Computing requirements can fluctuate dramatically from workload to workload. Some applications need to crunch through data, while others perform more-mundane functions such as serving customer-facing web pages. Only the demands of each workload should dictate its underlying infrastructure.

Therefore, the flexibility to choose and easily manage exactly the right combination of components is critical. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to IT infrastructure. Choice matters.

It may seem counterintuitive, but the economics associated with the cloud can best be maximized through a hybrid design incorporating bare metal. Combining dedicated servers with your cloud instances can both reduce the costs of crunching data and improve performance. This may also reduce compliance and security concerns with single-tenant components in the background for your sensitive databases and multitenant cloud instances for your customer-facing front end.

Pure-play cloud services can be as limiting as they are empowering. Pure bare metal providers can slow down your…