The cloud. It’s a term that evokes the imagery of soft, 
puffy shapes in the sky, but as you know, it’s also a term that’s drawing a lot of attention in the computer world; cloud computing is the technology which allows you to process and store data over the Internet instead of on a hard drive. Did you know that there are three types of clouds though?
Cloud Computing’s Three Types of Clouds
Public Cloud
With the public cloud, the infrastructure and services through which you process or store information are maintained off-site via the Internet. As the name alludes to, the infrastructure isn’t tailored for one company, but is used by many. Since it’s shared, public clouds are cost-effective, efficient ways to share information with others. However, as they are “public,” with many people accessing the system, it’s easier for data to be compromised.
Many organizations use public clouds when working on collaborative projects with many individuals, such as when code is being tested and developed. While public clouds are great when it comes to easy access and affordability, make sure that you have your security system under control. This type of cloud’s public nature makes it susceptible to attack, but can be controlled with heightened security measures such as encryption software.
Private Cloud
With the private cloud, the infrastructure and services through which you process or store information is tailored directly for your organization’s needs, and maintained by your organization’s private network. As a result, it can only be accessed by those given permission by your company, ensuring that your data remains secure.
Since a private cloud infrastructure is only used by your company, this cloud is a good choice when you need to make sure that you have complete control over your information, and security of it is of the utmost importance. While the private cloud is the most secure cloud you can use, since it is designed and maintained for your company alone, the costs associated with this option tend to be high.
Hybrid Cloud
When an organization decides to use both public and private clouds, they are actually operating under a hybrid cloud system. Many organizations will put the data they need to remain most secure on the private cloud, and put the rest on a public cloud. This allows the cloud system to adapt to every departments’ needs, but can create a headache for those managing the cloud system. They need to make sure that everything remains secure while still being able to communicate.
Which cloud you end up using is dependent on your situation. If you want a cheap way to store and access non-core business information, the public cloud may be a good option. If you have security information that can’t get out though, the private cloud may be more your speed. And the best thing? If you need both, there’s always the hybrid.
Is your organization using the cloud? if so, what type are they using and what are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments section below, or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
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Thanks to wwarby for the use of their photograph.
