Cloud computing has been one of the biggest developments in the world of information technology over the last decade. This innovation has made it possible for large quantities of data to be stored and secured without the need to manage a large-scale infrastructure. Although the most common perception of these systems involves remote server banks hosted in off-site locations, the truth is a little more complicated. Indeed, there are three main categories of cloud systems — public, private and hybrid. Each one brings its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks. If you’re a tech professional, it pays to know what these are so you can make the best-informed choice for your organization.
Public clouds are operated by third-party providers and shared by multiple organizations. They offer high scalability and cost effectiveness but fewer opportunities for customization. Private clouds are entirely in-house within a single enterprise and are not shared with anyone else. These provide more control and efficiency but tend to be much more expensive to operate. A hybrid cloud system combines the two, with both public and private servers contributing to the overall framework. They can be highly flexible and reliable but require a sizable investment and bring more complexity.
Moving your company’s data to the cloud can bring a wide range of benefits, but only if you know how to weigh the pros and cons of each model. To learn more about these three models, look at the accompanying resource for some details about what each has to offer.
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