Public cloud services are provided over the internet by a cloud services provider. These providers manage all of the infrastructure and security for you, so you don’t need to pay for expensive data centers and dedicated IT staff. Popular public cloud services providers include Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Amazon Web Services.
The main advantage of the public cloud is its affordability and accessibility. You only pay for the resources you use, so you don’t have to worry about investing in your own infrastructure. If you need more storage space or computing power, you can simply add it on as you go. What’s more, public cloud services providers use cutting-edge servers and cyber security, giving you access to enterprise-grade technology at affordable rates.
However, the drawback of the public cloud is you give up some control over data security and cloud management decisions. Since your data is stored off-site, you’re at the mercy of the cloud service provider’s security measures. If they experience a data breach or their backups fail, your information could be compromised.
What is the private cloud?
Private cloud services are provided over a closed network that only your organization has access to. This could be a physical server in your office or a virtual private network that’s hosted by a third-party private cloud services provider.
Unlike the public cloud, the private cloud gives you more control over your data. Since your data is stored on-site or in a dedicated off-site facility, you have complete control over what security measures are used or who has access to it. This is especially valuable for businesses governed by strict data compliance regulations, such as healthcare organizations and financial institutions.
The trade-off for this increased security is that private clouds are more expensive to set up and maintain. You’re responsible for managing your own servers and ensuring they’re always up-to-date with the latest security patches. Plus, it’s more difficult to scale your operations on a private cloud since you’re limited by the capacity of company-owned servers.
Which cloud is best for your business?
Your company’s specific needs will largely determine whether to opt for public or private clouds. If granular control over security and data management are your top priorities, then a private cloud is likely your best bet. Alternatively, the public cloud may be a better fit if you have a tight budget and need enterprise-grade software.
Several companies even take a hybrid approach where they use a combination of private and public clouds for different workloads, to get the best of both worlds. For example, financial companies may use private cloud servers to store classified records and public cloud applications like Microsoft 365 for more collaborative projects.
No matter which cloud setup you choose, working with an experienced cloud services provider is key to success. A good cloud services provider will help you assess your specific business needs and recommend the best cloud solution for your organization.
