Cloud technology has improved the way many business owners run their applications. Currently, you can choose between a set of cloud development models, each satisfying your business' specific needs.
The three categories include:
- Public Cloud
- Private Cloud
- Hybrid Cloud (a combination of the two)
Here's an overview of the three categories, their attributes, and the associated pros and cons.
Public Cloud
This deployment model is among the most commonly used. The Public Cloud allows service providers to avail their resources on their respective online platforms to be accessed by the public. Cloud resources such as storage and servers are usually under the ownership and management of third-party cloud service providers.
In this model, the cloud provider operates all hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure. You also get to share hardware, network devices, and storage with fellow' cloud tenants' or companies.
This model allows you to manage your account and access the services offered through your web browser. Public Cloud systems are mostly used by companies to offer web-based office apps, storage, web-based email, and the ideal conditions for tests and development.
Advantages of Public Cloud Deployment
Here is how you will benefit by implementing this model:
- Cost-effective - With the Public Cloud module, they cost little to set up, and then you only pay for the resources you use.
- Easy to set up - You can easily purchase the service online then configure and manage it remotely via the provider website. In a matter of hours, you will have your model ready.
- Optimised staffing budgets - Most of the time, staffing expenses consume more than 50% of your overall computing costs. But this module allows you to focus on the cloud services alone and focus all resources in the money-making areas.
- Zero maintenance - Your cloud provider will be maintaining the networks, software, and hardware in the cloud. So you'll not need to worry about updating your security or upgrading the infrastructure.
- Contracts are short-term - You don't fancy committing to long-term contracts or bandwidth capacity limitations. With most Public Cloud services, there are no such commitments or investments as you can pay as you grow.
Disadvantages of Public Cloud Deployment
Here are the setbacks when you outsource your company infrastructure to the cloud:
- Public Cloud models take most of the control off your hands and are managed remotely by teams that may not be familiar with your business operations.
- The model limits your visibility since you can only access what your provider allows.
- The providers tend to use generic options or one-size-fits-all approaches that could be dangerous if you use a complicated network architecture.
- To ensure that the right maintenance is used and guarantees security, there's a variety of legal and industry rules. Public modules make your company more prone to compliance issues.
Private Cloud Deployment
This alternative cloud computing model offers similar services as the Public Cloud. However, the context is usually dedicated to a single business entity. This makes it the ideal alternative if you keep sensitive data or handle tasks that require the utmost privacy.
Data resources in this category could be managed by third parties off-site or be located on your premises. The resources are usually isolated and provided through secure private networks for respective organisations.
Private Cloud deployment is ideal for strictly-regulated government agencies and industries. You can also seek this alternative if you need advanced, efficient data centre technologies, and can invest in high-performance tech.
Advantages of Private Cloud Deployment
Here's how you benefit by adopting a Private Cloud
- Control and efficiency – You may host your private model on-site or choose a privately hosted third-party data centre. In both cases, you have more control over your business data.
- It allows for customisation – The Private Cloud model doesn't apply one size fits all structures. Instead, you can customise the solutions based on your technical and business needs.
- Privacy and data security – The model also stands out due to the improved security levels. No unintended parties can access the servers that save and manage your data.
- They favour business continuity – If you cannot control your infrastructure, it may be challenging to ensure business continuity. The model grants you both privacy and control, and you can tweak it to adapt to the fast-evolving business world.
Drawbacks of Private Cloud Models
Despite the immense benefits, the models also have a set of disadvantages. They include;
- Relatively more expensive – Generally, Private Clouds are more expensive than their public counterparts since you'll need to spend on maintenance, hardware, and software application licenses.
- Maintenance hurdles – You'll spend more time and money to establish and run a Private Cloud model. It would be best if you had staff for IT administration, and this means additional labour costs.
- Under-utilisation – In this model, you have to pay the cost of capacity under-utilisation. It's your role to manage and maximise utilisation.
- It's harder to scale your platform – You definitely don't want to retain unused resources and capacity. Since upward changes require you to surmount the infrastructure physically, you'll probably take a longer time than using the available function to scale a virtual machine.
Hybrid Cloud
This cloud computing environment relies on a combination of on-premise Public and Private Cloud models. The system relies on advanced technology that allows data apps to share information between the two deployments.
The customisable solution lets you leverage the benefits of the two models. In the long run, you will enjoy a more economical and flexible solution. However, it is not ideal for everyone.
Advantages of Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid Cloud benefits your business in the following ways:
- Several systems will continue running even if you rely on an outdated operating system or hardware.
- Compared to other on-premise alternatives, the hybrid cloud setup is more flexible and scalable.
- While benefiting from the control offered by Private Cloud, you will leverage the economies of scale associated with the public alternative as well.
- You can rely on your infrastructure to meet any compliance or security requirements.
- You can leverage the mission-critical features offered by the Private Cloud then set the public alternative for data recovery.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Cloud
While the model may present benefits from both the private and public models, you may still experience setbacks such as:
- Cloud providers may strive to secure the infrastructure they offer, but you'll still experience security complexities with the Hybrid Cloud alternative.
- You are likely to experience a network bottleneck as you transfer business data between the two cloud deployments. For instance, the process might be too slow.
- Hybrid models still limit your visibility, and this would increase the costs as most instances will remain idle.
The effectiveness and efficiency of a particular cloud platform rely heavily on the system's acknowledgment of your company objectives and requirements. The features, pros, and cons of each model listed above will hopefully guide you to the ideal cloud solution for your business environment and operations. With Act! CRM, we offer private cloud solutions that provide you with all the benefits of private cloud at an affordable price.
If you are seeking guidance on how to choose and implement the right cloud deployment model for your small to medium business, call us to speak to a CRM specialist today.
