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Cloud Computing: Private vs Public Cloud

Head in the Private Cloud, or Sharing the Public Cloud-Nine?

92% of organizations are completely or partially operating on the cloud. The large-scale migration to cloud technology signifies its clear advantages in storage and processing of data. Cloud computing enables AI in organizations as it runs complex algorithms on high performance servers remotely.

It also allows collaborative work on projects and documents such as SharePoint cloud services, while also maintaining a central repository.

Before organizations commit to move operations to the cloud, they have to make the important decision of choosing a private cloud, or a public cloud. Each has its own set of advantages and it boils down to the nature of your business and the suitability of the cloud.

Evaluating Public Cloud Positives and Negatives:

The reason why organizations first consider Public clouds is the significant cost advantage. In order to use a public cloud, you need only pay for the cloud services as the software and hardware requirements are met by the cloud provider. Examples of public clouds are Microsoft Azure, Google Platform, and Amazon Web Services among the top providers.

These cloud service providers are responsible for the maintenance of the cloud and due to their expertise, the public cloud can be highly reliable with very rare occurrences of server downtime.

In terms of scalability, online cloud services offer multiple plans to cater to all organization and it’s quite easy to find the best fit for your organization, but there is less room for customization.

The major consideration for public cloud users is the security risk. Data is stored on shared servers which is the reason why services are comparatively affordable. This means that in case of a cyber-attack, data can be easily lost, or sensitive information can be leaked.

For organizations that do not store private information and not obligated by law to protect user data, a public cloud is more suitable.

Public Cloud Offers:

  • Lower costs
  • No maintenance
  • Near-unlimited scalability
  • High reliability
  • Low Security

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel based their entire mRNA R&D on a public cloud so that the interconnectivity could accelerate therapeutic discovery and development.

This decision led to Moderna releasing it’s first clinical batch for the COVID-19 vaccine in just 42 days!

The public cloud offers support to high functioning and interconnected tasks making it a prime choice for these organizations.

Pinterest, the online idea-board website, has always used a public cloud service. This makes sense for them as users intend to share the data, and a public cloud is very effective for that purpose. Pinterest management also believes that outsourcing cloud responsibilities help them focus on and improve other aspects of its service.

Determining the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Private Cloud:

Private Clouds are exclusive servers which specialized teams manage for you remotely. These servers provide the added benefit of security and much more flexibility to meet your organizations demands. In case you deal in highly sensitive information, you can set up an on-premises server alongside the remote private cloud and store the most important data there, while other operations can continue over the private cloud.

The reason to employ a private cloud is preferred to having a complete on-premises set up is that a private cloud offers greater scalability. This is a key consideration for growth-oriented organizations.

However, to accommodate for privacy and customization in terms of cloud services, the costs also increase significantly.

Companies that face risks of cyber-attacks and could lose money through non-compliance should choose Private Cloud.

Private Cloud features:

  • Greater flexibility
  • More control
  • Enhanced scalability
  • Less budget-friendly

Facebook manages its private cloud hosting services such as WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram as well. Some of these services are end-to-end encrypted while private cloud also helps safeguard important user data points. Scalability becomes essential, as Facebook’s userbase is still growing!

Another private cloud user is the supermarket chain Target. Target prefers to use private clouds so they can access and analyze user data-points, which would be risky and illegal on a public cloud. They also have an on-premises server setup to ensure a high level of security.

Finding the Right fit by leveraging the Hybrid Cloud:

If you haven’t made your decision yet then your organization is probably looking for a hybrid cloud. A hybrid cloud offers a mix of the best features of both cloud systems leveraging them to bring you security, multiple deployment options and cost-effectiveness.

By storing sensitive information on a private set-up and employing the public cloud for more demanding tasks such as collaborating on documents over SharePoint, your organization can strike the perfect balance.

In the hybrid system;

You have the unique benefit of easing into the transition to the cloud platform by shifting small tasks rather than a one-time complete cloud migration services.

Hybrid Cloud proposition:

  • Control
  • Flexibility
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Easy transition

Netflix, the streaming giant, use a hybrid cloud system. They store basic user data and run their complex recommendation algorithm on a public cloud. Whereas, their repository of movies and TV shows is hosted privately.

They run their worldwide operations smoothly and cost-effectively through the smart use of cloud services.

Xavor Cloud Services:

Xavor has a rich experience of helping Fortune 500 companies transition to cloud technology. We specialize in creating roadmaps and executing the migration from local to cloud based systems.

We walk your organization through an assessment process that determines the best fit cloud technology for your operational needs.

Our team’s extensive work with the Microsoft platform enables us to set up a seamless cloud network for your organization. Xavor can help your organization transition to Industry 4.0 with interconnectivity through SharePoint online services.

SharePoint cloud services allow for a better cloud experience, allowing you to shift step by step and test the waters. Xavor ensures that your productivity is impacted for the better as you make the transition to cloud technology.

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