In a world where data has become a major asset for companies, the question of their storage remains crucial. While some organizations favor the cloud, others prefer to keep their data on-site. A hybrid approach, however, seems to be emerging as a relevant compromise. Discover how industry experts perceive this trend and the challenges surrounding it.
The 3 key points not to miss
- The hybrid approach is increasingly adopted by companies for managing their data.
- Sovereignty and flexibility are essential criteria in choosing data storage.
- The hybrid model is seen as a step towards broader cloud adoption.
Why opt for a hybrid infrastructure
Industry experts, gathered during a roundtable organized by ITdaily, debated the advantages of a hybrid infrastructure. This solution allows combining the benefits of the cloud and on-site systems, offering companies the flexibility needed to meet their specific needs in terms of sovereignty and simplicity. According to Adriaan van Geyt of Dell Technologies, a hybrid approach is essential because “cloud-only is not possible for us.”
Companies generate a large amount of data via edge devices, and transferring all of this to the cloud is not always logical. This is why a hybrid model, which integrates part of the data on private infrastructures and another on the public cloud, seems to be the preferred solution.
The importance of data sovereignty
The issue of sovereignty has become a central topic for many companies, especially in Europe. Caroline Van Cleemput of Snowflake emphasizes that while the public cloud is a sustainable solution, it is essential to understand the implications of data sovereignty. Hyperscalers, such as Microsoft, are investing in sovereign solutions to address these concerns.
Dependence on non-European providers is a growing concern, prompting companies to seek alternatives that ensure better control of their data.
The advantages of the hybrid model
Adopting a hybrid strategy allows benefiting from the flexibility and scalability of the cloud while maintaining a certain level of control and security through on-site infrastructure. Yannic De Bleeckere of SAS indicates that the hybrid model is now the norm and offers companies the possibility to return from the cloud if necessary.
For Steven Nuyts of SAP BeNeLux, the hybrid model represents an intermediate step towards the public cloud, allowing a gradual transition adapted to the needs of companies. This approach also allows fully exploiting the added value of the cloud without having to overhaul everything at once.
Snowflake: a major player in the cloud domain
Snowflake, a company specializing in cloud data warehousing, stands out for its innovative approach and ability to offer flexible solutions to its clients. Founded in 2012, the company quickly gained popularity thanks to its platform that allows storing and analyzing large amounts of data efficiently.
In 2020, Snowflake made a significant impact with its initial public offering, becoming one of the largest in the technology field. The company continues to play a key role in the digital transformation of businesses, providing them with the tools necessary to leverage their data in a secure and scalable environment.