3 Models of Cloud Computing to Consider

Do you have reservations about using a public cloud computing service to host your company’s data and applications? Despite strong security measures taken by public cloud computing companies, there are businesses that choose to play it safe and build their own private cloud infrastructure. SMBs also have a third cloud computing option which is to adopt a hybrid cloud infrastructure.

When choosing a cloud provider to host your data, be sure to inquire about the extent of their security measures. Many public cloud providers take extraordinary security measures to keep their customer’s data safe. For example, Google’s data centers are located in remote fields and have enough armed security guards to make McDonald’s Hamburglar think twice. Many public cloud computing providers redundantly backup their customer’s data to multiple locations, and have backup generators standing by.

Private Cloud Computing

Yet, despite these security measures, many businesses believe in having a private cloud infrastructure because they simply do not trust a third-party network to store their sensitive data. These fears are not unfounded, a common headline that pops up almost weekly is how a large company, recognized the world over, falls victim to a data breach. If a Fortune 500 company can’t keep hackers away, then what’s to say that a major cloud-computing company can guarantee the safety of your data?

Companies that build and maintain a private cloud infrastructure have more control over their data and a peace of mind that comes with keeping their data onsite. Although, a business that stores their data on their personal network is now responsible for their own security. Implementing strong security measures and backup solutions is crucial for in-house cloud computing, Directive can help you setup these solutions. While it’s unlikely that you will have an armed security team like Google, the name of your organization is likely less known among the hacking community. For many businesses, feeling like their company is less of a target for hackers is worth the extra expense of building a personal cloud network.

Public Cloud Computing

On the other side of the cloud equation are businesses that advocate migrating their entire IT infrastructure over to a public cloud service. These companies obviously feel fine about the level of security provided by public cloud services, and they may be driven by costs and convenience. Not having to maintain an IT network, having unlimited scalability, and only paying for the data and services that are used, will save businesses from having to make dreaded large capital investments in technology. Although, because public cloud services charge companies as a subscription service, there is a risk of being overcharged if entire private networks are migrated over to a public cloud computing model.

Hybrid Cloud Computing

At this point in the development of cloud computing, the best solution for SMBs is a hybrid computing model that combines aspects of public and private cloud computing. A hybrid cloud computing model works because it combines two cloud infrastructures that are distinct by using proprietary technology that enables data and application portability. This hybrid cloud model allows for companies to store their sensitive data on a private cloud, without risking their network exposure to the outside, while still making use of external resources to run applications that need this data.

Every business has different computing needs. Whether your business goes with a private, public, or hybrid model of cloud computing, you will want to choose the model that is right for you. To receive a professional IT consulting session on which cloud computing route is right for your business, give Directive a call at 607.433.2200.