Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud

The landscape of technology is continuously evolving, and the realm of cloud-based solutions is no exception. Emerging options for cloud technology are diverse and complex. A core question in this context relates to how the public cloud is distinct from a private cloud.

Structures and deployments for the cloud are now diverse, including hybrid and customized options. Each can serve a different purpose and provide various advantages and benefits.

We explore one of the core areas of interest for considering cloud services. This article offers an introduction to cloud technology, a summary of the differences between private and public versions, and a list of considerations on advantages and benefits.

A brief introduction to cloud technology

The ‘cloud’ initially started as a slang term in the tech industry. It has been around since the early days of the Internet. A broadly accepted name today, the cloud is a set of servers within a more extensive networking infrastructure on the Internet. The Internet is made up of servers, clients, and an infrastructure that connects them all. Commonly, servers receive requests from clients and offer a response. Computations in the cloud happen differently. This type of computing does not merely respond to clients; the cloud also runs programs and stores data for a client.

What are the differences?

An understanding of the differences between a public cloud and a private cloud can begin with a parallel to apartments and houses. A private cloud is similar to a privately owned home, where space is not shared with any other tenets. In contrast, a public cloud functions similarly to an apartment building, in which multiple tenets share a larger space.

The private cloud serves a single client. This is commonly a client that wishes to create a private place to store data, process requests, and isolate usage. A private cloud can be managed by a third-party cloud provider or developed internally within an organization. Access to this cloud is limited to the one client that can issue permissions to various users. For instance, an enterprise may develop a private cloud to serve numerous departments or offices in multiple locations.

In comparison, a public cloud is accessible to a diverse set of clients or users. Each client’s usage and data are kept hidden, but they use shared servers for storage, computing, and applications. Management and maintenance of the cloud’s infrastructure are performed by the cloud service provider rather than the client.

Like renting an apartment or owning a home, there are numerous pros and cons to public and private clouds. Determining which cloud is the best fit depends on the circumstances and goals of the user. Below is a summary to help distinguish the two types of cloud technologies.

Public cloud: Advantages and disadvantages

Public cloud services can offer benefits for a wide range of clients, but they may not be bested suited to specialized needs.

Advantages:

• Reduced costs: Public cloud services offer a reduction in hardware and maintenance costs. Clients can determine how much cloud usage they need for their purposes and find payments that fit their economic needs. There is no need to purchase physical hardware or hire IT support.
• Flexibility: The infrastructure of the public cloud allows a client to scale up for growth on-demand quickly.
• Easy installation: Since public cloud infrastructures are already assembled, it is easy for a client to initiate an account and begin operations without the requirement of building a unique and new infrastructure.

Disadvantages:

• Less security: Public clouds rely on a third party to handle computing and storage. Although public cloud services are highly regarded for safety, organizations handling sensitive data—government, financial, or others—may find it preferable to rely on a dedicated cloud’s extra security and privacy.
• Higher traffic: Because public cloud services host a broad audience of clients, they are more vulnerable to an increased user base’s lack of control and latency issues.

Private cloud: Advantages and disadvantages

Private cloud options offer customized benefits for certain clients, but they come at a higher price and extra effort.

Advantages:

• Security: Private cloud infrastructures serve a dedicated client. This is commonly an enterprise or organization. The client’s data, hardware, and connection receive a higher security level because they are hosted and designed for internal use and do not permit multitenancy.
• Improved performance: Fewer users making requests in the infrastructure ensures a more reliable and faster connection. Because the connection remains on the network’s private intranet, it is also less vulnerable to security risks that diminish performance.
• Customization: An internal IT team that manages the private infrastructure can provide designs tailored to a single client’s priorities using the private cloud. This allows the team to better scale storage and computing specific to the client.

Disadvantages:

• Increased costs: With the added expense of hardware, maintenance, and extra IT support, a private cloud is more expensive than public cloud alternatives. Operating systems and licenses for applications also drive up costs.
• Ongoing management: Building a private infrastructure for cloud services requires that the client is responsible for maintenance. This necessitates ongoing support from an internal IT administration that is time-consuming and more expensive.

Choosing the right cloud

In some cases, choosing the correct cloud service is regulated. For instance, government, medical, or financial industries may be under regulations to protect data and users with more significant security measures.

However, small or medium-sized companies and startups commonly prioritize efficiency and the ability to scale quickly. For these purposes, a public cloud solution is often an optimal fit. Yet, enterprises or larger organizations with the resources to invest in their own servers and infrastructure may find value in the added security and customization of private cloud solutions.

Resources

There are many factors to consider when deciding on and implementing cloud services. An organization must wade through the various options for cloud services to determine the correct fit for the circumstances.

Network Coverage has assembled a set of technology and business solutions to support your organization in maneuvering through this complex and critical environment.

Set up a consultation with Network Coverage for experienced advice and support.