Cloud Computing And Its Deployment Methods
Cloud Computing
Cloud is just a metaphor for the Internet. It harkens back to the days when flowcharts depicted the Internet’s gigantic server farm infrastructure as a bloated white cloud accepting connections and distributing information while floating above it all. On the other hand, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs through the Internet instead of directly to our computer’s hard drive.
The Different Deployment Models: Public, Private, Hybrid And Other Clouds
A cloud deployment model represents a specific type of cloud environment, distinguished primarily by ownership, size, and access. Today, we can talk about four standard cloud deployment models, to which some new features are added:
1. Public Cloud
Based on an open network for public use, the new computing service is offered to all external clients who need this technology on the Internet. In this model, scalable and elastic capabilities support those looking to reduce costs and increase technology options, sometimes even for free. On a technical level, this form of cloud computing should not differ from the architecture of a private cloud.
However, it must be taken into account that public cloud service providers own and operate infrastructure in their data centers when it comes to security. Access is generally over the Internet, offering direct connection services that require customers to purchase or lease a private connection to an exchange point offered by the cloud provider.
2. Private Cloud
It is the one that allows centralizing access to the organization’s IT resources, using its own cloud computing technology. The management of this environment can be carried out by the same company or subcontracted to third parties.
However, regardless of the option chosen, it should not be forgotten that the client and the cloud service provider coincide. Another peculiarity of this type of cloud is that, although the private cloud may physically reside on the organization’s premises, the IT resources it houses are still considered cloud-based, as they are accessible remotely by users.
3. Hybrid Cloud
The composition of this cloud computing model varies depending on the needs of the business and may result from the combination of a private and a public cloud or one of them and a community cloud. In the same way, different providers of cloud computing services also coexist.
The compliance requirements of the industry and the priorities that each organization establishes in terms of information security will determine the configuration of its cloud and the uses that it decides to give to the cloud.
4. Community Cloud
This interpretation of cloud computing is quite similar to the public cloud with the difference that, in this case, access is limited to a specific community, or at least some of its members, who must define the rules and be in charge of their development.
5. Virtual Private Cloud
This model results in a self-contained cloud environment that, although hosted and managed by a public cloud provider, makes it available to a cloud consumer in exchange for a particular cost and compliance with the established conditions of use.
6. Intercloud
It represents a further twist to the concept of cloud computing, constituting what, for many, is a cloud of clouds. This complex network is globally interconnected. Rather than promoting the relationship between cloud providers and their customers and users, it aims to promote direct interoperability between public providers of cloud services.
7. Multi-cloud
In this way, the multiple cloud computing services in a single heterogeneous architecture that encompasses a variety of services, unlike the hybrid cloud, which can be public, private or legacy is undertaken. The advantage of multi-cloud is its flexibility since it expands the possibilities of choice by reducing the dependence on single providers.
Also Read: How Is The Cloud Changing The Role Of CIOs?
