A lot of choices go into building and implementing the right cloud solution for your business. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want a public or private cloud environment. While there’s no right or wrong option, these solutions are extremely different from each other. To find the best cloud solution, you must first explore the benefits and drawbacks of both private and public cloud computing. By learning what each option means, you can decide which one will meet your company’s needs and goals. What are the differences between public and private Azure? Dig into your options and learn about the unique opportunities each cloud environment presents for your business.
What Is a Public Cloud?
The most common form of cloud computing is the public cloud. In this type of environment, cloud hosting solutions and other resources are under the control of a third-party service provider. This cloud service provider owns and operates the entire cloud infrastructure, including all the hardware and software within the network. Organizations that use the public cloud are called cloud tenants. These tenants share network devices, storage, hardware, and other resources with other organizations in the public cloud network. You can access these services, manage your account, and work within your cloud environment through the Internet and web-based applications.
A public cloud environment is a great solution for common and predictable needs. Examples of this include web-based email or messaging applications. Online office applications like word processors or digital spreadsheets are also examples of public cloud solutions. Many businesses also use public cloud solutions for online storage and business operation applications. Finally, the public cloud is perfect for software development and testing environments.
Advantages of a Public Cloud Network
Public cloud solutions are more accessible than private cloud networks. Some public cloud services are even free, such as online word processors and file storage. Other applications operate through subscription-based services. This allows users to pay only for what they need, making public cloud services incredibly cost effective. A subscription-based model and on-demand resources also create an opportunity for extreme agility and scalability. This flexibility allows organizations to leverage their cloud services to satisfy ever-changing needs, challenges, and workloads. Even better, organizations don’t have to worry about the cost of purchasing or maintaining software and hardware for their cloud network. Instead, you only have to pay for the resources you use. This makes growth more affordable for organizations. Moreover, businesses can put the money they save on their cloud network toward more relevant and business-critical opportunities.
Disadvantages of a Public Cloud Network
Despite these great benefits, a public cloud environment comes with its drawbacks and limitations. While the public cloud’s subscription-based pay model and on-demand resources are cost-effective for small to mid-range organizations, these resources might not be enough to serve larger companies and enterprises. A large organization might end up paying exponentially more to obtain the resources they need to suit their needs and goals. Additionally, a public cloud network doesn’t offer as much control as a private cloud. You don’t have ownership of your network, which means you can’t always get the customizations you want. This also raises privacy concerns. While the public cloud is a secure network and your information stays separate from other organizations, you still share resources with others. This means your cloud environment might not meet the compliance standards necessary for your business.
What Is a Private Cloud?
When you implement a private cloud solution, your organization is the only one that uses that network. You don’t share resources or applications with anyone else. This means that you must pay for the hardware and software you use. In some private cloud networks, the data center is at the business’s location. However, you can also choose to work with a third-party vendor that maintains your data center off-site. Either way, your network consists of isolated resources that you can access through a secure and private network.
The privacy and individuality of a private cloud network makes it ideal for businesses that deal with sensitive information and severe compliance regulations. Examples include government agencies, financial institutions, and medical facilities. A private cloud environment is also great for large or technical enterprises that require bigger and more complex data centers.
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Advantages of a Private Cloud Network
A private cloud solution offers greater control and privacy than its public counterpart. A private cloud provides exclusive environments and resources that only your organization can access. This makes it easy to build a customized system that meets your unique needs. You also have fewer limitations when it comes to growth and scalability. While the public cloud offers great flexibility and scalability for smaller organizations, larger organizations might not have access to everything they need for continual success. A private cloud network eliminates those limitations and gives you the foundation to reach greater heights. Finally, more control means security and defenses that are tailored to you. The private cloud makes it easier to meet strict compliance standards and other security measures that your business requires.
Disadvantages of a Private Cloud Network
As with public cloud networks, private cloud solutions come with their own disadvantages. The biggest drawback of the private cloud is the price. While a private cloud network can be incredibly cost-effective for some organizations, others might find it to be a drain on resources—especially for smaller businesses or short-term solutions. Additionally, if you choose to maintain an on-site data center, the total cost of ownership for your cloud network can increase significantly. On-site resources can also limit you in terms of growth, as your business must pay for every new application, software update, or hardware replacement.
Public vs. Private Azure: What’s Right for Your Business?
Once you know the differences between public and private Azure, you can decide which environment will best meet your business needs. Many organizations find value in both solutions. Each environment comes with both benefits and limitations. Leveraging both to suit your needs allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds while designing a network that fits your business perfectly. At Atmosera, we help you design, implement, and manage Azure solutions that put your business needs first. Learn more about your cloud options and what your cloud infrastructure can do for you by talking with the experts at Atmosera today.
