In Cloud Computing, the word cloud is used as a metaphor which refers to 'the Internet'. Literally, cloud computing is an Internet-based computing where different services like applications, storage and servers are delivered to an organization's computers through the Internet. It has garnered a lot of support in IT circles. If effectively done, it promises to create a virtualized infrastructure over the traditional datacenters. The provider of cloud computing services strikes the right chord for all enterprises. After studying the organizational setup, the cloud computing consultants prepare a mechanism by which the performance, scalability and even security is ensured. But organizations these days face a hard time in deciding whether to deploy a public cloud, a private cloud or a
hybrid cloud. This guide will help you in making a well-informed decision as you go through the expansive overview of the three clouds.
PUBLIC CLOUD -
As the word 'public' suggests, a cloud is recognized as a public cloud when services rendered are open to public use.
• Easy modes of Payment -
The services offered maybe without any additional costs or are based upon pay-per-usage model.
• Safety is full guaranteed -
Public cloud computing solutions are efficiently managed by those service providers who deliver them to customers via a safe and secured Internet connection.
• Economies of scale -
The subscribers to these services largely benefit from the economies of scale as infrastructural costs are spread across all users and each one can operate at low-cost.
• On-demand Scalability -
They ensure seamless and on-demand scalability to its clients and are generally larger in scale than an in-house enterprise cloud computing solutions provider.
• Ideal for SME's -
There is hardly any expenditure incurred on buying hardware, it is thus the best solution for small and medium enterprises or for those businesses that have fluctuating demands.
PRIVATE CLOUD -
In a private cloud, the cloud computing solutions are dedicated to a single organization. It does not matter whether the cloud is managed internally or by a third-party but in a private cloud project, a special skill set is required to virtualize the business environment. In addition to dexterity, efficiency and scalability of the public cloud, private cloud even provides -
• Greater Levels of Control and Security -
Unlike in a public cloud environment, they allow firms to host applications in the cloud simultaneously addressing data security and control. Since it is deployed within certain firewall settings, it cannot be accessed from anywhere as and when one likes at any point of time.
• Ideal for Larger Corporate Houses -
As earlier stated, a private cloud provides the advantage of greater control and security and which is why it is ideal for larger businesses or those organizations with strict data, regulation and governance obligations.
• Ability to customize -
It has the ability to customize the compute, storage and networking components as per your IT needs.
• Higher Performance -
Since a private cloud is deployed inside the firewall of an organization's intranet server. When compared to Internet, the transfer rates increase dramatically and the user is freed from the problem of slow page access time.
HYBRID CLOUD -
Hybrid cloud, the real game changer combines the positives of both public as well as private cloud. With hybrid, you get the best of both worlds.
• In literal terms, it refers to an organization that keeps some operations as in-house (private) whereas some as an outside provider (public) for operations.
• It is ideal for non-sensitive operations (public) as well as for business critical operations (private).
• Hybrid cloud increases the flexibility of computing. Enterprises can run an application on private cloud but tap into public during high peak demand.
When you start using cloud services, ensure that you are full prepared to select best cloud services that meet your business requirements. Essentially, there is no "one solution fits all" strategy when you decide to use public or private or hybrid. But it is a prerequisite that you choose what will work best for your business to grow.
