We’re now more than familiar with the benefits of the Cloud – not least in an era of SaaS applications,Remote Working and unlimited file storage. Yet while it’s easy to assume our Cloud environment will support us so long as we’re online, how many of us have truly explored the importance of our Public and Private Cloud options?
Consider a common Cloud-enabled application, such as Microsoft 365. This Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) package, and any files you create within it, are stored on servers owned and operated by Microsoft; you just access them as and when you need to. This is an example of a Public Cloud: a Cloud service accessed by multiple organisations worldwide. Other examples include some of Amazon’s Web Services, or Google Docs and Sheets.
A Private Cloud is a server owned and operated by its own business. The server space is dedicated only to the organisation, its employees, and anybody an administrator grants access to. While running a Private Cloud can be complex, it does come with more flexible benefits – some of which will be vital for certain business needs.
Industry, workload and security concerns are just a few factors that could shape your decision for a Private or Public Cloud solution. Let’s break down their features and benefits, and what they might mean for your business needs.
The Public Cloud is especially convenient. No maintenance costs, very limited management needed and a low barrier for entry. If pricing isn’t flexible, like with the ad-hoc services of Microsoft Azure, it’s at least easily managed, like with Office 365’s monthly cost-per-user.
However, the Public Cloud’s convenience can offset its capabilities. You don’t own your Public Cloud services, so you have no say – nor any control – in its operations and infrastructure. If you’ve certain security, compliance or administrative needs, there’s little you can do if your Public Cloud service can’t accommodate them.
The Private Cloud belongs only to your organisation. It runs to your specs, your infrastructure and your bespoke business needs; and because only you and your users can access its servers, you’ve that extra added security that Public Clouds, while still admirably secure, can’t quite boast. However, be prepared to forfeit some of the Public Cloud’s conveniences too: maintenance, management and operating costs are now your responsibility, and without the backing of multiple worldwide data centres, connectivity could be a touch slower or more limited for your remote workers.
…and it’s called the Hybrid Cloud. Combining both Public and Private Cloud options, this solution allows organisations to split either solution across their technologies as they see fit. For many businesses, this is the perfect fit – but knowing how to split those solutions can be challenging.
Neither Cloud solution is one-size-fits-all, and given how vastly different one business’ needs are from another, it often takes a technical expert to find the solutions for you.
At CHS Networks, we’re accredited by industry-leading partners such as Microsoft, Dell and HP to deliver IT support our clients can trust. If you’re exploring your next modern workplace solution, you can trust us to help you see clearly through the Clouds.
