Taking a step towards digital transformation is a huge decision for any organization today. The first step towards this change is integrating cloud computing into business operations. But the question is, which cloud to choose for your enterprise?

Cloud computing is perhaps the most customizable digital technology for organizations that significantly enhances their digital capabilities, including remote work. Depending on its central system, operations, and maintenance requirements, there are three types of cloud computing systems, i.e., public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud.

To help you find an ideal cloud ecosystem for your business, we will cover the key differences between public vs private vs hybrid cloud systems with their key benefits and disadvantages. So, whether you’re completely new to the cloud environment or looking for updating your existing cloud system, stay with us till the end.

Public cloud

Starting with the most popular cloud system, especially among growing SMEs, the public cloud refers to the cloud system shared by multiple organizations over the public internet. All cloud resources, such as data storage and servers, are maintained by a third-party service provider.

Compared to the private and hybrid cloud system, the public cloud is the most budget-friendly option for SMEs without compromising on the quality of services, and here are the key reasons why.

Since a third party operates and maintains the major cloud infrastructure, organizations can use all of their resources without worrying about the quality of cloud services. Here, you share a common cloud network with other organizations to store files, manage your web-based emails, and various business applications. That’s why it’s important to find the right public cloud partner that doesn’t compromise on online security and ensures efficiency across business operations and applications.

ZeaCloud® Public Cloud is an end-to-end Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platform complemented by on-demand cloud storage and networking capabilities.

Now, let’s look at the key pros and cons of the public cloud.

Benefits of public cloud

Cost-effective: Quick and easy deployment with no investment required in creating and maintaining cloud infrastructure. Flexible pricing options on the basis of usage.

Improved agility: Scalable and flexible to keep up with market uncertainties

Reliable: Cloud systems backed by a vast network of servers to ensure minimum failures and crashes during critical business operations

Focus on core business: Little to no expertise is required in deploying and operating public cloud so that you can focus on what’s important

Disadvantages of public cloud

Reduced security: as you share a network among multiple cloud “tenants,” the risk of data loss and leaks increases significantly. Choose your public cloud partner with thorough research.

Private cloud

As the name suggests, all the resources and infrastructure in a private cloud system are deployed and maintained only for a single organization. The company maintains all of its services and infrastructure, which gives it unparalleled security and customization options to that business.

A private cloud system is especially ideal for storing and processing mission-critical data because of its enhanced security compared to the public cloud. However, maintaining a private cloud requires an enormous investment in both physical infrastructure and technical expertise. If you don’t have the in-house expertise to take care of your private cloud, it cannot function at its maximum capacity. That’s why it’s most suitable for big entities like government bodies, financial institutions, and big corporates that can invest in such an enormous project.

Benefits of private cloud

Exclusivity: All the infrastructure and applications in the private cloud are yours only to use. We cannot share it with other organizations.

Security: Stringent security policies and protocols are applied in the private cloud system to protect it from any external attacks. It’s safe enough to store sensitive business data.

Efficiency: You can design a private cloud environment to match your unique business needs, thus making it the most effective and efficient cloud system for your organization.

Disadvantages of private cloud

Limited accessibility Due to its strict security policies, people might find it difficult to access data from other devices like smartphones that are not familiar with the private cloud ecosystem. But that could be an advantage for businesses operating in certain highly regulated industries where rules around security and data integrity are stricter. In that case, investing in public cloud for better security can help them avoid additional costs of improving systems or penalties for not meeting the stipulated requirements.

Investing in scalability: Scaling private cloud up and down may involve relatively higher time and costs than public cloud but enterprises with the resources can see huge benefits with private cloud in the long-term in terms of efficiency, scalability, and security.

Investing in scalability: Scaling private cloud up and down may involve relatively higher time and costs than public cloud but enterprises with the resources can see huge benefits with private cloud in the long-term in terms of efficiency, scalability, and security.

Hybrid cloud

Hybrid cloud infrastructure lets you enjoy the benefits of private and public cloud infrastructure. It refers to any cloud structure that connects two or more cloud systems to provide a complex network of the digital workspace.

For example, organizations can use a private cloud to store mission-sensitive data and IT workload while a public cloud system can work as a backup to manage sudden spikes in network engagement. A hybrid cloud system seamlessly integrates both cloud systems to ensure optimal performance and scalability at all times.

Another factor to consider while creating a hybrid cloud ecosystem is whether you opt for a homogenous (services from a single vendor) or heterogeneous (services from multiple vendors). You can customize your hybrid cloud system to match your business objectives.

Let’s see what are the key pros and cons of hybrid cloud

Benefits of hybrid cloud

Scalability with security: Hybrid cloud provides limitless scalability options to create systems that can accommodate dynamic workloads using public cloud and securing systems using private cloud.

Managing uncertainties: Having two or more cloud systems helps you manage uncertain spikes in network operation. It can also work as an emergency cloud system in case one of them experiences downtime.

Disadvantages of hybrid cloud

System management: In-depth knowledge of the types of cloud computing is required before deploying a hybrid cloud system. Ensuring the compatibility and integration of multiple cloud systems with on-premise systems can be complicated.

Complexity: Hybrid cloud is the most complex cloud system among private and public as it requires seamless integration of two or more cloud systems with the right maintenance at all times.

Read more: Understand more about technical aspects of public, private, and hybrid cloud to make the right choice

Understanding the difference between public vs private vs hybrid cloud simplifies your decision-making process on the right cloud ecosystem for digital transformation. Depending on your individual business needs, you can choose an ideal cloud system to accelerate efficiency and gain a competitive edge.

Wondering where to get started? Don’t worry. ZeaCloud® provides enterprise-level cloud computing solutions and services for organizations with a plethora of features and security that you can count on, backed by flexible pricing options.

Reach out to us today.

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