What does the term 'cloud-native' refer to in hybrid cloud discussions?

The term 'cloud-native' specifically refers to applications that are optimized for cloud environments, making them inherently better suited to take full advantage of cloud computing's capabilities. This means that these applications are designed from the ground up to leverage cloud functionalities such as elasticity, scalability, and resilience.

Cloud-native applications are typically built using microservices architecture, allowing them to be modular, easily deployable, and capable of rapid updates. They often utilize cloud features like containerization, automated scaling, and dynamic orchestration, which enhance their performance and management in a cloud setting.

In contrast, applications designed for specific hardware or legacy applications that have simply been moved to the cloud may not utilize cloud capabilities to their fullest. Similarly, adaptations of on-premises software do not inherently embrace the cloud-native principles of flexibility and scalability, which are essential for effective hybrid cloud implementations. Therefore, the essence of 'cloud-native' applications is their optimization for cloud environments, allowing them to operate efficiently and effectively within a hybrid cloud framework.