As businesses in the UK face rising operational costs, evolving technological landscapes, and the increasing pressure to optimise infrastructure while maintaining scalability and security, selecting the right cloud strategy has never been more critical. Modern enterprises are often caught in the debate between public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions. Each model offers unique advantages and challenges, making it crucial to align the choice with your organisation's specific needs.
This article distils key insights from a recent expert-led discussion on multicloud and hybrid cloud strategies. We’ll explore fundamental cloud principles, the growing importance of open-source innovation, and how businesses can strategically balance cost and performance.
Introduction to the Cloud Paradigm
The cloud is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. Organisations are increasingly moving towards hybrid and multicloud strategies, blending private and public infrastructures to optimise cost, flexibility, and application performance. Rob’s industry statistics highlight this trend:
- 78% of organisations now use three or more public clouds.
- 54% of businesses deploy applications through hybrid models.
Understanding how to navigate this complex landscape is pivotal for decision-makers such as CTOs, IT managers, and infrastructure specialists looking to align technology infrastructure with business objectives.
Key Cloud Models: Private, Public, and Hybrid
1. Public Cloud: Scalability for the Masses
Public cloud platforms, such as Microsoft Azure and AWS, are well-known for their global scalability, feature-rich services, and strong platform integrations. These are ideal for businesses with fluctuating workloads or those requiring extensive platform services. However, the downside often lies in the cost, complexity of licensing, and lack of customisation for certain business-specific needs.
2. Private Cloud: Tailored Control and Security
Private cloud solutions are hosted either on-premises or in a dedicated data centre. They offer maximum control, higher levels of security, and better compliance - ideal for industries with strict regulatory requirements such as healthcare, finance, or government. However, the trade-offs include higher upfront costs and limited scalability compared to public clouds.
3. Hybrid Cloud: The Best of Both Worlds
A hybrid cloud blends public and private infrastructures, allowing businesses to keep sensitive data in private environments while leveraging public clouds for less critical workloads. This model offers flexibility and cost efficiency, particularly for organisations needing workload portability or disaster recovery solutions.
The Role of Open Source in Modern Cloud Strategies
One of the most transformative aspects of cloud infrastructure today is the growing adoption of open-source technologies. David Humes, Vice President of Product Development, emphasises that open source provides long-term stability, cost control, and faster innovation.
We strongly believe open source is the future of digital infrastructure. It offers unmatched adaptability and the ability to innovate quickly.
Why Open Source Matters
- Cost Control: Open source is often more affordable than proprietary platforms, a crucial benefit in today’s cost-sensitive environment.
- Innovation: Open-source communities drive rapid development and introduce cutting-edge capabilities, such as GPU functionality and Kubernetes support.
- Stability: Unlike proprietary solutions tied to a single vendor, open-source platforms are community-driven, promoting resilience and adaptability.
For example, CloudStack, an open-source cloud management platform, was extended to include native GPU functionality for multi-tenant environments - a capability added within months due to the flexibility of open-source development.
Balancing Open Source and Commercial Platforms
While open source presents numerous advantages, certain scenarios still call for commercial platforms. For instance, some enterprise applications require specific underlying technologies for vendor support. Similarly, industries with highly regulated environments may prefer commercial solutions for the added assurance of compliance and support.
Customer Perspective: The Journey from Public to Hybrid Cloud
To illustrate how real-world organisations are navigating cloud decisions, let’s examine the story of LotoCloud, a Colorado-based managed service provider.
LotoCloud initially relied heavily on Microsoft Azure for its versatility and maturity in platform services. However, over time, rising costs and the need to address smaller-scale customer requirements prompted the organisation to explore alternative solutions.
David Humes summarises this shift aptly:
It’s not about replacing Azure but complementing it with options that make the most sense for specific workloads or business goals.
LotoCloud adopted a hybrid approach, integrating OpenCloud alongside Azure. The results included:
- Cost Savings: Migrating workloads with common application stacks (e.g., SQL databases) to OpenCloud significantly reduced operational expenses.
- Performance Alignment: OpenCloud offered streamlined solutions for standard workloads, while Azure was retained for more complex or regulated needs.
- Customer Satisfaction: The flexibility to tailor solutions enhanced LotoCloud’s ability to meet diverse customer demands.
This story underscores the importance of having multiple options in your cloud strategy. Whether integrating open-source platforms or leveraging hyperscalers like AWS, flexibility is key to maximising value.
The Future of Cloud Infrastructure
The rapid evolution of cloud technology is opening new doors for businesses. Emerging capabilities, such as native Kubernetes support, GPU workloads, and ARM CPUs, are shaping the next wave of innovation. For organisations, the focus remains on balancing cost-efficiency with technological agility.
As David Humes explains, the ultimate goal is to empower businesses to choose their own adventure
in the cloud - allocating workloads to the optimal environment without being locked into a single model or provider.
Key Takeaways
- Hybrid Cloud Dominance: Businesses increasingly favour hybrid strategies, leveraging the strengths of both private and public clouds.
- Open Source as a Game-Changer: Open-source technologies offer cost efficiency, innovation, and long-term stability, making them a vital tool for modern infrastructure.
- Cost Control is Critical: Rising subscription costs and licensing complexities highlight the importance of choosing cost-effective cloud solutions like OpenCloud.
- Workload Optimisation: Evaluate workloads to determine the most suitable environment - public cloud, private cloud, or a hybrid model.
- Collaboration Drives Success: Partnering with expert providers ensures the right guidance and support for navigating complex cloud environments.
- Future-Ready Solutions: Emerging technologies like GPU workloads and Kubernetes support are reshaping the cloud landscape, enabling businesses to innovate more effectively.
- Customer-Centric Approaches: Businesses like LotoCloud illustrate the importance of listening to customer needs and adapting cloud strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cloud strategy involves more than comparing features or costs - it’s about aligning technology with your organisation’s unique needs and future ambitions. By adopting a hybrid approach, embracing open-source innovation, and working with trusted partners, businesses can not only optimise their operations but also future-proof their infrastructure amidst a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
For UK organisations, particularly those operating in technology-driven industries like SaaS, e-commerce, or IT services, now is the time to reassess your cloud strategy. Balancing cost, performance, and scalability will ensure you stay competitive while driving measurable business value.
Source: Finding the Right Fit: Cloud Strategy Deep Dive - Cloud Advantage Virtual Summit
- US Signal, YouTube, Aug 27, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS-xcrLBMvg
Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.