Today, Cloud Computing has become an indispensable technology component of everyone’s lives and core business IT discussions. The perfect Cloud Computing strategy is now the need of the hour and is getting an essential component for determining any business’s success. Cloud computing does offer the best-in-class access along with numerous options for enterprises of all sizes. For a business that is migrating to Cloud from legacy systems, it is vital that it clearly understands the various forms of Cloud Computing that are available in the market. Determining the right Cloud Computing model will greatly aid in determining which Cloud ecosystem can accurately address the business needs.

Cloud Computing Types

Cloud Computing can be categorized into three major categories, namely- Public, Private and Hybrid Cloud. Each of these Cloud technologies hasits own set of benefits and limitations

  1. Public Cloud

Public Cloud Computing is one of the most prominent Cloud Computing technology forms, as most businesses are using it regularly. This Cloud Computing model is offered as a service over an Internet connection. Using the Public Cloud Computing model, the Cloud hosting service user cannot maintain technologies and infrastructure. Instead, the Cloud Service Provider like ESDS looks after the maintenance and other essential tasks. All the supporting hardware is usually not present at the user’s location.

Benefits of Public Cloud Computing

The core benefits of Public Cloud Computing encompass the following

  • Higher Cost Savings: The public Cloud is considered to be the least expensive Cloud Computing option. However, these costs can be used for determining an organization’s needs. In case an enterprise extensively uses Cloud-hosted applications, then using a Public Cloud from service providers like ESDS can be a great option to consider. On the other hand, if user applications are not compatible with Public Cloud, then some form of on-site infrastructure becomes important.
  • Easily Manageable:The infrastructure of a Public Cloud offers an easy-to-manage Cloud environment. All hardware and software and user applications, and mobile devices remain connected to Cloud systems, which can be easily managed remotely from any location. There is no need for the network admins to monitor and manage all aspects of Cloud Computing without actually visiting the on-premise location sites. Every device & program being accessed on the Internet network can easily handle & manage remote infrastructures.
  • Easier Upgrades: The centralized control and sharing of resources make the process of upgradation easier in a Public Cloud setup. Whenever software is ready for upgradation, it can be done quickly through a central location by directly impacting all the users present in the network. Since all the resources are shared in a Public Cloud, every user in the network will bear the costs related to changes or updates.
  • Scalability:Scalability is an important aspect for most enterprises leveraging Cloud technology. Public Cloud offers simpler navigation since there is no need for any dedicated or ‘defined’ infrastructure for any resource. With resources being shared between other users in the network, a user can still scale his services based on his needs.
  • Cost-Friendly Implementation: A Public Cloud has the least cost of implementation. Since all the resources, hardware, and other services are shared between several users, there is no need for setting up a local Data Center. With the cost of setting up localized Data Centers getting eliminated, the purchase cost of equipment, licenses, and other essential items gets reduced by a significant margin.
  1. Private Cloud

A Private Cloud is also sometimes referred to as an Internal Cloud or Enterprise Cloud. The fundamental difference between a Public Cloud and a Private Cloud is that Private Cloud Computing is a service that has been deployed over an internal network. With this form of Cloud technology locally deployed, the Cloud user owns the entire Cloud infrastructure, which might be present on-site or within a Data Center. In Private Cloud Computing, the user is responsible for managing and maintaining all the resources and other equipment required for Cloud Computing.

Benefits of Private Cloud Computing

The core benefits of Private Cloud Computing encompass the following-

  • Enhanced Security:Private Cloud Computing offers the highest security levels that are available in a Cloud environment, resulting in minimal exposure to risks. Private Cloud runs only the specific applications and hardware that a business organization requires. Talking about security, businesses can setup advanced and best-in-class security solutions. With only business users accessing the Cloud, security levels are much higher in a Private Cloud as compared to Public Cloud.
  • Flexibility:Private Cloud offers increased flexibility in terms of capabilities as compared to Public Cloud. The betterment in Private Cloud flexibility is backed with cost, resulting in Private Clouds being more expensive than Public Cloud.
  • Improved Network Performance: As compared to other Cloud Computing models, the Private Cloud will have the strongest network performance. The core infrastructure supporting a Private Cloud Data Center will be used only by a single business organization. Irrespective of who manages the Cloud network, it is designed to address an organization’s specific needs directly.
  1. Hybrid Cloud

A Hybrid Cloud combines the features of both- Public and Private Clouds. A Hybrid Cloud has been designed specifically to address and avail the other 2 Cloud Computing models’ individual strengths- Private and Public Cloud. Hybrid Clouds can be easily customized for addressing a business organization’s particular needs.

Benefits of Hybrid Cloud Computing

The core benefits of Hybrid Cloud Computing encompass the following-

  • Combined Benefits: Hybrid Cloud offers the benefits of private and Public Cloud technologies, giving enterprises a maximum number of options. However, with a Hybrid Cloud, there can be a complex infrastructure, leading to more time in setting up and managing them than other Cloud Computing models.
  • Updates & Releases: Irrespective of the Cloud Computing model, one must regularly update all the programs and applications on the network and also patching them with the latest security versions. Usually, it is the network administrator that performs fixes and upgrades. These updates in the programs and applications will be immediately reflected on user’s connected devices since they are constantly connected to the Cloud environment.
  • Security:Hybrid Cloud environments can be easily implemented using SaaS-based applications on a Public Cloud network. Businesses can setup a Private Cloud inside a firewall solution that offers a Virtual Private Network or VPN. All these enhanced security measures allow a business’s security to be managed independently from a Public Cloud ecosystem.

The Big Q: Which Cloud Computing Model?

It is ultimately a business’s decision regarding which Cloud Computing model they need. Each business organization has its own defined set of needs that might be fulfilled by any of the three Cloud models discussed above (Public, Private, and Hybrid). By understanding each Cloud Computing model’s benefits and limitations and the extensive reach of the needs, a business can identify the best Cloud Computing technology.