Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user. The term is generally used to describe data centers available to many users over the Internet.
How does cloud computing work?
Rather than owning their own computing infrastructure or data centers, companies can rent access to anything from applications to storage from a cloud service provider.
One benefit of using cloud computing services is that firms can avoid the upfront cost and complexity of owning and maintaining their own IT infrastructure, and instead simply pay for what they use, when they use it.
In turn, providers of cloud computing services can benefit from significant economies of scale by delivering the same services to a wide range of customers.
What is Public Cloud?
As the name suggests, this type of cloud deployment model supports all users who want to make use of a computing resource, such as hardware (OS, CPU, memory, storage) or software (application server, database) on a subscription basis. Most common uses of public clouds are for application development and testing, non-mission-critical tasks such as file-sharing, and e-mail service.
Advantages
Reduces time in developing, testing, and launching new products.
Pay-as-you-go scalability — you only pay for what you use.
Cost effectiveness — there is no need to invest in expensive infrastructures.
Disadvantages
Higher security risks due to vulnerabilities as a result from shared resources.
Network performance can suffer instabilities due to spikes in use.
Lack of customization — public clouds are usually less customized.
What is Private Cloud?
True to its name, a private cloud is typically infrastructure used by a single organization. Such infrastructure may be managed by the organization itself to support various user groups, or it could be managed by a service provider that takes care of it either on-site or off-site. Private clouds are more expensive than public clouds due to the capital expenditure involved in acquiring and maintaining them. However, private clouds are better able to address the security and privacy concerns of organizations today.
Advantages
More possibilities for customization of the cloud environment.
Enhanced reliability and greater control over the server.
Higher security and privacy as resources are not shared with others.
Disadvantages
High costs for investing in a private cloud infrastructure.
Accessing data from remote locations can be significantly more difficult.
Operating expenses as the company is responsible for the maintenance.
What is Hybrid Cloud?
In a hybrid cloud, an organization makes use of interconnected private and public cloud infrastructure. Many organizations make use of this model when they need to scale up their IT infrastructure rapidly, such as when leveraging public clouds to supplement the capacity available within a private cloud.
Advantages
Flexibility and control — the company can choose to allocate resources depending on each specific case.
Enhanced organizational agility for developing and testing new applications.
Cost-effectiveness — as public clouds provide scalability, you only pay for the extra capacity if you need it.
Disadvantages
Initial costs for activating both infrastructures can be really high for many organizations.
Requires more maintenance, which can result in higher operating expenses for the company.
Data and application integration can be challenging when building a hybrid cloud.
