Hybrid cloud refers to a mixed computing, storage, and services environment made up of on-premises infrastructure, private cloud services, and a public cloud—such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure—with orchestration among the various platforms. Using a combination of public clouds, on-premises computing, and private clouds in your data center means that you have a hybrid cloud infrastructure. Show
The key difference between public and private cloud computing relates to access. In a public cloud, organizations use shared cloud infrastructure, while in a private cloud, organizations use their own infrastructure. To fully understand which cloud environment organizations should use, it is important to understand each environment in-depth, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. What is a Public cloud?In a public cloud model, cloud services and resources are offered through a third-party cloud service provider (CSP) and delivered via the internet through a subscription model, such as platform-as-a-service (PaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) or software-as-a-service (SaaS). In this model, all hardware, software, and other supporting cloud infrastructure are owned, operated and maintained by the cloud provider and shared with other users. Examples of public clouds include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The public cloud operates on the principle of multi-tenancy, which means that multiple organizations, or “tenants”, have access to the same cloud infrastructure and computing resources, such as servers and cloud storage. What is a Private Cloud?A private cloud, which is sometimes referred to as an on-premises private data center, is a cloud computing model where one organization has exclusive use of the cloud, its services and associated infrastructure. While a private cloud may still be hosted by a CSP, it is dedicated to just one user and resources are never shared. Private clouds are most often used by organizations that require customizable and highly secure IT environments. For example, private clouds are often used by government agencies, hospitals, or financial institutions, which maintain sensitive data and are subject to strict compliance standards. Public vs Private Cloud: AdvantagesPublic CloudPrivate CloudCost savings: In a public cloud model, organizations generally have lower IT costs because they do not need to purchase, operate or maintain hardware or software. Further, most cloud computing plans are based on consumption pricing, which means that organizations only pay for the resources they use.Privacy As the name implies, the private cloud is not shared with other tenants, which means that a single tenant has complete control over the cloud environment.Limited maintenance: The public cloud provider is responsible for all maintenance of the cloud environment and associated assets.Security: Because the private cloud is not shared with any other users, this network tends to provide far greater control, privacy and security — as long as the user has adopted a comprehensive security strategy specifically designed for the cloud.Scalability: Organizations that use the public cloud have virtually infinite cloud computing resources available on demand and can easily scale workloads up or down based on business needs.Customization: In a private cloud model, organizations have complete control of their cloud environment and can customize their network to meet the organization’s business needs or comply with regulatory standards.Reliability: Public cloud workloads can be quickly moved from one server to another in the event of a failure or other performance issue.Performance: Because the private cloud is not a shared resource, most users benefit from higher performance.Public vs Private Cloud: Disadvantages The Maturation of Cloud-Native Security: Securing Modern Apps and InfrastructureLearn how an integrated defense-in-depth platform fills gaps in inconsistencies, misconfigurations and visibility Download NowWhat is a Hybrid CloudBecause private and public cloud models offer inherent advantages (and disadvantages), many organizations are increasingly turning to a hybrid cloud model, which is an IT environment that combines elements of a public cloud, private cloud and on-premises infrastructure into a single, common, unified architecture. In a hybrid cloud environment, organizations have the option to run and scale workloads in the optimal setting, as well as the flexibility to move workloads between different environments quickly and easily. For example, with a hybrid cloud model, organizations are able to leverage the public cloud for high-volume, low-risk activity, such as hosting web-based applications like email or instant messaging. Meanwhile the private cloud can be reserved for functions that require greater security, such as processing payments or storing personal data. In so doing, the organization is able to capitalize on the cost savings of a public cloud while also maintaining a higher level of security or compliance for select functions. Advantages of a Hybrid Cloud EnvironmentWith a hybrid cloud model, many organizations can get the “best of both worlds”. Advantages include:
Learn MoreNow that you know the advantages, read our Hybrid Cloud Security 101 post to understand the challenges posed by hybrid cloud security and explore potential solutions.Read More: Hybrid Cloud Security 101 Hybrid Cloud vs. Multi CloudThough sometimes used interchangeably, hybrid and multi-cloud environments are two distinct models. In short, a hybrid cloud creates a single environment consisting of public, private and on-prem infrastructure elements and services. A multi-cloud environment, on the other hand, unites two or more public cloud instances but does not integrate private cloud services or an on-prem component. Based on this definition, it is possible for a hybrid cloud model to also be a multi-cloud model if the environment incorporates private cloud, on-prem and more than one public cloud instance. Questions to Ask when Choosing a Deployment OptionAs discussed above there are four main cloud deployment options:
Organizations interested in shifting to a cloud-based business model will need to consider which deployment option best meets their needs. Some key considerations include: SecurityEvery cloud environment has unique security challenges.
Regulatory compliance
Scalability
Reliability
Cost
Complexity
Remote access
Learn MoreCrowdStrike has redefined security with the world’s most advanced cloud-native platform designed to secure data and workloads regardless of their location.Learn more Which type of cloud is best if you want to use IT for your own organization?Customers create and use a private cloud that's deployed, configured, and managed by a third-party vendor. Managed private clouds are a cloud delivery option that helps enterprises with understaffed or underskilled IT teams provide better private cloud services and infrastructure.
Which cloud deployment model allows users to take advantage of high availability agility and consumption based model without a need to manage any infrastructure?Platform as a service (PaaS)
The goal of PaaS is to help you create an application quickly without managing the underlying infrastructure. For example, when deploying a web application using PaaS, you don't have to install an operating system, web server, or even system updates.
Which cloud platform is widely used in organizations?Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
GCP enables developers to build, test, and deploy applications on its distributed and scalable infrastructure, while utilizing the service's capabilities in security, data management, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Which type of cloud managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on premise or off premise?Private cloud. The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on premise or off premise.
|
