Clouds in computing are classified into different types based on their deployment model and service delivery approach. The main types of clouds include:
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- Private Cloud
- Hybrid Cloud
A. Public Cloud
A public cloud is a type of cloud environment where computing resources—such as servers, storage, and applications—are owned and managed by a third-party cloud service provider and delivered over the internet.
- Anyone can access and use these resources, usually on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Features:
- Accessible to the general public via the internet.
- Multi-tenant environment (resources shared among different users).
- Cost-effective
- Scalable and flexible resources
- Fully managed and maintained by the service provider.
Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
B. Private Cloud
A private cloud is a cloud environment dedicated to a single organization.
- It can be hosted on-premises (within the organization’s own data center) or by a third-party provider, but the infrastructure is dedicated solely to that organization.
- It offer greater control, enhanced security, and compliance with regulations, making them ideal for businesses handling sensitive information, such as banks or government agencies.
Characteristics:
- Exclusive access for one organization (single-tenant)
- Enhanced security and privacy
- Customizable to meet specific business needs
Examples: VMware Cloud, OpenStack, Microsoft Azure Stack
C. Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud environments, enabling data and applications to be shared between them.
- This model offers the flexibility to keep sensitive workloads in the private cloud while using the public cloud for less critical resources or peak demand periods.
Characteristics:
- Combines on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud resources
- Allows workload balancing and cost efficiency
- Ideal for businesses requiring data security along with scalability
Examples: Using AWS public cloud for general workloads while keeping sensitive data in a private cloud