When it comes to cloud computing, there are different types of cloud environments: public, private, and hybrid. Each type of cloud has its own characteristics and benefits. Understanding the differences between them can help individuals and businesses choose the best cloud option for their needs. Let's explore the differences between public, private, and hybrid cloud computing.
Read: What is Cloud Computing?
What is Public Cloud:
A public cloud is a type of cloud computing in which a third-party provider offers computing services over the public Internet to anyone who wants to use or purchase them. These services can include hardware, software, data center solutions, or development platforms. Customers can access these resources for free or pay only for what they use. The provider owns and manages the data centers, the hardware and infrastructure maintenance, and the virtualization software. The provider also ensures high-bandwidth network connectivity and data isolation for different customers.
What is Private Cloud:
A private cloud is a type of cloud computing in which all hardware and software resources are dedicated to and accessible only by a single customer or organization. It can be hosted on-premise or off-premise, but it is always isolated from other users. A private cloud offers benefits such as elasticity, scalability, and self-service, as well as security, control, and compliance for sensitive or regulated data. A private cloud can be built according to cloud-native principles, which allow for flexibility and portability to public or hybrid cloud environments.
What is Hybrid Cloud:
A hybrid cloud is a type of cloud computing that combines different types of clouds, such as public, private, or on-premises, and allows data and applications to be shared and managed across them. A hybrid cloud can enable interoperability, portability, and scalability for various use cases. A hybrid cloud is common because many organizations use a mix of environments for their workloads.
The Difference: Public Cloud vs Private Cloud vs Hybrid Cloud
FACTORS | PUBLIC CLOUD | PRIVATE CLOUD | HYBRID CLOUD |
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Type | This type of cloud computing that is delivered via internet and shared across organization on demand and pay only for what they use. | This type of cloud is dedicated solely to one organization. User can access various services and resources on a private network or data center that they own or rent. | This type of cloud computing combines public and private clouds. User can move data and applications between the two environments based on their needs and preferences. |
Flexibility | Public cloud offers high flexibility and low cost as it allow users to access cloud services over the internet without having to own or manage any infrastructure | Private cloud offers low flexibility and high cost, as it requires users to own or rent dedicated infrastructure and run cloud services within their organization. | Hybrid cloud offers moderate flexibility and cost, as it combines public and private cloud environments and allows data and applications to move between them. |
Scalability | Public cloud offers high scalability, as it provides unlimited access to cloud services over the internet without any constraints on infrastructure or capacity. Users can scale up or down their resources as needed and pay only for what they use | Private cloud offers low scalability, as it uses dedicated infrastructure and runs cloud services within the organization. | Hybrid cloud offers moderate scalability, as it combines public and private cloud environments and allows data and applications to move between them. |
Security | Public cloud offers low security, as it shares the same infrastructure with other customers and relies on the provider for security measures. | Private cloud offers high security, as it uses dedicated infrastructure and runs cloud services within the organization. | Hybrid cloud offers moderate security, as it combines public and private cloud environments and allows data and applications to move between them. |
Performance | Public cloud may have less performance and reliability than other models, as users share the same infrastructure with other customers and depend on the provider for availability and quality. | Users have more performance and reliability over their data and resources, as they can optimize their infrastructure and software according to their workload. | Users can benefit from the performance and reliability of private cloud for sensitive data and workloads. |
Control | Public cloud may have less control and security than other models, as users share the same infrastructure with other customers and rely on the provider for configuration and maintenance. | Users have more control and security over their data and resources, as they can customize their infrastructure and software according to their requirements. | Users can benefit from the advantages of both models, such as using public cloud for scalability and cost savings, and using private cloud for security and compliance. |
Uses | Examples are Amazon web services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform | Examples are VMware cloud foundation, OpenStack and IBM cloud private | Examples are AWS Outposts, Azure Arc and Google Anthos |
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When to choose between Public Cloud, Private Cloud and Hybrid Cloud?
Here are some general guidelines that may help you decide:
Choose the public cloud if you want to access a wide range of services and features, scale up or down easily, and pay only for what you use. The public cloud is suitable for workloads that are not very sensitive, require high availability, and can benefit from the innovation and expertise of public cloud providers.
Choose private cloud if you want to have more control and security over your cloud environment, customize it to your exact requirements, and comply with strict regulations. A private cloud is suitable for workloads that are very sensitive, require low latency, and need a dedicated infrastructure.
Choose a hybrid cloud if you want to enjoy the benefits of both public and private clouds while mitigating their drawbacks. A hybrid cloud is suitable for workloads that have varying needs and preferences, such as seasonal demand, data sovereignty, or performance optimization.
Ultimately, the choice between public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud depends on your business goals, technical requirements, budget constraints, compliance regulations, etc. You should evaluate the pros and cons of each model and find the best fit for your organization.
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