Cloud, is now an integral part of almost every business, for both small firms and multifaceted billion-dollar companies. It has simplified management of data without the burden of managing an in-house IT infrastructure. However, the biggest challenge faced by businesses still is deciding a Cloud model that serves their needs best.
In order to evaluate which Cloud model provides you with most benefits, here are some facts that would help you chose your Champion Cloud model:
Public Cloud: This Cloud model is considered standard. A Private Cloud provider makes the application and storage accessible and available to general public over the internet. Most of the Cloud providers offer this service as a free utility for small consumption with a pay-per-usage scheme for scaling. This model defiantly offers great efficiency since resources can be shared throughout a network. Here are some pros and cons firms should consider before they opt for this model:
Pros:
- Low complexity,
- Low lead times,
- Ready-to-go applications,
- Scalability,
- Reliability,
- Low up-front Costs/Cost effective,
- Shift from Capital Expenditure (CapEX) to Operating Expenditure (OPEX),
- Faster deployment,
- Economies of scale,
Cons:
- Comparatively less secure,
- Fewer options to customize,
If a business chooses to adopt for Public Cloud, following are the different types of applications that may be the best fit for them:
- Applications with highly seasonal data storage needs,
- Applications whose data frequently needs to be replaced,
- Applications with uncertain demand (marketing and advertising campaigns),
- Applications that are meant for testing environments.
Businesses also have the option to decide whether they would manage their Cloud infrastructure themselves or hire a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and outsource it to them, instead. Businesses that opt for Public Cloud are usually the ones that need to bring their services to market fast and economically. In addition, Public Cloud can give Small businesses a great opportunity to compete with bigger players in the market by matching their deployment speeds.
Private Cloud: Also known as Internal or Corporate Cloud, it is a Cloud model that is similar to Public Cloud sharing common benefits like scalability and self-service, but with proprietary architecture. Private Cloud is easily configured for host applications, similar to in-house / on-premise solutions. Unlike Public Cloud, the Private Cloud is deployed for a single operation. If businesses are planning to opt for Private Cloud, there are some factors they should consider:
Pros:
- Comprehensive security options,
- Scalable with changing business needs and reconfigured as and when needed,
- Increased access for internal users.
Cons:
- Higher implementation costs ,
- Requires significant engagement from management and dedicated IT departments,
- Not an optimal solution for short-term requirement.
The following type applications are Ideal for Private Cloud:
- Applications / Data that is highly sensitive and mission critical,
- Applications that demands high performance access to the database,
- Those with highly predictable usage,
- Or those that are highly trafficked.
By using the Private Cloud, businesses may also establish their own servers that enable modifications in workloads.
Hybrid Cloud: Considered as the best of both worlds, Hybrid Cloud exploits the advantages of Private and Public Cloud combined, and mollifies disadvantages of the same. Hybrid Cloud is the underdog with a direct shot to the title; predominantly used by many organizations that want to benefit from the scalability and flexibility on a Public Cloud and security and customization capabilities of the Private.. Here are some advantages and disadvantages a business might want to consider
Pros:
- Better security than in Public Cloud,
- Added accessibility for external as well as internal users,
Cons:
- Customization of rules to govern security that are often not the elements of Private and Public Cloud.
Current stats indicate that the adoption of Hybrid Cloud is increasing at an unbelievable pace. According to the research conducted by Logicworks in the year 2015, the rate of adoption of Hybrid Cloud among businesses was about 90% as compared to others. Hybrid Cloud is best suited for businesses that would use Cloud for storing highly sensitive data and have a fluctuating IT demand.
With all the information that has been provided, it is finally up to businesses and their requirements to answer which solution would best suit their needs. For small businesses with basic requirements, Public Cloud would serve better a purpose; whereas for the larger businesses, Private Cloud would do the trick. Meanwhile, companies with highly sensitive and mission critical data might opt for Hybrid Cloud. It is safe to say that, all Cloud solutions must be thoroughly evaluated and compared with firms’ current and potential requirements before choosing their ‘Champion Cloud’, the one that is right for them.
