For modern enterprises, enabling smooth collaboration across distributed teams and sites is imperative. However, legacy storage systems often result in more friction than fluidity, creating frustration among team members and hitting productivity hard. Employees - and data - end up siloed in isolated repositories, wasting time piecing together scattered datasets and file versions.
At the same time, IT teams struggle to manage disjointed storage pools while attempting to make fragmented systems work cohesively. And public cloud tools can raise valid data sovereignty and security concerns if used alone. As such, a new approach is needed.
There are also budgetary constraints, with organizations facing more pressure than ever before to do more with less while still delivering on BAU expectations as well as driving the business forward.
Indeed, while analyst firm Gartner predicts that worldwide spending on IT will increase by 8% in 2024, it’s a pool of money for many having to stretch much, much further.
The analyst also recently noted that CIOs are experiencing what it has termed ‘change fatigue.’ That is too much going on, too quickly to even be able to stand still let alone keep up.
“Faced with a new wave of pragmatism, capital restrictions or margin concerns, CIOs are delaying some IT spending,” said John-David Lovelock, distinguished vice president analyst at Gartner.
“Organizations are shifting the emphasis of IT projects towards cost control, efficiencies and automation, while curtailing IT initiatives that will take longer to deliver returns.”
An innovative hybrid storage architecture could be a well-received solution to these problems. By converging private and public cloud capabilities, companies can give distributed teams unified access and simplified coordination within a global namespace. Workstream continuity across locations becomes a reality.
The hybrid model offers the versatility of public cloud resources while retaining localized performance and governance of on-prem infrastructure. For enterprises ready to move away from fractured collaboration, a hybrid solution delivers IT simplicity and unlocks increased productivity, especially for distributed teams.
The advantages of streamlined collaboration with Hybrid Share
For distributed enterprises, providing intuitive collaboration tools across multiple offices is critical. That said, the reality is that employees often find themselves isolated and unable to access unified assets. The result is valuable time wasted struggling to sync and share files, which results in stifled innovation, decreased productivity and, ultimately, hampers overall organizational efficiency.
Hybrid architectures have emerged as a potent remedy to this problem, purpose-built for seamless cross-location teamwork. By converging the capabilities of private and public clouds, a hybrid solution unites data access within a single global namespace. This means that workers can enjoy simple, real-time file syncing across all sites. The confusion and inefficiency caused by multiple file versions are eliminated with centralized access.
The benefits of hybrid architectures extend beyond just data access. Remote team members can conveniently access shared folders from anywhere using a desktop app, thereby enhancing their ability to collaborate and contribute effectively. For IT administrators, hybrid solutions offer scalable storage that seamlessly grows with business needs. Moreover, cached local data ensures quick access to frequently used files, further boosting productivity.
Security is another crucial aspect where hybrid architectures shine. Comprehensive security measures down to the file level safeguard sensitive data without limiting collaboration. Permissions stay aligned to corporate policies for uniform governance across all locations and teams. Additionally, built-in file versioning enables easy rollback after mistakes, providing an extra layer of protection against data loss.
The hybrid approach simplifies IT oversight while giving distributed teams the workstream continuity they deserve. It brings together the best of both worlds - unified productivity for teams and administrative ease for IT departments. With the versatility of hybrid architecture, achieving this balance is now possible.
Hybrid architectures are transforming the way distributed enterprises operate by breaking down silos and fostering collaboration. They offer a robust solution to the challenges of data access, security, and scalability while enhancing productivity and efficiency across teams. As more organizations recognize these benefits, the adoption of hybrid solutions is set to rise, shaping the future of enterprise technology.
Transitioning to simplified collaboration
For enterprises struggling with the limitations of fragmented private cloud storage, transitioning to a hybrid architecture offers a compelling path forward. Adopting a hybrid solution can simplify daily operations and unlock the full potential of cross-location collaboration.
Rather than undergo disruptive data migrations, companies can implement hybrid capabilities atop existing infrastructure for greater ROI. The switch is designed to be non-disruptive, with no retraining needed for users already familiar with directory services like Active Directory.
With a hybrid approach, files reside accessible in a unified global namespace rather than scattered across siloed repositories. Teams enjoy streamlined coordination powered by seamless access and instant syncing. Workstream continuity prevails regardless of site.
For IT administrators, hybrid solutions present a consolidated view of storage and activity. Oversight is centralized versus spread across disconnected pools. Privileges, access controls, and permissions remain uniform.
Hybrid capabilities scale on demand to accommodate growth and prevent capacity limits from hindering productivity. Local caching ensures high-speed access to frequently used files without reliance on bandwidth.
Case in point - How Andresen uses Hybrid Cloud to streamline video projects
Creative digital production company Andresen Digital experienced the benefits of Hybrid Share first-hand. With teams dispersed across the US and Europe, Andresen struggled to collaborate on large imaging and video projects. Employees wasted time transferring files and assets between locations, never sure if they were working from the latest version.
By implementing Synology's Hybrid Share solution, Andresen unified its global workforce within a collaboration workspace hosted on the secure C2 Storage cloud. Now project teams can instantly synchronize files and access a centralized set of data, no matter where collaborators are located. Confusion over versioning was eliminated, and transfers of large graphic files accelerated.
Andresen creatives can easily share their work-in-progress with stakeholders through shared folders. Remote employees can also conveniently access assets using the C2 desktop app when working from home or on the go. Time previously lost to syncing delays has been recouped and can be spent elsewhere delivering business value.
"Thanks to Hybrid Share, I'm not limited to local talent, but can stand out and look for talent globally. That solves a lot of problems,” says Jeff Grant, Global Head of Production and Technology, Andresen Digital.
With streamlined collaboration powered by Hybrid Share's globally accessible namespace, Andresen smoothed coordination on digital imaging projects across their worldwide team. The results were transformative. As one Andresen manager put it, "Thanks to Hybrid Share, location is no longer a barrier to talent or teamwork."
Experience the benefits first-hand with a free trial of Synology Hybrid Share. Consult with one of our experts to learn how Hybrid Share can unite your multi-site teams within a simplified IT infrastructure. Or visit Synology.com to explore how Hybrid Share provides the administrative ease and collaborative power your organization needs.
A business case that makes real sense
The benefits are clear - simplified IT management alongside frictionless collaboration across distributed teams and locations. The hybrid architecture delivers workstream unity previously unattainable.
Purpose-built hybrid solutions like Synology Hybrid Share allow enterprises to realize these benefits through seamless integration of private and public cloud capabilities. For organizations seeking to transform cross-location collaboration, hybrid represents the future.
