What is a Hybrid Platform?
The term hybrid platform (Polish: platforma hybrydowa) refers to an IT architecture that integrates on-premises resources with infrastructure provided by public and/or private cloud providers. For example, an e-commerce company might store customer data and payment systems in its local data center due to security requirements, while using the public cloud to handle increased traffic during seasonal promotions. This allows resource scaling without investing in additional physical infrastructure. Such a model enables organizations to flexibly manage data, applications, and computing power, maintaining control over critical processes while scaling operations using external resources.
Table of Contents:
- What is a hybrid platform and what problems does it solve?
- Hybrid platform – what does it mean in practice?
- Hybrid platform – technical definition
- Advantages of a hybrid platform
- When is the hybrid model a good choice?
- Hybrid platform architecture – main components
- Security and regulatory compliance
- Disadvantages of the hybrid platform
- Hybrid platform and IT services for businesses
What is a hybrid platform and what problems does it solve?
Implementing a hybrid platform addresses a range of challenges faced by IT departments. It enables infrastructure to be tailored to various legal requirements (e.g. GDPR, DORA), supports legacy applications and systems, and allows for optimal resource scaling based on current demand. This architecture allows organizations to leverage the advantages of public cloud computing without sacrificing control over sensitive data.
Hybrid platform – what does it mean in practice?
In practical terms, a hybrid platform means the ability to connect various computing environments into a single coherent ecosystem. Enterprises can dynamically move processes such as backups, big data processing, or disaster recovery between on-premises infrastructure and the cloud—depending on business, technical, or legal requirements. This results in greater operational flexibility and improved resource utilization. According to Forrester reports, implementing hybrid architecture can reduce operational costs by up to 60%.1
Hybrid platform – technical definition
From a technical perspective, a hybrid platform combines on-premises and cloud environments, managed as a unified system. Key elements include interoperability, automation, and centralized management. By standardizing interfaces and leveraging appropriate tools (Kubernetes, REST API, Terraform), it is possible to integrate the entire infrastructure regardless of its physical location.
Advantages of a hybrid platform
The hybrid model merges the benefits of public cloud and on-premises infrastructure. It allows full control over data while taking advantage of the flexibility and scalability of the cloud. This solution is ideal for companies seeking a secure yet efficient IT environment.
- Increased flexibility
- Data control
- Cost optimization
- Migration capabilities
When is the hybrid model a good choice?
Not every business needs a fully cloud-based infrastructure. The hybrid model is especially beneficial where regulatory compliance is crucial, legacy systems must be integrated, or where computing demands fluctuate seasonally. In such cases, a hybrid solution provides a balance between security and flexibility. It is commonly adopted by:
- Organizations with sensitive data, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, e-commerce companies, and law firms;
- Public sector entities, such as government agencies, municipalities, schools, and universities;
- Organizations relying on legacy applications, including industrial companies, critical infrastructure operators, and entities in the energy and transportation sectors.
Hybrid platform architecture – main components
A hybrid platform architecture includes several key layers, such as:
- On-premises layer (local infrastructure);
- Cloud layer (public or private);
- Management layer;
- Integration layer, e.g. API Gateway.
Each layer is responsible for a different aspect of the system’s operation – from physical servers to management platforms and integration tools. This structure enables effective integration of local and cloud environments into one unified whole.
Security and regulatory compliance
Data security and compliance with regulations are critical components of any IT infrastructure. A hybrid platform allows organizations to tailor their data storage and processing strategies to legal and industry-specific requirements. It also enables the implementation of advanced security policies, such as data encryption, access control, compliance audits, and automated data protection processes. In addition to GDPR and DORA, companies operating in cloud environments should consider standards such as ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and the EU’s NIS 2 directive. For the financial sector in Poland, KNF guidelines regarding cloud data processing are also crucial. Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a foundation for customer trust.
Disadvantages of the hybrid platform
While the hybrid model offers many advantages, its implementation also comes with challenges. Managing and integrating diverse environments requires specialized skills and support from experienced IT partners. It is also essential to develop strong security procedures and risk management strategies. There is a potential risk of becoming dependent on specific technologies or vendors (vendor lock-in), which should be considered during the architecture planning phase.
To effectively address these challenges, organizations should invest in IT team development, implement automated infrastructure monitoring and management tools, and adopt solutions that ensure compliance and business continuity—such as zero-trust policies, security audits, and cloud-native architectures that support flexibility and scalability.
Hybrid platform and IT services for businesses
For companies looking to leverage the potential of a hybrid platform, support from experienced technology partners is essential. Professional services help minimize risk, optimize costs, and shorten implementation time—for example, by deploying integration platforms that streamline data flows between systems, conducting security audits to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities, or offering technology consulting to select optimal solutions tailored to the organization’s needs. This enables full realization of the hybrid model’s benefits.
A hybrid platform combines the stability of on-premises infrastructure with the flexibility of public cloud, delivering the highest levels of availability and security. According to the latest Gartner forecasts (2024), by 2027, over 75% of enterprises will adopt hybrid or multicloud architectures to merge data security with IT flexibility. This is not just a trend—it’s a strategic decision by many companies aiming to secure data while maximizing infrastructure agility.2
Wondering if a hybrid platform is right for your business? Schedule a free consultation with Savangard experts—together we’ll assess the potential for transforming your IT infrastructure.
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Forrester Consulting. “Forrester Total Economic Impact™ Study details Cost Savings And Business Benefits of Red Hat Enterprise Linux On Microsoft Azure. Red Hat.” February 29, 2024, accessed: June 16, 2025 www.redhat.com/en/blog/forrester-tei-cost-savings-and-business-benefits-redhat-enterprise-linux-microsoft-azure
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Gartner. “Gartner Forecasts Worldwide Public Cloud End-User Spending to Total $723 Billion in 2025.” Gartner Newsroom, November 19, 2024, accessed: June 16, 2025
www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-11-19-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-public-cloud-end-user-spending-to-total-723-billion-dollars-in-2025.
