Public cloud vs. private cloud vs. mixed cloud

For organizations that know they understand how to start using cloud services, the next step is to make a choice between a public cloud, a private cloud, and a mixed cloud. Private cloud means that the user is connected to a local resource, connected locally or remotely via a remote connection, but a secure connection and resources are within the control of it.

The public cloud means that users connect to external services that are based on unit-cost cloud services provided by cloud providers, such as Google or Amazon. The hybrid cloud model uses either private cloud services for a target or a public cloud for other purposes.

In this article, Professor Bill Claybrook will compare the public cloud, the private cloud and the mixed cloud. What are the functions of these three cloud models, how much is the cost, and where are the benefits? We'll look at key points in determining the strategy that the cloud path creates, and take the first steps to implement it.

The pros and cons analysis suggests that when comparing private clouds to public clouds, enterprise architects see advantages such as security and control, but also see flaws such as the high cost of investing early in skills and hardware. Organizations that choose a private cloud strategy need to consider a list of key decision points, including specific use cases for cloud computing, and look forward to a deeper and broader use of the cloud, which can reduce costs by using public cloud services.

On the other hand, looking at the reasons for using public clouds instead of private clouds, organizations can use less upfront investment in hardware and skills, which can also be explained by reducing time-to-market and increasing flexibility to get services. However, security and reliability issues cannot be overlooked. Uncertain long-term costs are also a reason to be cautious about the public cloud.

Some of the key decision points of the public cloud include comparing existing it and potential private cloud models to the overall cost of ownership, and then deciding which applications can migrate safely into the cloud and avoid unnecessary work, beware of vendor lock-in, and ensure that new changes do not alienate existing IT departments.

Many organizations plan to eventually adopt a hybrid cloud model. Hybrid cloud can subtly enable IT organizations to take advantage of public and private cloud services and avoid some pitfalls. It allows more flexible and scalable access to public and private cloud assets without excessive resources.

However, privacy and security are problems. Cloud standards that lack API compatibility, data availability, and data ownership can lead to increased complications.

When you look at a hybrid cloud strategy, the Enterprise Architect wants a lot of the same points as the private and public cloud. Which use case is suitable for which cloud service? How can API interoperability be achieved at the highest level? Is it worthwhile to wait for emerging cloud standards? How will security and compliance issues be addressed? Is it important for hybrid cloud engineers to understand the importance of service level agreements?