In the last few years, an explosion has occurred in cloud computing solutions for business. Many large, medium and small businesses have embraced the concept of cloud computing.
As organizations try to implement cloud computing system, they are faced with choices whether to use a Private, Public, or Hybrid cloud structure. Which one is right for your business? It helps to understand the features of each model.
Public Cloud
A Public Cloud is based on the standard computing model where applications, storage and services are made available to users over the Internet on pay per use basis. Many businesses rely on Public Clouds as it reduces the complexity, and the underlying architecture is also fixed.
Public cloud service providers sell data storage and bandwidth to large numbers of subscribers. However, with Public Clouds, there is less of a scope for customization, security and performance. And some business owners are hesitant to consign their company’s secret data to a public storage medium.
Private Cloud
A Private Cloud consists of an infrastructure that is solely meant for a single organization. It can either be managed internally or externally by a third-party. But it requires a significant level of engagement from the IT department and management to build up the virtual business environment. You also have to consider how existing resources be allocated in the cloud.
Private Cloud systems offer a scope for advanced security or fault tolerant solutions. However, creating a Private Cloud requires sufficient investment and businesses that have to comply with strict regulations may select to install a Private Cloud infrastructure.
With a Private Cloud, businesses install their own storage and server, and have the flexibility to shift the workloads from one server to another. Organizations that already incur significant data center investments can deploy this structure.
Many leading WiFi suppliers also encourage installation of this model because they offer a high-capacity centralized WLAN controller that supports flexible and remote operations.
Hybrid Cloud
A Hybrid Cloud comprises both Private and Public Cloud services and tries to offer the best of both the worlds. It provides the cost efficiency and flexibility of the Public Cloud, and the security of the Private Cloud. For many small and medium sized businesses, the Hybrid Cloud offers the opportunity to save money without any threat to data security.
Hybrid cloud models can be deployed in various ways:
- Separate cloud service providers may team up with each other to provide Public and Private Cloud services integrated into one.
- An individual service provider offers a complete Hybrid package.
- Organizations managing their Private Clouds can also integrate Public Cloud features into their infrastructure.
Ecommerce sites have to handle personal payment information. If your company has a Hybrid system, order processing and the transactional front-end can be put in the Public Cloud, while the payment and account management part can be kept private.
To understand which is right for you, a business needs to understand its objectives and how best they align with the values delivered by each model. First and foremost, you have to consider what applications you want to move into the cloud and also have to take care of regulatory issues and data protection requirements.
However, not all cloud storage providers perform at the same level. Some may be a better fit for your business than others. So be sure to take the time to look for the right provider when shifting your business data to the cloud.
Whether driven to the cloud because of increased data redundancy or by the lure of cost savings – clouds provide numerous benefits for today’s business world. So take time to research the leading cloud providers to decide which is the ideal solution for your business.
Cloud Photo via Shutterstock
Aira Bongco
I think most small businesses need a private cloud. This will keep the files private within the organization. But if you are dealing with info that can be available to the public, then a hybrid may be best.