Cloud Deployment Models: Advantages and Disadvantages

The Journal of Object Technology offers a really clear but comprehensive description of cloud computing: the ability to access applications,data, files,and third-party services through the Internet from a web server provided by a third-party company, including payment for accessed computing resources and services.Cloud computing is, according to Microsoft Azure, providing cloud infrastructure including servers, databases, storage,software, networking,analytics, and intelligence via the Internet. Additionally, cloud computing is often used as a synonym for on-demand storage, as well as software as a service (SaaS), and grid computing as “cloud” implies data center.

Cloud infrastructure has multiple definitions, but one thing is for sure: it’s a service that incorporates various cloud deployment types, and all their pros and cons.

Cloud Deployment Models

Cloud computing includes the distribution of on-demand computing resources, including hosting, storage, analytics, databases,apps, and servers over the Internet. This helps businesses to obtain connections from a cloud service provider to a range of services and paying for it on the go – without having to waste their money on costly IT infrastructure and management.

On the other hand, cloud service providers generally bill businesses depending on the service’s utilization and the storage of their related files, minimizing costs that are normally associated with on-premise services. They do it as a cloud service provider and give their customers the ability and concentrate on their core business rather than wasting needless money on a complex infrastructure.

So that you’ve begun to grasp the fundamental concept of cloud computing, you’ll find that there are various types of cloud deployment: public,private, and hybrid. Every model has its own peculiarities and while some are more common than others, the one you want depends on your business’s unique needs.

There are three types ofcloud deployment:

1. Private cloud
2. Public cloud
3. Hybrid cloud

What is Public Cloud?

A cloud is termed “ public if services are provided by third-party providers throughout a channel that is available for public usages, meaning you share the same software, hardware, and network devices with other customers of the same provider (for example, other companies).

The responsibility for hosting and managing the cloud is another significant differentiator between a private cloud and a public cloud one. If you’re just “renting” space from a third-party vendor on the web in a public cloud, he’ll be the only one who faces the maintenance and costs of the entire network. As a customer who pays for this service, you have no responsibility for cloud management – you just use it to access the records and pay when you go.

Public clouds are among the most appealing for investment out of all cloud deployment types because there is no need to spend in costly IT infrastructure (as compared to other clouds).

Advantages

• Reduces time – saving time in testing, developing, and launching new products.
• Pay-as-you-go scalability – you have to pay as per your usage.
• Cost-effectiveness – there is no tension to spend on expensive infrastructures.

Disadvantages

• Due to vulnerabilitiesof higher security risksas a result of shared resources.
• The performance of the network will suffer instability due to fluctuations in usage.
• Lack of customization – typically public clouds is less customizable.

Despite questions about the protection of public cloud services, data is typically secured with a number of layers, and violations of privacy are very common too.

Some of the major cloud infrastructure vendors include Oracle, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft. These organizations also provide valuable cloud security certifications.

What is a Private Cloud?

A private cloud is a type of model for cloud deployment that is run solely by a single entity, whether it is installed physically at the on-site data center of the company, or is controlled and maintained by a third party. Services are not shared with other companies in a private cloud, but this also implies that the business that uses it is fully liable for its maintenance, management, and regular updates – which can also be usually more costly than public ones. Since this type of cloud deployment is available only by a single entity, there are fewer security issues because all data are secured.

Advantages

• Higher privacy and security are not shared with others, as resources.
• Several options for Cloud environment customization.
• Improved reliability, and increased server control.

Disadvantages

• It can be even more difficult to access the data from remote locations.
• Operating costs become the responsibility for the management of the business.
• Investing in a private cloud network costs high.

Some third-party providers for private clouds include Apache, Microsoft, and OpenStack.

What is Hybrid Cloud?

As their name suggests, hybrid clouds are a mix of public and private cloud deployment models that are joined together to enable the company’s use of all the advantages of all infrastructures.

Through the use of a hybrid cloud, companies, based on their needs, are able to transfer data and applications from public and private clouds. For example, in the case of high-volume, less sensitive material that does not need hard security layers, public clouds are a good choice as they provide their users with more power. Nonetheless, if the organization wishes to store and handle confidential data relating to essential business processes, the use of a private cloud as it has more protection is generally advised.

This system also provides the so-called “cloud-bursting” option – generally put, once an app or function on the private cloud hits a demand surge, the company will transfer it to the public cloud to reap the advantages of fast computing performance and higher efficiency.

Advantages

• Control and flexibility – the organization may choose to distribute resources according to the specific circumstance
• Improved organization’s agility to build and test new software
• Cost-efficiency – because public clouds give scalability, users only pay for the additional space if they request it

Disadvantages

• Needs additional work, which can lead to higher operational costs for the company
• Information and application incorporation can be challenging when creating a hybrid cloud.
• In many companies, initial costs in accessing both services and infrastructure will be very high

Some hybrid cloud suppliers are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, VMware, and Rackspace.