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5 Myths about the Hybrid Cloud for Oracle EBS Debunked

By Michael Rulf posted 12-09-2020 12:51 PM

  

For a long time, Oracle E-Business Suite users have known that moving to the Cloud isn’t a question of “if” but rather of “when.” And “when” is now. However, for many organizations moving your entire ERP footprint to the Cloud immediately isn’t feasible. Fortunately for Oracle E-Business Suite users, “Cloud vs. On Premise” isn’t an either/or question because a Hybrid Cloud solution for Oracle EBS can be an excellent option for many companies – if they manage a few key considerations.

Myth #1 – To Gain Agility You MUST Migrate to a Public Cloud or SaaS Solution

There’s a common perception that the only way to gain agility through the Cloud is by migrating to a Public Cloud or SaaS platform. This is one case where conventional wisdom is truly a myth.  The truth is that a Hybrid Cloud solution offers Oracle E-Business Suite users excellent agility. In a Hybrid Cloud, users leverage existing investments and solutions that work best on-premise or in a Private Cloud while taking advantage of other ERP solution components that work best when placed on other cloud platforms.

Myth #2 – Start Ups or Companies New to ERP Should Ignore a Hybrid Cloud

Conventional wisdom also holds that startups or companies that are implementing ERP solutions for the first time only need to consider the Public Cloud (or SaaS).  This might be true for some companies, but in many cases, companies who are new to ERP would also be wise to consider Hybrid Cloud.

 HIPPA regulations offer a quick example. Companies of all sizes must comply with HIPPA regulations, and a Hybrid Cloud solution can be a cost-effective route to compliance, because it allows you to keep sensitive data on-premise or within a Private Cloud whose security configuration has been uniquely tailored to meet your needs.

 Myth #3 – The Hybrid Cloud is Less Secure than Other Cloud Options

Because it involves more moving parts, many stakeholders assume that a Hybrid Cloud is naturally going to be less secure than a Public, Private or On-Premise Oracle EBS instance.

 The truth is that every Oracle EBS solution, including an On-Premise Oracle E-Business Suite instance, needs to have a 4-pillar security posture that encompasses:

  • Endpoint Protection
  • Perimeter Security (Firewall & IDS/IPS)
  • Vulnerability Assessment & Management Protocols
  • SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) Policies

 Yes, there is more complexity involved in managing security on a Hybrid Oracle E-Business Suite environment, but a well-managed, Hybrid Cloud EBS instance should be just as secure as a well-managed on Premise or Public or Private Cloud environment.

 Myth #4 – Hybrid Clouds are Too Expensive to Deploy

Because a Hybrid Cloud encompasses multiple components – often from distinct vendors – it is easy to assume it is going to cost more. Frequently, the reverse is true, as adopting a Hybrid Cloud model allows you to optimize the operational efficiencies across your solution, thereby lowering your Total Cost of Ownership.

 Myth #5 – Hybrid Clouds are Too Hard to Manage

This myth also appears to be rooted in common sense – the more diverse your environment, the more difficult it must be to manage.  But appearances can be deceiving. The truth is that managing a Hybrid Cloud does present a different set of challenges to an Oracle EBS Application Manager, but those challenges are not necessarily more difficult to meet.

 The best way to establish your “cloud comfort zone” is to begin educating yourself on which cloud option is right for your organization. Start by downloading the white paper - “Cloud 101 for Oracle E-Business Suite Users”.