Develop hybrid cloud architecture knowledge that today’s organizations rely on to run scalable, resilient systems. This course provides a comprehensive, hands-on pathway through advanced cloud networking, storage architecture, data management, and business continuity across hybrid and multicloud environments. You’ll explore global and regional network design, load balancing patterns, security layers, and interconnect options while learning how to diagnose performance, latency, and routing challenges.

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Hybrid Cloud: Networking, Storage and Data Management
This course is part of IBM Hybrid Cloud Architect Professional Certificate


Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Build job-ready skills in hybrid and multicloud networking, storage, and data management to design secure, scalable solutions
Design and recommend secure hybrid and multicloud network configurations using technologies such as VPN, Direct Connect, and ExpressRoute
Configure hybrid and multicloud storage for performance, cost, and compliance
Plan disaster recovery and business continuity strategies for reliable and resilient hybrid and multicloud operations
Skills you'll gain
- Multi-Cloud
- Business Continuity
- Hybrid Cloud Computing
- Load Balancing
- Security Controls
- Planning
- IBM Cloud
- Database Management
- Amazon S3
- Network Monitoring
- Cloud Storage
- Virtual Networking
- Relational Databases
- Performance Tuning
- Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
- Cloud Security
- Disaster Recovery
- Architectural Design
- Cloud Infrastructure
Details to know

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January 2026
12 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
In this module, you will explore advanced cloud networking concepts that build upon the fundamentals. You'll learn about the configuration of layered security across subnets and firewalls, explore advanced load balancing and DNS strategies, and implement secure multicloud connectivity using VPNs, Direct Connect, and ExpressRoute. You'll also evaluate hybrid topologies such as hub-and-spoke and mesh networks, and practice diagnosing common latency, throughput, and cost bottlenecks across providers.
What's included
7 videos2 readings4 assignments9 plugins
In this module, you will explore cloud storage models at an advanced level. You'll be able to compare the trade-offs for object, block, and file storage, not just in theory, but through their latency, durability, and throughput. You'll learn how to control costs and enhance performance using optimization strategies, including caching, tiering, and lifecycle policies. You'll also examine replication patterns, including synchronous versus asynchronous, and geo-distribution approaches across multiple providers. Then apply what you know when you complete a role-play analysis that requires classifying and mapping workloads to the correct storage model.
What's included
5 videos1 reading3 assignments6 plugins
In this module, you'll focus on advanced data management and business continuity strategies in hybrid and multicloud environments. You'll gain actionable insights into how to apply disaster recovery architectures with clear Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO) targets, implement high availability for SQL and NoSQL databases, and apply lifecycle policies for compliance, archiving, and sustainability. You'll also practice analyzing database scaling strategies, identifying hybrid cloud architecture issues, and recommending configurations for tiered Storage that adhere to compliance policies.
What's included
7 videos4 assignments8 plugins
In this module, you will integrate all the skills you've developed in the course to design a resilient, cost-optimized hybrid cloud architecture. You'll apply advanced networking, storage optimization, and business continuity strategies to a realistic case study. The project requires diagnosing performance and resilience challenges, selecting the right trade-offs, and justifying your design decisions. This module emphasizes practical application of your knowledge and demonstrates your ability to diagnose shortcomings, recommend solutions, and justify their use as a hybrid cloud architect would in a professional setting.
What's included
2 readings1 assignment1 app item9 plugins
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Frequently asked questions
This course builds the skills needed for roles such asCloud Network Engineers, Cloud Architects, Cloud Infrastructure Specialists, Systems Analysts, cybersecurity-focused professionals, and experienced IT support or software developers expanding into cloud architecture. This course is equally valuable for career switchers and reskillers aiming for hybrid or multicloud roles.
You’ll need familiarity with IT fundamentals, basic cloud concepts, and general networking or IT support experience to complete this course successfully. Completing the earlier courses in the IBM Hybrid Cloud Architect Professional Certificate is highly recommended for smooth progression.
You’ll work with analyzing hybrid and multicloud networking, load balancers, DNS systems, VPN/Direct Connect/ExpressRoute setups, and storage layers. Labs also expose you to latency, throughput, routing, replication, and cost analysis across cloud providers.
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