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Private vs Public Cloud

cloud computing

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PRIVATE VS PUBLIC CLOUDS

After having decided to make the bold switch to cloud computing, a decision that likely wasn’t taken lightly, you’ll need to make one more important choice:  to use a private or public provider.  Much like deciding between private and public in other industries (construction, security and education for example), there are a number of things to consider.  The first being major differences between the two sectors.

In short, the private cloud has been defined as an infrastructure that is operated with just one organization in mind.  In other words, you’ve got an entire system of cloud management that exists exclusively for you and your business.  This level of dedication can be more expensive than the public alternative but users are often comforted by the notion that services (including security) are aimed directly at their business.

On the other hand, public cloud providers offer services over a network that is available to everyone.  This isn’t to say that every user has access to all other user’s files, but it does mean that the infrastructure serves multiple business and personal users and thusly would not be dedicated to your business.  Public providers generally offer free services and upgrading to larger storage capacities is reasonably priced.



YOU’LL HAVE ONE CONTACT, IN YOUR
LOCAL AREA, THAT CAN NAVIGATE
YOUR ENTIRE SYSTEM



But what are some lesser known features that might draw businesses toward a private cloud solution?  Everyone else seems to be using public providers with big names like Microsoft, Google and Amazon, right?  Private providers offer larger levels of customization and are therefore specialized for your business’s needs.  Being private, the cloud would have far less traffic and therefore would give you better control over your files and software.  Additionally, your business may deal with (or may want to deal with) certain legacy programs which public cloud providers cannot support.  These sorts of programs can be run on private cloud computing infrastructures.

But, the greatest benefit to using a private cloud provider is that you now have the option of using your local IT service provider as your cloud provider.  This results in only having to deal with a single support staff since they’re already servicing your office IT needs. Instead of tracking down a problem between 2 or 3 help desks and call centers, which could be found around the globe, you’ll have ONE contact in your area that can navigate your entire syste

There are some great reasons for hopping on the private cloud.  However, the public cloud also has some benefits that are worth considering.  When it comes to renting software such as a CRM; when managing large projects; or when billing and tracking time, you would not need to build a server to host these sorts of bulk files.  Microsoft, Google or Amazon can handle that for you without ever needing to address the issue specifically.

Using non-specific software such as Office365, email servers, contact storage and sharing files is simple with public cloud providers.  These are common tasks and they are already set up, waiting for you to jump in.  It’s the simplicity of these daily tasks that leads many business to the public cloud in spite of the private cloud’s obvious advantages in areas of specificity.

And how about a third option of using both?  The practice of dividing tasks between public and private cloud providers is becoming more common.  For example, you might hire a private cloud provider to handle your hosted desktops, your network and database servers (your mission control and core business tasks).  Meanwhile, the public cloud might handle your email, calendar, contacts and sales CRM.

There’s obviously lots to consider when it comes to deciding which sort of cloud services best suit your business.  Do you need the dedication of a private server?  Do you desire the simplicity of the public cloud?  Or does your business require a healthy mix of both worlds?

As an IT provider, Nexthop can help you identify your cloud computing needs and discover the best possible solution for you and your business.  We also provide a private cloud for our clients and can give your business the dedicated attention and service it needs.  If you have any questions about cloud computing or if you would like to explore how Nexthop can help you find cloud solutions, leave a comment below or get in touch on at www.nexthop.ca.


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