Types of Cloud Computing
This article will take you beyond the basics that vendors offer and focus on the nature of cloud computing.
Types of clouds
Cloud computing can be divided into three different models: public, hybrid, and private. While the three models have common traits (as explained in the last article), they also have different key features that might make one model a better choice to meet your business' IT needs. Below are the key features of each model.
Public cloud
This type of cloud computing is the traditional model that everyone thinks of when they envision cloud computing. In this model, vendors dynamically allocate resources (hard drive space, RAM, and processor power) on a per-user basis through web applications. Salesforce.com and ADP are two well-known vendors that offer public cloud computing services.
This model combines your business' hardware with cloud computing. Generally, one of your business applications such as Exchange Server 2007 or Microsoft Dynamics will interact with a vendor-hosted service. For example, Cisco, traditionally recognized for networking hardware, offers IronPort Email Security as their hybrid solution and Google, known for hosted solution, offers Postini email archiving.
Also known as "internal cloud computing," private cloud computing is the next generation of virtualization. While similar to virtualization at the server, workstation and application levels, private cloud computing has enhanced features that appeal to many businesses. Two examples of private cloud solutions are VMware vCloud and Citrix VDI.
To learn more about which cloud computing model will best meet your business needs, please contact the IT consulting experts at NETCORE..
Types of clouds
Cloud computing can be divided into three different models: public, hybrid, and private. While the three models have common traits (as explained in the last article), they also have different key features that might make one model a better choice to meet your business' IT needs. Below are the key features of each model.
Public cloud
This type of cloud computing is the traditional model that everyone thinks of when they envision cloud computing. In this model, vendors dynamically allocate resources (hard drive space, RAM, and processor power) on a per-user basis through web applications. Salesforce.com and ADP are two well-known vendors that offer public cloud computing services.
- Unlimited access- As long as you have internet access and a compatible device such as a smart phone or laptop computer, you can access your data anywhere.
- Unlimited data capacity- Public cloud computing is flexible to meet your business' growing data storage and processing needs.
This model combines your business' hardware with cloud computing. Generally, one of your business applications such as Exchange Server 2007 or Microsoft Dynamics will interact with a vendor-hosted service. For example, Cisco, traditionally recognized for networking hardware, offers IronPort Email Security as their hybrid solution and Google, known for hosted solution, offers Postini email archiving.
- Hardware required- Hybrid cloud computing requires that you have or purchase hardware to interact with the hosted solution.
- Software required- In addition to hardware requirements, your business will need to have or purchase the software to manipulate and store data.
Also known as "internal cloud computing," private cloud computing is the next generation of virtualization. While similar to virtualization at the server, workstation and application levels, private cloud computing has enhanced features that appeal to many businesses. Two examples of private cloud solutions are VMware vCloud and Citrix VDI.
- Increased data security- You and your business are in control of security since data never leaves your network.
- Simple compliance enforcement- Depending upon your vertical market, government regulations may prohibit your business from using traditional or hybrid cloud computing. Private cloud computing lets you take advantage of cloud computing features while keeping all regulated data onsite and secure.
- Customized IT network control- By keeping your cloud private, you are free to customize your network to meet your specific business needs.
To learn more about which cloud computing model will best meet your business needs, please contact the IT consulting experts at NETCORE..