The truth is that there are many different cloud deployment models out there, but only four are you will see most often. This short post will give you the pros and cons of each of these models so that you can have a clearer understanding of how they work and why it matters to you and your business.

1. Public Cloud

The public cloud just might be the most popular option. It’s a platform that uses standard cloud computing to make on-demand virtual machines, storage, and networks available to users via the public internet. Companies will typically charge a fee based on usage or capacity. Public cloud deployment is often a shared experience. That means that data is often replicated in different locations to prevent data loss, according to IT support Adelaide. Users need to be aware of any public cloud’s locale since there are no specific locations. Certain geographic regions may adversely affect technical regulations and compliance issues. Overall, public cloud deployment is affordable, scalable, and maintenance-free, but it also has its drawbacks regarding misconfiguration and customisation.

2. Private Cloud

The private cloud is often referred to as an internal or on-premises cloud. Instead of being accessible to any public member, it is only available to those inside a company or organization. Although this can be achieved on-site or at a third-party data center, private cloud deployment is dedicated to a single entity, allowing access to only authorized individuals. Unlike a public cloud setup, you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your cloud. Private deployment is highly customizable, can be integrated into hybrid models, and offers better control and access. But it is also more costly than public deployment, not always easily scalable, and takes more work to take advantage of all of its features thoroughly.

3. Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud deployment uses a combination of both public and private cloud systems. With this model, a company can quickly move workloads between the two clouds, offering specific services to the organization. The hybrid system provides tons of customization, controls, and safeguards but also requires a lot of strategic back bending. This is a complex deployment that requires a lot of IT resources. Many companies that employ this model only do it for set periods while moving to either public or private deployment, because it is a complex long-term solution that isn’t always very cost-effective. Going with the hybrid cloud is great for scalability and control, but it can quickly become a tactical nightmare in unskilled hands.

4. Multi-Cloud

The multi-cloud deployment model allows a company to leverage the best of multiple cloud service providers. Some like a particular cloud company’s affinity for software and applications and another for its excellent storage capacity offerings. This is an a la carte model that keeps your costs where you want them while allowing you to leverage the best features that appeal the most to your business’ IT needs. It is always a combination of public cloud systems or a mix of a hybrid cloud and more than one public cloud. The biggest drawback is that governance and terms of use will differ across providers.

Whether you’re interested in AWS, on-premises cloud services, or something highly customizable, a lot of considerations will need to be made before settling into a cloud deployment model. Evaluate your needs and your unique situation with an IT specialist to ensure you’re getting what you need and with room to grow. Keep in mind that it is possible to use a combination of cloud models. You just need to be sure you have the infrastructure and a dedicated IT team to handle your data care needs.