You have heard of the cloud and it obviously is making a huge impact. But what is it? How can it make a difference for you too? Read all about cloud models and services on and find out!
Before we begin, did you know?
The total number of cloud users is now just over 3.6 billion, 74% of technology CFO’s felt cloud computing had the biggest impact on their business, over all else.
What Is Cloud Deployment
By definition, cloud deployment is the process of setting up a virtual computing environment. The computing type involves one or more of the following services:
- SaaS—Software as a Service
- IaaS—Infrastructure as a Service
- PaaS—Platform as a Service
By using cloud computing consumers or businesses can utilize services only as they need. The virtual computing environment creates an easily scalable platform that can be managed as the need grows or shrinks.
Cloud deployment services are broken up into 4 different models, each with their benefits and drawbacks.
Public Cloud
Much of what is thought of when you hear the term cloud computing is technically a “public cloud”. They are made up of an “on-demand” infrastructure with shared resources that are maintained by a third party.
These services are readily available from large names such as Amazon through their Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google with the GSuite collection of applications available online.
Advantages of Public Cloud
Ease of Configuration—There is no physical hardware that needs to be purchased or configured, the whole setup and maintenance are done by the provider.
Scalability—Because you are working off remote systems and only utilizing the cloud on an “as needed” basis. Scaling up and down is cost-effective and easy.
Disadvantages of Public Cloud
Low Security—a large factor contributing to the privacy issues on the public cloud is the sheer size of the operation. The larger any programme grows the easier it will be for vulnerabilities to develop.
Because you are sharing resources with a huge community you have little to no true knowledge where data is being stored and how to properly secure it. Best to use the public cloud for non-sensitive data.
Simple and Standard—the services with the public cloud are only those available at surface level. You only have access to the “broad strokes” applications.
If more specialized or customized requirements are being filled, the public cloud won’t have the resources to handle them.
Private Cloud
The public and private cloud operate very much the same. With one major difference, the audience that has access to cloud resources. A single specific company owns and utilizes this cloud. This is also known as an internal cloud.
With the infrastructure being private and for a single intended group this model opens itself up for more customization than the standard public model.
Advantages of Private Cloud
Customisation—This is one of the largest benefits to the private cloud. The hardware that is used and all services used can be tweaked to directly benefit the business’ operation.
Wider Support—Private cloud platforms have the ability to support legacy applications. This can allow for operations to continue without time-consuming revamps and software rebuilds.
Disadvantages of Private Cloud
Upfront expenditure – In many aspects the private cloud will save costs in the long term. However, the initial payment is likely to be more than that of a public cloud.
Support services– With the added benefits of customisation may come complexity. You may the help of a professional cloud support provider. They can help by understanding your unique business requirements, and ensure you get the right apps and settings for you and your data.
Looking at Private Cloud Versus Public Cloud
There has been the initial impression that the implementation of a private cloud requires a larger investment presenting a disadvantage when pitted against the public cloud.
This is only partially true, as the use of a public cloud may only temporarily offer savings due to many additional and hidden costs that will arise over time.
The fact is in many cases investing in a private cloud, such as the ones offered by NPIT, will offer a stronger return on your investment. This is especially true as your business grows and you require further resources.
Community Cloud
If the private cloud was just slightly less exclusive with its membership it would be the community cloud. There is still restricted access so that the general public cannot simply waltz in and use it.
However, the community cloud is shared amongst several businesses with similar operating procedures and/or goals. Most often this configuration is seen with governmental organizations or banking structures.
Advantages of Community Cloud
Cost Sharing—A community cloud is expensive but still cheaper than a private. One thing that should be considered is that the price is being shared between multiple companies.
Efficiency When Collaborating—Shared resources do not only refer to the literal resources of space and processing power. By having shared access to business-specific applications and business data, collaboration on various projects is made easy.
Disadvantages of Community Cloud
Not universally accepted—Because this platform has still not become particularly common there is a good chance that it will not be available in the industry your business is operating in.
Very Expensive—Compared to the public cloud, especially, the investment in establishing a community cloud is incredibly high. With the lower interest in the model, it could mean the investment going to waste.
Fixed Resources—These community systems are subject to fixed storage and bandwidth. While this cloud is not fully public, the number of users can grow and when that does there may be a bottleneck.
Hybrid Cloud
As you would expect hybrid cloud computing takes much of what works with several models and pieces them together into a single system. This process allows for a great deal of customization and resource management.
An internal cloud is used for items of the highest sensitivity while the public cloud is used with procedures that are less sensitive.
Advantages of Hybrid Cloud
Lowers cost by public use—When workload is high and further resources are needed, a business can switch operations to the public cloud. The hybrid cloud allows the business to still manage data and applications on-site at the same time.
Security—Because of the segmented nature of the hybrid, it is much easier to protect from any attack. Only what a business chooses to put into the public realm is seen.
Flexibility—When you create your own operating system, you would expect the flexibility of the system to be high, such is true about the hybrid system. Scalability follows suit.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Cloud
A complex system—With the combination of two cloud systems those less familiar with computer systems may find themselves a tad overwhelmed. It is a better experience but more difficult to get running.
Specific use—The largest benefits only shine under specific circumstances. A business will only see the best out of the system if they need to separate sensitive and non-sensitive data or if there is a need for versatile use operations.
Creative Computing With Cloud Deployment
You now have a rundown of the cloud models and services and can see what will serve you and your business the best. Just as there are countless business situations, there are also countless solutions.
When you are ready, call the top IT Team at No Problem IT Managed Services. You can even get a 30-minute consultation!
