Your Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud Comparison Guide

July 26 - 2022

Cloud computing, in simple terms, refers to accessing online services; however, the core concept is much more complex. The three major types of cloud platforms are public, private, and hybrid. Each of these offers reliability, scalability, and flexibility that a cloud is supposed to. However, there are major differences when it comes to ownership, maintenance, employee requirements, and costs.

What's the Difference Between Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud?

Businessman hand sending a bunch of messages on laptop with cloud computing conceptPublic Cloud | Pay-as-you-Grow

A public cloud provides computing resources that are delivered online and managed by a third party. Through this model, you pay only for the features you use or how much storage and bandwidth you consume. The cost savings alone are enticing as you’re no longer on the hook for purchasing and maintaining physical hardware, storage, and networking devices. Additionally, the speed at which you can spin up applications or scale down capacity as needs change is second to none.

With public cloud, you own your destiny, not your infrastructure.

Many companies choose a public cloud for web-based email, productivity apps, data stores, and DevOps. It’s also much easier to grow your business through AI and IoT which are only available as cloud services.

Private Cloud | Within Your Walls

Many companies are opting to keep at least a portion of their computing resources in-house due to concerns over data privacy and security. Through a private cloud, computing resources are dedicated exclusively to one organization over a secure, private network.

With private cloud, you control your cloud inside your corporate firewall.

Though typically more expensive to build and maintain than a public cloud infrastructure, IT leaders may choose to keep sensitive or business-critical assets (like financials and PII) on a private cloud.

Hybrid IT | You’re in Charge

A hybrid IT strategy is value-driven, letting you choose the right mix of private and public cloud services based on the specific business need you’re addressing. Think of Hybrid IT as an a-la-carte approach to the cloud.

With Hybrid IT, you get the best features of both public and private cloud

The key for businesses to get the most value from cloud strategy lies in achieving the right balance, which is why Hybrid IT is trending for the future. According to the Flexera 2021 State of Cloud Report, 19% use Public Cloud only, 2% use Private Cloud only and 78% use Hybrid IT.

Let's Compare Cloud Strategies

Public Cloud

Private Cloud

Hybrid Cloud

Pros

  • Low cost

  • Expand and contract immediately to business needs

  • Different service tiers offer flexibility

  • Failover strategies are often fail-proof and exploitation proof

  • No redundancy + no maintenance

Pros

  • Dedicated secure environment that cannot be accessed by other organizations

  • Ability to decide configurations, update schedules, and security standards

  • High scalability + efficiency

  • Flexible to ever-changing business + IT needs



Pros

  • Utilizes the best features of both private and public cloud

  • Allows for freedom of control + security

  • Provides flexibility + scalability

  • Eliminates concerns about recurring or predictable tasks



Cons

  • Lack of customization

  • Cost can rise exponentially for large-scale usage

  • Least secure cloud platform

  • Low visibility + control of the infrastructure

 

 

Cons

  • Requires large upfront capital

  • Mobile users may have limited access due to high security measures

  • Responsible for maintenance, installation costs, configuration, + managing possible downtime

  • Infrastructure may not offer high scalability to meet unpredictable demands

Cons

  • Requires strong compatibility + integration IT management

  • Price toggling between public + private can be hard to track

  • Adds infrastructure complexity

 

 

 

What's the Best Cloud Strategy for Your Business?

While there is no rule of thumb, most small businesses and start-ups use public clouds due to the cost and the need to hire expert IT teams. When it comes to medium and large businesses, most invest in hybrid clouds, which offer the highest flexibility and value-for-money.

However, in the case of highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare, where security is paramount, or where organizations require complete control of their IT resources, private clouds are preferred.

Conversely, when computing needs are service-based and predictable, or where there is high use of software testing and development, public clouds are preferred.

Some things you ought to keep in mind are, while public clouds seem to have an infinite number of resources, there are costs associated with almost every service they offer. Private clouds force you to buy more space and hardware, and you also need to keep in mind the maintenance and replacement costs of these spaces and hardware along with the private cloud.

Hybrid clouds are difficult to link, but once they are, they can be the answer to most of your questions.

How to Choose the Right Cloud Model

Your cloud strategy should be based on a few factors: your corporate architecture, your mode of implementation, and your ownership requirements. At Compugen Systems, we look at every organization's cloud strategy as a unique journey.

Let's think about it this way:

  • The Public Cloud is a plane ride offering the fastest, most direct route to your destination; but, of course, you've got to deal with a lot of other passengers alongside you.

  • The Private Cloud is like a limo. You've got the whole vehicle to yourself, but, you may encounter a few detours and traffic delays.

  • The Hybrid IT journey is comparable to a train ride; it’s phased, flexible and scalable. Sure, you're traveling with others, but you have the comfort of your own space. You'll take your time getting where you want to go and get to enjoy the scenery and stops along the way.

With Compugen Systems, you have a partner in your unique journey to the cloud. We’ll meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. Consider us your personal chauffeur to and through the cloud, helping you get the most out of your investment.

Get Started on Your Cloud Journey

The most important part of your journey to the cloud is making smart decisions about what pieces of your infrastructure should really move there... and why. We're all about redefining the customer experience, so let us help you make sure you're building the right one for yourself, your staff, and your end-users. 

If you are wondering what should be in the cloud, or if you should have a hybrid environment; then Compugen Systems’ Hybrid IT Audit is right for you.

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