Before you can implement a cloud solution, you need to determine which cloud type makes the most sense for your organization. What are the differences between the most common cloud types?
1. Public Cloud
A public cloud solution utilizes services offered by a cloud service provider. In a public cloud architecture, a cloud service provider supplies the infrastructure, and various clients access the resources through multi-tenant hosting. This cloud solution allows clients to share hardware components, while dedicating memory, storage and other resources to the individual organizations.
The public cloud is advantageous because it is typically available at a lower cost. The main drawback is the security concerns of sharing hardware equipment with others. Public clouds are popular among smaller organizations that don’t have the capacity for internal manpower to manage dedicated hardware.
2. Private Cloud
The private cloud is a cloud structure that allows you to set up your own private centralized data center. This infrastructure provides all the necessary computing components for geographically separated offices.
A private cloud solution offers the benefits of a centralized data center that is internally managed and controlled, but it is accessible by users in various locations. The drawback to a private cloud solution is the large expense of the necessary infrastructure and the staff needed to maintain and manage the data center.
Private clouds are ideal for organizations that operate in highly regulated industries, such as financial institutions or health care organizations.
3. Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid clouds are aptly named. This cloud solution is a marriage between public clouds and private clouds. With a hybrid cloud, organizations utilize the cost-effective resources of the public cloud, while maintaining some on-premises data centers.
The hybrid cloud allows organizations to take full advantage of the business benefits and cost savings of the public cloud, while keeping sensitive or regulated information secure on dedicated hardware. Hybrid clouds can be utilized by organizations of all sizes and are often selected for their flexibility.
4. Community Cloud
This cloud architecture is similar to a public cloud because it allows for the sharing of resources. A community cloud is structured for multitenancy, but the structure specifically supports groups with similar needs, concerns or services. Community clouds can be provided by cloud service providers or might be started by a concerned organization.
A good example of a community cloud would be a group of health care providers acting to comply with HIPAA regulations.
Determining the type of cloud you need is a good first step. But before you can move to migration, you will need to ascertain your cloud service options.
