Three Cloud Computing Options to Consider for Your Business
A cloud computing strategy is a must-have for most modern businesses looking to remain competitive in the current business climate. The right cloud computing system can open up a whole new world of possibilities in terms of business development, productivity, and growth.
However, to devise a matching strategy, you must first understand the cloud computing options and the types of service providers you can work with. We’ll cover the details in this article.
Do you need help crafting your cloud computing strategy? Use the managed IT services in Arlington by Herrod Technology.
Three Main Cloud Computing Options
The three main cloud computing options are public, private, and hybrid systems. We’ll look at each of them below, covering the advantages and downsides of each.
1. Public Cloud System
If you use Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon Web Services, or OneDrive, you are already using a form of public cloud computing system. Public cloud services provide cloud technology for all customers. The users pay for a share of the infrastructure.
If you choose this option, your business will not need to worry about maintaining the technology and infrastructure. The providers take care of the servers and other critical systems that keep your business going.
The Advantages of Public Cloud Systems
- Inexpensive. Public cloud systems are the cheapest among the cloud computing options. Businesses of all sizes can find their ideal subscription package.
- Easy management. You can manage public cloud systems remotely from anywhere. Network administrators don’t need to travel to different sites to manage the network infrastructure.
- Easy upgrades. Since the public cloud provider manages the system from a central location, changes to the hardware or software components are more straightforward. Your business will not experience the impact of upgrades or bear the costs alone.
- Easy scalability. As your business grows, you can change your public cloud infrastructure to grow alongside it with just a few clicks (usually changes to the subscription model).
The Disadvantages of Public Cloud Systems
- Incompatibility. Some business applications are not cloud-compatible. Therefore, you may need to budget for on-site infrastructure to ensure compatibility.
- Off-site dependence. Although most mainstream public cloud computing options are more robust than ever, there’s always a risk to relying on third-party infrastructure.
2. Private Cloud Systems
Also known as enterprise or internal cloud systems, private cloud systems run on an internal network. Your business owns the infrastructure, which you may run on-site or from a data center.
The Advantages of Private Cloud Systems
- Enhanced security. Private cloud systems offer the highest level of security in any cloud environment. They limit your brand’s exposure to risks because the infrastructure will only run in-house applications and hardware.
- Higher flexibility. You get to decide how to use the infrastructure with no third-party imposed limitations to worry about.
- Stronger network performance. Since the cloud infrastructure supports only your organization, optimization is more straightforward. The result is near-excellent network performance.
The Disadvantages of Private Cloud Systems
- Higher costs. Setting up a private cloud system requires a significant upfront investment. It may not be the ideal option for small businesses in their early days.
- High management demands. You may need a dedicated team to manage your cloud systems if you opt for private cloud infrastructure.
3. Hybrid Cloud Systems
Hybrid cloud systems are a mixture of private and public cloud computing options. These systems attempt to eliminate the downsides of the cloud computing options above while retaining the bulk of the advantages.
Hybrid systems are highly secure. However, they lead to a complex computing infrastructure that may take more time to set up and manage compared to just sticking to public or private cloud systems.
Cloud Service Options
Deciding on a cloud computing approach is only half of the equation. You have to choose from the various cloud service options when fleshing out your cloud computing strategy.
Cloud services refer to infrastructure, platforms, or software hosted by third-party providers that are only accessible over the internet. You’ll rely on them, especially if you choose the public or hybrid cloud approach.
Below are the main types of cloud services.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
IaaS services provide and manage the cloud infrastructure for you. Your business will rent servers, virtual machines, data storage, network, and virtualization systems and access them through the internet. Your access to the infrastructure will be through a dashboard or an API.
The IaaS provider will manage the data storage, servers, and other bits of hardware, while your business will manage the middleware, apps, and operating systems. If you have a subscription to a cloud storage provider, you’re already using IaaS.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
In PaaS, the service provider manages the hardware and the application-software platform, while the user handles the apps running on the platform and the accompanying data.
Developers and programmers rely on PaaS because it allows them to focus on application development and management without worrying about infrastructure.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
SaaS providers deliver cloud solutions to users through a software application. The provider manages the web or mobile apps and handles bug fixes, updates, and general software maintenance. SaaS systems simplify collaboration.
Find the Perfect Cloud Computing Setup for Your Business
With different cloud computing options to choose from, building a cloud strategy for your business can be challenging. That’s where our team at Herrod Technology comes in. We can help you create a robust and effective cloud computing system to make your business more efficient.
We carefully evaluate the type of tasks you need to accomplish daily, your budget, your human resource situation, and other relevant details to come up with a cloud computing deployment model that is best suited for your brand.
Contact us at Herrod Technology today to schedule a consultation on the cloud computing options available to your brand. You can trust us to transform your business’s IT infrastructure and address your concerns.
We’ll evaluate the system and recommend improvements where necessary. Check out this post to know the importance of correct computer system design.
