Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services—such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet. In the case of a private cloud, services are delivered through a dedicated internal network.
Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining traditional infrastructure, businesses can access resources from a cloud provider or manage them in a dedicated private cloud. This approach helps organizations scale resources quickly, reduce capital expenditures, and take advantage of cutting-edge technologies.
- In public cloud deployments, providers fully manage the underlying infrastructure, eliminating the complexity of maintenance for the customer.
- In private clouds, organizations retain greater control and may still manage some or all of the infrastructure, depending on whether it is hosted on-premises or by a third party in a dedicated environment.
- Hybrid cloud models support flexible workload placement, allowing organizations to maintain control over sensitive systems while leveraging the scalability and innovation of the public cloud.
Understanding the different
types of cloud computing models is essential when building a cloud strategy. Public, private, and hybrid cloud each offer unique advantages and trade-offs. Selecting the right model plays a critical role in an organization’s ability to scale efficiently, manage costs effectively, safeguard data, and adapt to evolving business needs.