Businesses of all sizes are taking advantage of cloud technology. Whether you are migrating your data from in-house storage or are already using the cloud, how do you know if you’re using the right deployment model? There are three main types of cloud deployment models.
While having options is usually a good thing, it can also be a tad confusing. We’re taking a quick look at public, private, and hybrid cloud models so you have a better idea of what’s a good fit for your organization.
The Public vs Private Cloud
Some organizations may already be using cloud technology. You can choose to use the public or private cloud. Some businesses may use both technologies. However, what’s the difference between them, and can you get the same benefits?
The primary difference between the public and private cloud is who controls and maintains the infrastructure. Businesses using private cloud technology are responsible for all operating and maintenance aspects. You also need the infrastructure and a robust IT department.
The public cloud is operated and maintained by the service provider, meaning you do not need to supply the necessary infrastructure. For most businesses, the public cloud provides significant savings. This also applies to organizations with smaller or non-existent IT departments.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Public and Private Clouds
A private cloud does tend to have a little more security since you have total control over access. You’re responsible for setting up the security protocols and can easily limit user access, change passwords, etc. However, don’t forget you’re responsible for covering all associated costs. This includes cloud support and maintenance, and it can get pricey if you don’t have a dedicated in-house IT team.
Public clouds are usually cheaper to support and maintain. Another benefit of public clouds is you’re not responsible for providing/purchasing any equipment. This typically falls to the cloud service provider. Set-up tends to be a breeze, and you can easily scale the cloud to meet your current business needs. This means you’re only paying for what your business is actually using.
While the upsides of a public cloud can seem great, there’s a potentially huge downside. Even though the service provider is handling security, it’s not always enough to keep hackers out of a public cloud. Remember, you’re sharing the cloud with others, and this means a greater risk of cybersecurity breaches.
Read. More: Top 10 Best Cloud Software for Everyday Use to make life easier
Hybrid Cloud Deployment Models
Private and public clouds both have some great benefits and a few potential challenges. Wouldn’t it be great if you could combine the benefits while minimizing the potential risks? Guess what, you can with a hybrid cloud deployment model.
A hybrid cloud is essentially a combination of a public and private cloud. For example, your private cloud may use your IT infrastructure. If you’re using Edge, this is a type of private cloud. Mixing the services you need from your private cloud into a public one results in a hybrid deployment model. You can pick and choose which services your business needs from each model.
Now that you have a better grasp on the various types of cloud deployment models, hopefully, it’s a little easier to choose one that fits your needs.
