Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud: When to Use Each Option
Cloud computing and IaaS can mean very different things depending on your provider. Whether you choose a private cloud vs. public cloud provider can impact your data security, opex, and other aspects of your business.
If you’re looking to move to the cloud, you need to make sure you have the right type of cloud for your business needs. We explain more about the differences between private and public cloud solutions below.
Public Cloud: Balancing Cost and Risk
Public clouds store data in a shared environment, meaning your software shares a server with other client organizations. They’re often hosted by large providers like AWS, Azure, or Google. Since a third-party provider takes care of all the infrastructure and equipment, public cloud solutions are very low maintenance.
Public cloud solutions are sometimes less expensive and easier to scale than private clouds. If there is a sudden increase in demand for one of your applications, a large public cloud provider can quickly spin up additional instances of that application.
However, using shared resources comes with security concerns. Large public cloud providers often attract more cyber attacks because they hold more companies’ data. While some public cloud providers have robust security measures, your organization may still need to do more monitoring and data encryption. The shared environment can also create compliance challenges for businesses in regulated industries.
When to Use Public
Public cloud can be a good choice if you’re working with a lot of data that isn’t especially sensitive. Public cloud may be a good choice if:
- You have workloads that don’t involve sensitive data
- Keeping cost and maintenance down are top priorities
- You expect to have sudden spikes in demand
- Global reach is more important and some latency is tolerable
Private Cloud: Fortifying Security and Privacy
Private cloud solutions use infrastructure that is solely dedicated to your organization. Your software runs on a server that only serves one organization — your own.
Some organizations create a private cloud using an on-prem data center, which makes them solely responsible for maintenance and upgrades. Others work with a managed private cloud provider, meaning a third party takes care of some of those tasks. Managed private clouds are often more cost-effective than on-prem options since they don’t require any upfront investment and reduce the maintenance burden on your IT team.
Private cloud solutions offer extra shielding from potential security risks, minimizing the possibility of unauthorized access or data leakage. Since physical resources are exclusively dedicated to your organization, your data is more isolated than it would be with a public cloud provider. You get dedicated connections and networking bandwidth, too.
Private cloud providers also tend to offer better customer service. Managed private cloud providers typically emphasize personal attention and responsiveness. When you’re a client of a large public cloud provider, you may be lost in the sea of everyone else.
When to Use Private
Private cloud is a good choice for any organization that is concerned about privacy and security. These include healthcare, finance, and legal organizations, but other industries often use private clouds as well. Businesses that handle proprietary information, confidential documents, or trade secrets tend to lean toward private cloud for the controlled environment it offers.
In summary, private cloud is a good choice if:
- Cybersecurity is a concern
- You handle sensitive data, proprietary information, confidential documents, or trade secrets
- You contract with government bodies that mandate higher security standards (e.g., Defense Industrial Base contractors who must comply with CMMC standards)
- You’ve had bad experiences with customer service from large public cloud providers
The fear of data breaches, intellectual property theft, or inadvertent exposure can make public cloud a less desirable option. When privacy and security are your topmost concerns, private cloud is the way to go.
Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud With Simple Helix
In brief, public clouds use shared infrastructure, while private clouds use infrastructure that is solely dedicated to your organization. Public clouds can be more cost-effective, but private clouds are usually the best choice for data security.
The choice between private and public cloud hinges on your organization’s priorities and risk tolerance. At Simple Helix, we recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Our experts can help you understand your options, including hybrid solutions.
Whether you’re a privacy-conscious organization or aiming to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and security, Simple Helix can help you find the right public or private cloud solution. Schedule a consultation to see which cloud options align with your business objectives.
