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You may not realize it, but you’ve been using cloud computing for a long time. Email services, movie and series apps like Netflix, WhatsApp backups, Instagram photos, YouTube videos, among others, are stored in a cloud and can be accessed when necessary. These are just a few examples of applications for personal use that give an idea of the full potential of cloud computing.
For a company, the possibilities are much greater. Management systems, controls, registrations, etc., can run in the cloud and be accessed from anywhere at any time. This implies reducing infrastructure costs, saving physical space, centralizing information and agility through the possibility of working remotely.
This has been a reality for years and years in countless companies of the most varied sizes and sectors. In these and those that will still join the cloud, there is something in common: the choice of the type of cloud that will bring the greatest benefit to the business. In this sense, technology professionals and managers have three alternatives at their disposal, requiring a thorough evaluation to define the best option between: private, public or hybrid cloud. All have similar benefits, mainly in terms of cost-benefit, performance and reliability. What changes is the chosen deployment method, which will depend on your company’s demands. Read the details of each type below:
Public Cloud
It is the most used model in companies, as it is quite suitable for the use of management software and easily allows the expansion of storage capacity. In this way, services are provided in an environment accessible through the internet, developed through grouped and shared physical resources. The amount to be invested is very attractive and is sometimes considered the cheapest option. The reason is that hardware, application and bandwidth costs are covered by the supplier. Thus, the company pays only for the capacity used.
Among the benefits are the unlimited scalability, high availability, the fact that it has controllable costs and less than an internal infrastructure and reliability, due to the large number of servers available. In this way, the public cloud is perfect for companies that need to gain technological power without making huge IT investments. If the deployment time factor is relevant, even more advantages, as it is a structure that is already ready – it does not require any type of construction or development.
It’s called the Public Cloud because your company shares the same hardware, storage and network equipment with other “tenant” cloud companies.
However, in some cases, the relatively low price brings less control over how servers are configured, as well as data and privacy policies. It can be a negative point in the security of a public cloud, but there are modern high-performance systems, which prevent the other “users” from being affected if one of them is compromised.
Private Cloud
This option has resources used only by a single company. Its structure may be located in the company’s physical space, or it may be hosted at a third-party service provider. Whatever the case, services and infrastructure will be maintained on the private network, and hardware and software are dedicated exclusively to the company. So, it’s easier to customize resources to meet more specific IT requirements. It is the option most used by government agencies, financial institutions and large companies, in which operations are a vital asset – with high added value – for business. This may be the solution that allows you to access your bank details through your cell phone.
The fact that there are no resources shared with other companies is a very attractive benefit of the Private Cloud, as it leads to a greater level of control and security. The solution gives the possibility to customize the functions and support according to the specific needs of the company. After all, as the cloud is uniquely designed, everything is directed towards the reality of the business.
However, this means higher costs. Just think that, being maintained by a single company, the Private Cloud tends to demand a higher investment in contracting and maintenance. If any equipment stops working, or a system malfunctions, internal technicians and analysts will be responsible for restoring everything again.
Hybrid Cloud
This option merges the previous two, adding the best of both. With it, the company can store more valuable information in a private cloud, leaving data and systems with strategic partners in the public cloud. Thus, the hybrid cloud adapts well to processes that deal with private and high-value data without compromising the ability of professionals to act – which makes access more secure and reliable.
Even though the amounts invested in contracting may be higher when compared to the public, the hybrid manages to maintain all the factors that make this service platform versatile and functional. Therefore, it has very high compatibility in the corporate environment. Therefore, companies requiring more resources can be more efficient and have a lower operating cost.
In short, hybrid clouds give you the opportunity to use operating expenses to scale horizontally in the public cloud – or capital expenditures to scale vertically a private cloud. Another advantage is the possibility of switching between the public and the private model. Everything will depend on the business need.
Still in doubt about which model to choose? Get in touch with our team of experts and understand how we can assist you in cloud projects so that this transition is secure and increases the results of your company.
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