The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines cloud computing as “a model for enabling convenient, on-demand access to a shared pool of computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be scaled up or down with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.”
Cloud computing represents unprecedented access to computing resources that are more mobile, cost-effective, powerful, secure, scalable, and competitive than ever before. It has become one of the key pillars of digital transformation for business and there are several possible models for business — public, private, hybrid, and community cloud.
These cloud computing models are helping businesses compete and stay relevant in a digital world, regardless of their size. This article will explore each one in turn so you can hone in on which model is best suited for your organization.
Public cloud
A public cloud is a platform that is managed by an outside party or third-party cloud provider. The provider is the sole manager of its hardware, software, and infrastructure but multiple organizations may have access to it. This setup allows for high-performing solutions customized to the business needs of several clients.
Other advantages include high-level security, easy access to data, flexibility to scale, cost-effectiveness, and uninterrupted, ongoing maintenance. Choosing the public cloud model is cheaper compared to relying on a private cloud deployment. Some are even free.
Given its low cost, scalability, and flexibility, the public cloud is ideal for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with zero data security requirements. SMBs can request changes to processing power, storage capacity, and user account settings at any time depending on their needs and budget.
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Private cloud
In a private cloud deployment, the supporting infrastructure, such as the network and computer servers, are dedicated solely to one organization. The owner can take full advantage of a centralized computing platform where IT resources from different areas, departments, and parties of the organization can be accessed.
You have increased control and management of your organization’s corporate with this model. Outside interference is minimal to none, while security, privacy, and reliability are configured based solely on your needs.
The most valuable benefit of all this is how much easier it is to comply with strict data regulations. This model is best suited to companies that handle a huge amounts of sensitive and confidential data, like those in the healthcare, accounting, banking, and the legal industry. That being said, a private cloud environment can be costly to set up and maintain, so it may not be the best choice for companies with a tight budget.
Hybrid cloud
A hybrid cloud is a combination of two or more distinct cloud solutions, such as one public and one private. This way, your organization can have the best of both worlds. For instance, you may want to secure highly sensitive corporate data and mission-critical applications in a private cloud and store generic data and power-intensive applications in a public cloud.
A hybrid cloud model can be more challenging to set up, but it offers greater data security and enhanced flexibility and scalability. The most popular way to enjoy these benefits while keeping costs low is to enlist a managed IT services provider.
Community cloud
The community cloud is very similar to a public cloud. Its main difference is that it only allows access to a group of users who share a purpose. You can think of community cloud as a collaborative space that is shared by a community of distinct organizations with shared interests and concerns. Costs for this deployment are equally distributed among the member organizations.
The pros of this model include cost-effectiveness, efficient use of shared resources, improved security levels (when compared to a totally public option), as well as privacy and reliability, and easy collaboration among members of the community.
Is your business in need of a solution that can handle mounting requirements? The cloud provides solutions that are convenient and on-demand, with unlimited mobility and accessibility, maximum flexibility, and a collaborative workspace that’s maintained for you on a pay-as-you-go basis. It’s time for your business to leverage the power of cloud computing. Drop us a line today to learn about Hudson Valley IT Services’ cloud solutions.
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