Understanding Public Cloud

As companies continue to warm up to the idea of using cloud technologies as part of their IT strategy, they need to make the decision between what type of cloud infrastructure they want to incorporate. Do they want to use private cloud, public cloud or a hybrid version of the two? In many cases, Canadian companies opt for the public cloud option because of its many benefits.

What is public cloud?

Public cloud, one of the most commonly used and standard forms of cloud computing, is a service that is offered by companies to house computer resources online or in the cloud. With this set up, things such as your company’s storage, applications and software is available over the internet rather than it being installed within your company on your system. Depending on the model and service provider, public cloud can be available for free (most common for individual users) on through a fee based system.

When it comes to public cloud, your company does not actually own the infrastructure, rather you are renting access to it to house your resources. The cloud platform or online space is owned and operated by the service provider. And, access to your account is only available through the internet; however, this means that your resources can be accessed from any location.

Examples of public cloud

While there is no shortage of cloud providers, some of the most widely used public platforms include:

• Windows Azure
  
• Amazon Web Services
  
• Blue Cloud from IBM
  
• Sun Cloud

The benefits of public cloud

There are a number of benefits to using public cloud as part of your IT strategy. They include:

• Easy set up: Since the service provider is hosting the platform, all companies need to do is set up the account. All hardware, software, and applications are provider through the cloud service.
  
• Low start-up costs: Public cloud does not cost much to start up. As noted above, costs are limited to strategy development and the selection of the public cloud services.
  
• Scalability: The beauty of cloud is that it can be utilized effectively for many different reasons and by companies of all sizes. Services can be scaled to meet your company’s specific needs.
  
• Pricing model: There are no wasted resources because companies pay for what they use. And, it is also easy to increase or decrease your service plan as needed.
  
•   Online configuration: Virtually nothing needs to be done in house. Your cloud configuration and deployment is done online by the service provided through their website.

Potential issues with public cloud

Public cloud does not come without its potential drawbacks. Here are some of the most common:

• Costs: Costs are also a potential drawback in the sense that they are a long term expense that will exist until you cease to use the service, which is unlikely consider its popularity. This is why many companies have opted for the private cloud that exists on their internal network. Same functionality, but with something to show for the investment.
  
• Security: Placing your data and information on public cloud opens you up to the possibility of having your data breached. You never know who could be targeting your cloud service provider. Another reason why some companies opt for private cloud.
  
• Potential data loss: There is no guarantee that your data will not be lost if your host system fails. And, since many companies use it for a source of backup, it is something worth thinking about.