Types of Cloud Deployments How an organization handles and secures business assets and needs can be reflected in how it deploys its cloud service. But cloud deployment is more than just a “private cloud vs. public cloud” debate. The rise of hybrid cloud deployment has added a whole different flavor. 1. Public Cloud A public cloud is maintained through a third-party IaaS cloud provider. Servers, storage, and other digital resources are delivered through the internet. Since the provider absorbs all infrastructure and bandwidth costs, a customer only needs a web browser to access service and manage accounts. Pros: Reliable service, cost-effective through economies of scale, no maintenance, elastic scalability Cons: Often deemed unsafe for handling highly private and sensitive data; must comply with strict security regulations 2. Private Cloud In a private cloud, cloud computing services, infrastructure, and networking are operated solely by an organization independent of other enterprises or public platforms. A private cloud can be maintained in one of two ways: A company’s data center is physically located in-house, or a third-party vendor is paid to host everything on a private instance. Pros: More control, customizable, scalable, flexible, secure Cons: More expensive and maintenance (if kept on-site) 3. Hybrid Cloud As assumed, a hybrid cloud deployment is a blend of private and public clouds. This infrastructure allows data, information, and apps to be shared and transferred interchangeably. The private side can be used for sensitive processes such as finances and data recovery, whereas the public side can run high-volume applications Pros: Enhanced agility, accessibility, security Cons: More maintenance, complex compatibility Cloud Computing Examples In this day of the digital age, it’s almost impossible for anyone not to be impacted by the cloud. Some of the most common (and even mundane) everyday tasks rely on cloud computing. Here are a couple of simple examples: Email: It’s used for personal reasons and business responsibilities. But this standardized communication method has fully shifted from a downloaded and stored method to one that’s cloud-based. That goes for any device, from a desktop computer to smartphone. Credit/debit cards: Fewer and fewer people are using cold hard cash nowadays to finalize in-person purchases. Credit and debit cards are more abundant and convenient mostly because every bank and credit card company database is integrated with the cloud. And that’s especially true for emerging payment apps like Venmo and PayPal. Leading Cloud Computing Companies The biggest and most well-known tech brands wouldn’t exist without ongoing advancements in cloud computing. In fact, the top cloud computing companies have created what’s known as the “cloud wars” with never-ending one-upmanship and extensive strategic SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS deployments. And the two enterprises below have taken the wheel at dominating the IaaS cloud market thus far. Microsoft: Deeply invested in all three levels of the cloud, Microsoft cloud computing – with its Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365 products – is still frontrunner as a global enterprise-cloud provider. Microsoft continues to develop and deploy products around artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and Blockchain. The company saw a $6 billion profit in Q1 this year, more than half $1 billion ahead of any other cloud computing companies. Amazon: The massive e-commerce brand isn’t far behind Microsoft in the cloud service space. it’s $5.44 billion 2018 Q1 is still second, but Amazon cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS), is making strides in the cloud services movement, and still ahead of Google’s cloud computing ventures. Benefits of Cloud Computing Today’s business environment relies more and more on devices with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities (especially smartphones and tablets). As a result, a majority of offices are essentially becoming virtual workspaces. Therefore, easier and more efficient access to data is possible through cloud computing. A recent study by market research company Vanson Bourne revealed that cloud computing is having a measurable business impact. Companies that have implemented cloud services have seen a nearly 21 percent increase in speed to market, a 19 percent jump in process efficiency, and a 20 percent uptick in company growth. Here are even more advantages of cloud computing: Flexible costs: Cloud computing spins the table on traditional capital expenditure (capex) spending, instead the majority of cloud spend is operational expenditure (opex). Since a third-party vendor will take care of maintenance, a company doesn’t have to fund a support team to fix problem servers. The upfront costs of infrastructure needs like local server purchases are reduced. Improved mobility: With the cloud, apps and data are accessible anywhere, anytime. And that’s all due to the ever-increasing number of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The “anywhere, anytime” benefit also certainly applies to business. Employees gain flexibility, becoming more efficient with workflows and customer service. Increased collaboration: Cloud computing is essentially built for improving work processes, and that includes data flows between coworkers and business partners. Organizations demand more apps for file sharing and streamlined workflows. Remote workers can instantly connect and communicate with fellow employees and important clients. Economies of Scale: Cloud computing reduces cost by leveraging economies of scale. A Booz Allen Hamilton study found that the cloud approach could reduce costs by 50 to 67% for a deployment of 1000 servers. Cloud customers can take advantage of lower costs from vendors’ economies of scale, reducing their investments in on-premises infrastructure. Operational: Technology will never be perfect, but some are just less complex. That includes the infrastructure of cloud computing, which usually runs on separate servers through a third-party vendor. So, when problems do arise, it’s the vendor’s job to promptly fix the problem instead of having on-site IT staff spend time and resources file claims or updating servers.
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