When stepping up your business’s technological strategies, cloud computing is easily one of the best moves you can make. The benefits of cloud computing include work mobility, accessibility, and backup redundancy; however, not all cloud computing is the same. There are three general cloud options you have to choose from, and you may be wondering, though, which cloud computing solution is best for your business. Here are some key points to help you determine which solution will work best for your business.
Public
A public cloud solution is a flexible, low-cost solution involving IT services served through an internet connection. This is the quintessential form of cloud computing, as it interfaces directly with virtual servers through the web, providing you with a host of IT services. The public cloud ranges from free solutions, often ad-revenue supported, with less digital security to subscription-based programs, all offering a wide range of functionality from software to data storage.
Unlike its counterparts, private and hybrid cloud solutions, public clouds require no investment in infrastructure on your part. All of your computing space is virtual because it is handled through third-party servers via an active internet connection. Of course, this means that all of your data and applications are exclusively stored online. That provides you with very limited technical control and increases the potential for data security threats. If you are on a limited budget and are not working with sensitive information, a public cloud solution may work well for your business.
Private
Opposite the public options, a private cloud is a dedicated cloud network solution designed for limited accessibility and maximum security. The server you work with is still operated by a third-party, off-site vendor; however, private cloud servers are dedicated servers, meaning that only your organization or even specific individuals you have granted permission will have access to the network. Private cloud solutions are perfect for business applications that require the utmost security.
If your business needs to manage highly sensitive information, such as business financial records, tax documents, and personal employee data, a private cloud option would still provide you some flexibility in accessing that information remotely but with much stricter security measures in place. Most private cloud solutions involve secure workstations in addition to secure virtual networks, so your business would need to invest in sufficient on-site infrastructure to maximize secure access. Private cloud solutions are best suited for businesses looking for a secure, long-term computing investment.
Hybrid
The hybrid cloud options provide the best of both worlds: security, performance, cost, and efficiency. A hybrid solution allows your business to set organizational and technical policies that determine how applications and stored data can be shared. Using both public access and private cloud deployment, a hybrid solution uses private environments to store secure data while offsetting high network loads with public cloud resources.
Hybrid cloud computing is a bit more technical, because it incorporates aspects of both public and private cloud solutions. That being said, it is the perfect solution for businesses facing different IT requirements for a multitude of potential digital applications. From email and collaboration software to secure storage for sensitive business documents and reliable encryption on legal documents in transit, a hybrid cloud option has your business needs covered across the board. Just keep in mind that a hybrid cloud is more expensive than public solutions and requires a bit more technical know-how to efficiently manage the dynamic between private and public cloud infrastructure.
Regardless of which cloud computing solution best suits your business, incorporating some form into your business management can greatly benefit you in terms of time, mobility, and general innovation. Learning to adapt your business to new technologies is a critical step toward taking your business to the next level. With each passing year, new technologies become available that present business owners like you with new and exciting possibilities for expanding your business and improving your overall profitability.
