In the AEC industry, some of the most precious resources companies have are their databases, comprising all the design files and permits that need to be shared securely across multiple professionals, from different teams and job sites. These types of documents are extremely important for each project’s outcome, impacting safety and security standards, functionality and design.

This is why it is important not only to store them in the best conditions, but to ensure that each business has a good infrastructure, which enables it to backup its intelligence and apps, to offload some IT functions to the cloud and, evenmore, have access, for security reasons, to their own servers.

With such complex requirements, many architecture, engineering and construction companies come to us for advice on what to choose between public and private clouds and the answer is, in many cases, a hybrid solution, which responds to their needs and enables them to benefit from excellent results.

What is a hybrid cloud?

A hybrid cloud is a computing environment that connects a private cloud - also known as an on-premise datacenter -, to a public cloud - a service offered by third party providers to anyone who benefits from an Internet connection -, allowing data and applications to be shared and managed between the two.

Many people confuse hybrid clouds with multi-clouds and even use the terms interchangeably, but that is a mistake, as the two concepts are different. A multi-cloud environment involves several public cloud services, usually from different providers. This mix enables companies to not rely on a single solution, thus using different providers for different needs and services, and to benefit from the best offers and prices available on the market.

The main difference, when it comes to separating the two is that, unlike multi-clouds, hybrid clouds always include a private cloud.

The benefits of using a hybrid cloud model

The main benefit of using a hybrid cloud model is agility, since businesses may adapt and scale capacity, either up or down, depending on seasonality or other factors that may impact their companies’ volumes. 

Moreover, hybrid clouds also ensure that end-users don’t need to purchase, install and maintain additional equipment, to ensure they keep up with their businesses.

Apart from these, those which choose a hybrid cloud model may enjoy the attributes of both public and private clouds, thus benefiting from control, optimization, flexibility and a high level of safety.

When do you know your company needs a hybrid cloud?

AEC professionals know that not everything belongs on a public cloud and that there are types of information that require more safety. Still even in a secure, standardized environment, data and applications should operate between clouds and be accessible from different locations and touchpoints.

An AEC company that might require a hybrid cloud model may be familiar with the following situations:

• Its workload changes consistently, depending on the project’s complexity and on the teams involved. This means that a scalable public cloud solution will help optimize efforts.

• The business might work with sensitive information, which needs to be stored on a private cloud, to ensure that all safety measures are met and that, in the case of lose, information may be configured back in the cloud. Azure clients, for example, may use the Recovery Services vault to backup their data.

• There is an increasing need to offload or host applications in the cloud with the most common reason being that companies need to free up their data centers or office servers, for a smoother experience. Sometimes, the reason is related to project specifics, since every project is different and has its own set of requirements. Apps like Primavera P6, Sage Estimating, OnScreen TakeOff, AutoDesk Revit, Viewpoint Vista may be run on the cloud, when necessary.

• The company is going through a digitalization process which includes moving to the cloud, but wants to do this at its own pace. In this case, using a temporary hybrid cloud model is an excellent solution which enables AEC companies to split their project into steps and treat each at a time.

• The business wants to maintain long-term flexibility and autonomy, and ensure it enjoys the benefits of both private and public clouds.

• Moreover, some AEC companies may feel that they need special protection for their data, while others may, due to the nature of their projects, be obliged to follow certain regulations. On-premise data centers enable companies to meet these requirements.

Azure hybrid cloud solutions

Azure hybrid cloud solutions enable companies to deploy remote working, drive innovation and make use of their on-premise estates in a way that feels seamless, natural. By offering a holistic approach, Azure allows companies to bring their existing on-premise Windows Server and SQL server licenses with the Azure subscriptions, thus saving money.

This means that end-users may use and deploy apps from different touchpoints and locations, while enjoying consistent experiences and having access to their environments from a single, secure control panel. This way, all workloads are equally protected.

AECCloud and hybrid cloud solutions

At AECCloud, we know that each project is different and that businesses need to create their strategies starting from their existing resources, their team’s capabilities and needs. This is why, before starting any project, we analyze where the company is, its objectives and timeframe available. If you are considering a hybrid cloud model or don’t know where to start your cloud strategy, contact us and we will help you maximize your efforts and resources.