Deciding Between Public and Private Cloud [Guide]

Cloud computing has become less of a novelty and more of a necessity as a greater number of businesses are realizing its potential. Cloud computing allows for the flexible sharing, storing and managing of data and applications throughout an entire network without the need for an endless stream of individual updates, installations and applications. Both the public cloud and private cloud have its own sets of benefits, uses and detriments.

Public vs. Private Cloud

On a public cloud platform, users share a physical host with other users and the cloud is open to anyone who pays for it or is otherwise granted access through the cloud’s owners. A private cloud, by contrast, consists of hardware owned by a single entity that needs not share with anyone. While the privacy and high security of the private cloud outweighs that of the public cloud, Network World notes a public cloud can be more agile and prompt with on-demand delivery. Because private clouds are independently owned, the burden of its upkeep and management falls on the shoulders of its specific owner.

Public Cloud Use

A public cloud works well with applications and data that demands access from a wide, diverse user base that may not necessarily have any connection to one another other than their use of the public cloud. Many data sharing programs incorporate the public cloud to service their users with a set amount of space they can store and share documents and files with other users of their choice.

Private Cloud Use

Government entities and enterprises within the financial, insurance and health care sector with critical security policies and strict regulations are apt to choose a private cloud. Using a cloud increases the agility and responsiveness of the system, particularly when user demands begin to increase beyond the IT budget and system infrastructure, yet keeping it private keeps it secure.

All data is under direct control of the private cloud owner, inclusive of its means of transfer and its user accessibility. A private cloud best serves applications that require a substantial amount of space and power yet shared accessibility throughout the organization. Prime examples include CRM and other software services or business processes as well as collaborative tools and services that allow several users to access and work on shared files.

The Hybrid Option

Cloud computing, in one form or another, has become the norm in many businesses, and many others are finding solutions with a hybrid approach. The hybrid approach allows businesses to commingle a variety of computing options into their infrastructure based on which options best suits their needs for a particular application.

As The Guardian reports, chief information officers have especially become aware of the possible solutions available while combining private cloud use with public cloud use and cloud computing with onsite products. Such a combination makes it possible for companies to designate specific computing methods for different workloads, applications and functions throughout their enterprise.

Before embarking on any cloud-based solution, enterprises must undertake an extensive needs analysis to determine how or if cloud computing can meet those needs. They must also review industry data regulations in order to assess if cloud computing of any sort is even a feasible option. While cloud computing is flexible and secure in its own right, it may not be the right solution for everyone.