What type of applications is cloud bursting typically not suitable for?

Cloud bursting refers to the technique of using cloud resources to handle peak loads of applications that typically run in a private environment. This approach is most beneficial for applications that can tolerate some latency or interruptions when transitioning to the cloud. Critical applications that require high availability, on the other hand, are designed to offer uninterrupted service with minimal downtime. These applications often have stringent service level agreements (SLAs) and depend on high reliability and performance.

Utilizing cloud bursting for such applications can introduce risks, such as latency in switching to cloud resources or failure of the cloud environment, which could lead to service interruptions that are unacceptable in a critical application scenario. Therefore, they are generally not suitable candidates for cloud bursting, as their operational needs don't align well with the cloud environment's dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature. In contrast, applications with flexible load demands, seasonal applications needing extra capacity, and applications with fluctuating usage patterns are better suited to benefit from cloud bursting, as they can leverage cloud resources during peak times while remaining stable during regular load periods.