Migrating your data to the cloud offers many benefits, including more data security, improved scalability, and a streamlined information technology (IT) plan. Choosing the right system for your business needs is important once you decide to move your data to the cloud. Here are a few cloud infrastructure types to consider.
Public
With a public cloud, the services are shared across multiple organizations. Public cloud infrastructure is a subscription-based service where customers share similar services. The Google Cloud is one of the most popular public cloud infrastructures. A public cloud typically supports small to medium-sized businesses, helping them securely store data and organize customer information. The great thing about public cloud infrastructures is that all customers share resources and security monitoring, which brings down the price for everyone. Public cloud migration is an excellent choice to start with before scaling.
Private
With a private cloud, the service is dedicated solely to your company. A single organization controls a private cloud infrastructure. Private cloud infrastructures are sometimes referred to as data centers. A firewall for added security may also be added to protect data. Larger companies with multiple locations and especially sensitive secure data may utilize private infrastructures.
A private cloud infrastructure still requires ongoing maintenance and security, which can make it an expensive option not available for all customers. No data, programming, or applications are shared in a private cloud infrastructure. It is important to note while private is typically more expensive than public cloud infrastructure, this is not always the case. Some organizations may find that implementing a private cloud is a more cost-effective option than a public one.
Multi
A multi-cloud service uses a mix of public and private cloud servers. It’s not unusual for a company to rely on private for some services and public for others. A multi-cloud-based system is rather common in some business industries, including retail or software management. Many cloud-based providers offer a list of available sources, allowing businesses to choose the ones they prefer to keep private. A multi-cloud service company can be a great middle-budget choice as a company begins to expand.
Hybrid
Some businesses may opt for a hybrid cloud service, which is a mix of private and public infrastructures. A hybrid cloud may be an excellent option for businesses that aim to scale to a large enough size to benefit from increased privacy but aren’t yet there. Sticking with a public cloud infrastructure for as long as possible can help a business maintain costs. Hybrid cloud services are just one example of the scalability of the cloud, one of its biggest advantages.
A hybrid model may also be ideal for businesses with fluctuating demand. For example, a retailer who earns a significant portion of its revenue during the holiday season may prefer a private model during the busy season. During the rest of the year, they may benefit from shared resources to help control costs.
Private Vs. Public - Which Is Better?
Private and public cloud services both have their advantages and disadvantages, and 90% of the companies use them. A private cloud service may give a business a greater feeling of control, but that may come at an increased price. Companies may also feel like they have more privacy with a private database.
The up-front costs of a private program may also be more expensive, as companies will need to use resources to train staff and deploy new programs. The private cloud offers:
- Dedicated service
- Secure data
- Customizable solutions
- Highly scalable
- Expensive fees
- Minimal remote access
Companies in industries that are highly regulated may prefer a private cloud service. This includes government agencies, banks, financial companies, and larger enterprises. Companies with ample resources may also benefit from private cloud services. Additionally, some services, like GSI, offer a wide range of cloud-based services, making it easier to adjust as you scale.
Public cloud services allow smaller to medium businesses to share resources, which can help control costs. Of course, since the cloud is scalable, it’s possible for businesses to shift from a shared cloud service to a private one. The public cloud offers:
- Highly scalable and flexible
- Easy to learn and use
- Flexible pricing
- Innovative
- Less secure
- Minimal control
Businesses that require predictable services and IT apps may benefit most from public cloud services. This includes companies with varying demands and in test environments. Smaller companies with fewer resources, such as a dedicated IT team, may also benefit from a public cloud-based service.
Whether choosing public, private, multi, or hybrid cloud services, they all offer exceptional benefits that can help secure your data. Because cloud services are flexible and scalable, many businesses may use each cloud type for different business needs.