Public clouds make use of shared infrastructure, whereas private clouds utilize the infrastructure owned by an organization. Both have their own unique attributes, advantages, and limitations. It’s important to understand their differences so you can choose the best option for your organization. This will help ensure your organization’s viability well into the future.
When it comes to private cloud versus public cloud, it’s important to consider factors such as:
- Ownership
- Security and control
- Accessibility
- Customization
- Cost
There may be situations where all you need is a public cloud. With that said, private clouds have their own unique advantages.
Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud
Any existing business already uses the cloud. The big question is if you want to stay on a public cloud or if it needs a dedicated private cloud. To make that decision, you need to know the difference between types of cloud technology.
To do this, you must evaluate the different aspects of these cloud computing models. These include:
- Ownership
- Security and control
- Accessibility
- Customization
- Cost
Ownership
When you opt for a private cloud service, your cloud is owned and operated by a single company. In some cases, this means an organization using its own on-premise data center, which is an expensive option. On the other hand, this service can also be provided by a third-party data center like TenHats.
Public clouds are owned and operated by a cloud service provider (CSP). This includes companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Options like these serve multiple customers who share the same services and infrastructure.
Learn the difference between cloud and traditional data centers.
Security and Control
Security and control are two of the biggest benefits when using a private cloud environment. They are dedicated to a single organization, providing unmatched control over:
- Security
- Data privacy
- Compliance
You also have the ability to implement specific security measures and configurations. This ensures that security is tailored to your needs, keeping your data as protected as possible.
Public clouds provide security and control, as well. In this case, security protocols are overseen by the CSP. While this may be fine for some, organizations that handle sensitive data may prefer something more robust. With private cloud computing resources like the ones provided by TenHats, you can rest easy knowing that your data is safe and protected.
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important factor for any business. For private clouds, access is limited to the organization that owns the cloud or the hardware that’s being used. This means that you have to be an approved private cloud user to access the resources and services offered.
Anyone on the internet can access a public cloud as long as they have the right credentials. Organizations can opt into this on-demand platform as a service (PaaS) in a number of ways, including the pay-as-you-go model. This makes it easier to access but less secure than using a private on-prem or third-party data center.
Customization
Private clouds allow for a lot more customization than their public counterparts. This allows them to tailor the cloud experience to their specific needs and applications. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, you receive a cloud environment tailored to your specific needs.
Public cloud services offer a wide range of standardized services and configurations. This can be a benefit for some despite the limited customization capabilities. However, those needing to perform specific computing tasks or meet certain industry standards may require more customization.
Cost
Like so many other things in life, cost is one of the biggest factors for choosing between private and public clouds. Private cloud can cost more than public clouds due to their significant upfront investment. On the other hand, they provide more predictable costs and allow for more control over resource allocation.
Public clouds usually operate on a pay-as-you-go model which allows customers to be charged based on their consumption of resources. This allows them to operate at cheaper costs. However, this also comes at the loss of other benefits like custom building and personal support. Although it may be cheaper on the front end, you may end up paying more to restore your systems and data in the event of a breach or disaster.
Are you considering investing in a private cloud solution for your organization? Contact us today to start a conversation.
When it comes to public cloud versus private cloud, ownership, security and control, accessibility, customization, as well as cost all play significant roles. While there are instances where a public cloud might suffice, it’s essential to recognize the immense value a private cloud brings to the table. This is especially true when dealing with sensitive data. Private clouds emerge as the superior option, providing a robust shield against disasters and cyberattacks.
Located in Knoxville, TN, our purpose-built colocation data center can serve any organization in East Tennessee and beyond. With our team’s IT experience, we provide a lot more than simply protected data. When you call us, you talk to a real IT expert, not just security. Connect with our team about our data center today!
