Cloud versus on-premises is no longer the main debate for CIOs and technology leaders.
Now, the big question is: How can you create an infrastructure ecosystem that’s secure, delivers excellent performance and remains flexible enough to adapt to whatever comes next?
Hybrid data centers offer the perfect blend of performance, security and cost. And, as the size of the hybrid data center market continues to grow, it’s clear that infrastructure strategy is more than a technology issue — it’s a critical priority for the entire C-suite.
The choices you make today will either bring your organization to the forefront of digital innovation or leave you behind.
Let’s dive into how you can build a hybrid data center that’s ready for whatever the future holds.
Hybrid data centers: the case for flexibility and resilience
Unlike traditional on-premises data centers, hybrid environments span public cloud, private data centers, colocation facilities and edge deployments.
However, they also bring new risks, and organizations face three critical challenges when they’re modernizing their data center infrastructure:
- Cybersecurity: Expanding across cloud platforms amplifies any vulnerabilities in your infrastructure, making a comprehensive security strategy essential.
- Technical complexity: Integrating diverse platforms demands specialized expertise and tools.
- The need for external input: Beyond integration, it’s also complex to manage data, technologies, costs and performance across clouds. You require expert guidance to manage your hybrid environment effectively.
These challenges often result in fragmented expenses, less visibility and integration-related difficulties — all solvable with a well-designed hybrid approach.
5 key tenets of infrastructure modernization
In my conversations with global technology leaders, I have found that their infrastructure decisions are consistently guided by these five principles:
1. Security and data sovereignty in a regulated world
Organizations navigate complex regulatory requirements that vary by country, data type and industry. Data is subject to the laws and regulations of the country or region where it is stored. A hybrid data center strategy must therefore keep an organization compliant with all relevant regulations while maintaining seamless and secure operations.
2. Performance optimization for next-generation workloads
AI and machine-learning workloads demand high-performance, purpose-built infrastructure. A hybrid data center strategy enables the optimal placement of workloads — whether on high-density, on-premises graphics processing unit (GPU) clusters or on scalable cloud resources — for maximum efficiency.
3. Integration and modernization at business speed
Organizations must innovate without disrupting their operations. A hybrid data center strategy facilitates the integration of new technologies while supporting legacy systems, enabling modernization at the pace of business.
4. Sustainable operations for environmental goals
Achieving sustainability goals requires energy-efficient infrastructure. In hybrid data centers, advanced cooling techniques, the use of renewable energy and intelligent workload placement can reduce environmental impact and costs.
5. Cost optimization for predictable workloads
Cloud costs can spiral beyond forecasts, especially for high-performance workloads. A well-architected hybrid data center strategy maintains cost efficiency by placing these workloads in the most economical environment.
The technology leader’s roadmap to hybrid data center excellence
To thrive in the hybrid era, technology leaders must take decisive action:
- Embrace true hybrid cloud modernization: Build a unified hybrid ecosystem by integrating your on-premises private cloud, hybrid cloud and edge solutions. Use flexible consumption models in partnership with original equipment manufacturers and hyperscalers to align your infrastructure with your changing workload demands.
- Develop AI-ready data center capabilities: Future-proof your infrastructure so that it can support the full AI lifecycle. Invest in specialized computing, storage and network solutions designed for high scalability and performance.
- Implement comprehensive data protection: Strengthen your cyber resilience with immutable backups, end-to-end encryption, AI-driven threat detection and robust disaster recovery. A proactive security approach protects against ransomware attacks, data breaches and other operational disruptions.
Achieve unmatched scalability, agility and performance with NTT DATA
NTT DATA’s comprehensive hybrid data center solutions and lifecycle services deliver the resilience, security and scalability that your organization needs to thrive in a dynamic market:
- Top-tier strategic partnerships:We work with leading technology vendors like Dell Technologies, Cisco, Broadcom, HPE Aruba Networking and major hyperscalers to deliver tailored solutions.
- AI, data center and cloud consulting skills: We don’t just build infrastructure; we also provide the expertise to help you get the most out of it.
- Worldwide professional services capability: With a presence in over 50 countries, we have access to a global network of more than 4,200 data center and cloud specialists for consistent and reliable service delivery.
- End-to-end lifecycle services: From consulting and strategic technology sourcing to professional services and full-time premium support with our software-defined infrastructure and adoption services, we make sure you enjoy optimal performance and peace of mind.
- A top-three data center provider globally: We offer private infrastructure hosting with leading hyperscalers in more than 150 data centers, across four continents, for optimal performance and minimal latency.
The future belongs to organizations whose infrastructure strategies are closely aligned with their business objectives. A well-executed hybrid data center strategy is not just an IT decision; it’s a competitive advantage, too.