services for users across different regions. This global presence is especially beneficial for multinational organizations that need to serve employees and customers in various locations.
11. Simplified Licensing and Billing: Microsoft’s subscription-based licensing model for Microsoft 365 and Azure services streamlines the procurement process and provides more predictable billing, making it easier for organizations to manage their IT budgets.
12. Rapid Deployment: Setting up a virtual desktop environment with AVD is much faster than provisioning physical hardware. Organizations can quickly deploy desktops and applications to new employees or remote users, improving time-to-productivity.
13. Compliance and Data Governance: Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 comply with various industry standards and regulations, helping organizations meet their data governance and compliance requirements more effectively.

The combination of these services enables organizations to enhance productivity, optimize operations, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, it’s essential for organizations to assess their specific requirements, security considerations, and regulatory constraints before transitioning between these network models.

While the on-premise model offers control, and hybrid networks provide a balance between control and flexibility, a full cloud network using Microsoft 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) brings numerous advantages such as scalability, cost savings, security, anywhere access, and seamless integration with innovative technologies, making it an appealing choice for modern businesses.

More information about Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop:
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/virtual-desktop

If you would like to see Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop in action, visit the link below and make a time with us to understand your requirements better:
https://calendly.com/trevor-mifsud/setup-a-new-corporate-virtual-cloud-environment