It seems like everything is ‘hybrid’ these days. Hybrid cars. Hybrid networks. Even hybrid animals like Ligers and Zonkeys. The world of communications is no different. In fact, one research report indicates that around 85% of businesses prefer a hybrid unified communications (UC) solution. A hybrid approach to UC simply means that part of the solution is on-prem and the other part is deployed in the cloud. More specifically, a hybrid UC deployment allows for a subset of the business to use cloud-based phones while the rest runs on the on-prem infrastructure. For organizations looking to make the move to cloud-hosted UC, a hybrid model might be the best solution until they are ready to fully migrate to the cloud. Let’s look at a couple of reasons why.

Legacy PBX equipment – “I’m not dead yet.” 

While legacy equipment may be aging, if it hasn’t fully depreciated IT teams may be forced to make use of the investment until devices reach end-of-life. If you consider the various hardware, vendors, and technologies involved in the current communications infrastructure, expiration dates could vary significantly. In this scenario, it could cost thousands of dollars in unrecouped investment to move the entire system to the cloud. A hybrid UC solution gives the business the ability to leverage an interim solution that allows them to use the existing technology while still enjoying all the benefits of a cloud solution. By phasing a cloud migration over time, organizations can scale their infrastructure into the cloud until they are ready for a fully-hosted model which is a popular move among enterprise digital transformation strategies.

The FUD factor – “That cloud looks scary.” 

For many businesses, the idea of ‘going cloud’ in one fell swoop strikes fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) in the hearts of owners, managers, or employees. A hybrid cloud model gives leaders peace of mind as they slow roll into a cloud migration. In some instances, this is ideal because it gives IT leaders time to learn the ins and outs of the new phones and address issues in small batches rather than company-wide. Further, it allows for a subset of users to ‘prove the model’ to those that may have reservations about how the new solution will function compared to the ‘old’ system. Either way, hybrid UC gives the IT department the luxury of increasing over time and being more confident in managing the solution when it is time to go all in.

Is Hybrid UC right for your business? 

If you’re looking to move your communications system to the cloud and either of the above scenarios sounds familiar – hybrid UC might be just what you need. Give us a call and let’s talk through it.