The World of Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Deployment?
Cloud deployment is the process of deploying an application through one or multiple hosting models that leverage the cloud to act as a solution, allowing users to access data. This ideally includes architecting, planning, implementing, and operating various workloads on the cloud. There are different kinds of cloud deployment models used by businesses, enterprises, and even banks according to their requirements.
How Does a Business Advantage from Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing has evolved around data security and storage needs, which gives businesses the freedom to make huge on-demand investments.
Cloud computing has also provided businesses with insights into CRM, access to the latest software with ease, and effective monitoring of resources and their optimization.
Key cloud computing aspects that can benefit your business:
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Provides faster and simplified deployment of resources
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With only need-based expenditure, it is highly cost-effective
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It supports growth by leveraging global infrastructure
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Supports new technologies and innovative digital business models
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Effective disaster recovery and business continuity of applications
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Access to applications from any location and on any device
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Increases operational efficiency and reduces human effort
Understanding Different Types of Cloud Deployment Models
A cloud deployment model is ideally defined as a computing environment where the infrastructure of the deployment resides, how much data you wish to store, and who can control that infrastructure. Each cloud development model caters to various organizational needs, and you must select a cloud model that will satisfy the needs of your organization.
Let’s take a deep dive into the most sought-after cloud deployment models.
Public Cloud
A public cloud deployment model is one in which anyone who has access to the system and services can access them. The public cloud model is one that provides services to the general public or major industry groups over the internet. This model is often used by companies based on subscriptions and those with minimum security concerns.
Advantages and Limitations of Public Cloud:
Advantages:
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This is the most affordable cloud deployment model available
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It offers excellent vertical scalability using virtualization
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Highly reliable, with a minimal possibility of interruption or scope of failure
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Readily access services like SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS via all internet-enabled devices
Limitations:
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Data security and privacy concerns lead to vulnerability
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Usage cap on the available resource due to license limitations
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With access to a wide range of users, there are chances of malfunctions and outages
Private Cloud
Private cloud deployment models are ideally used for a single organization. It offers businesses the opportunity to meet specific organizational requirements through customization. They are best suited for organizations with a mission-critical process that may require frequent changes.
Advantages and Limitations of Private Cloud:
Advantages:
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Ideal for storing corporate data which can only be accessed by authorized personnel
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With a sole proprietorship, you have complete control over services
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Allows tailored solutions for companies to meet their needs
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Designed to use with legacy systems that cannot access the public cloud
Limitations:
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Overhead costs can be underutilized, affecting the model’s overall feasibility
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Investment requires inexpensive hardware, software, and trained human resources
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Requires high maintenance and in-house maintenance
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Scalability is dependent on the type of hardware
Hybrid Cloud
A
hybrid cloud deployment model is a combination of two or more cloud architectures. It bridges the private and public cloud deployment models. With a
hybrid cloud model, one can enjoy a safe environment while effectively taking advantage of the public cloud’s cost-savings.
Advantages and Limitations of Hybrid Cloud:
Advantages:
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Offers flexibility in designing personalized solutions that would help meet particular needs
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With proper data segmentation, the possibility of data theft and cyber-attacks is significantly reduced
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Overall, data storage using the public cloud provides cost-effectiveness
Limitations:
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Setting up the hybrid model is complex due to integrating two or more cloud models
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Possibility of a security breach by public cloud back-door
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More effective for businesses with a wide range of workload management needs
Community Cloud
The community cloud model is ideal for supporting multiple organizations. This allows a group of organizations to access the systems and services. It is a distributed system curated by integrating the benefits of different clouds to address the specific needs of an industry, community, or business.
Advantages and Limitations of Community Cloud:
Advantages:
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Multiple organization sharing the cloud model means it would be cost-effective
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This model provides better security because it restricts access to only a set community of people
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Using the community model helps you share your resources, infrastructure, etc., with other organizations
Limitations:
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There is a start-up cost that is incurred to set up this cloud model
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Technology upgrades are slow and time consuming
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Community cloud models require consistent maintenance
Multi-Cloud
Multi-cloud is the amalgamation of
multiple cloud models from various cloud platforms. This would also refer to distributing cloud assets, software, applications, and more across several cloud environments. A multi-cloud environment looks to eliminate the dependency on any single cloud platform.
Advantages and Limitations of Multi-Cloud:
Advantages:
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Avoids vendor lock-in, enabling the business to deploy multiple specialists for their software requirements
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Allows the organization to effectively cater to the increasingly stringent data privacy and governance regulations
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Provides a high-speed infrastructure and maximizes application performance
Limitations:
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Growing cloud costs are one of the primary limitations an organization will face
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Multi-cloud requires specialist management expertise to ensure the IT environment is available and secure
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There is a chance of security architectures being stretched beyond their limits by multi-cloud strategies
“Cloud is about how you do computing, not where you do computing.”
Paul Maritz, VMware CEO
Types of Service Models in Cloud Computing
Cloud computing service models are also known as cloud delivery models. Cloud computing is offered in three types of cloud delivery models, each meeting a unique set of business requirements.
The three types of cloud delivery models are as follows:
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
SaaS is also known as “on-demand software.” It is a software where various applications are hosted by the cloud service provider, which allows users to instantly access a collection of applications on the cloud. This service model helps users by not having to manage and maintain software applications across multiple platforms.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
PaaS offers the user access to a cloud-based environment where they can build and deliver applications without the need to install integrated development environments.
This ideally assists a programmer in developing, testing, running, and managing applications on a cloud computing platform.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
IaaS is also widely known as Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS). IaaS aids in delivering networking and extensive databases for storage and servers. It helps users avoid the complexity and cost of buying and managing physical servers.
Choosing a Suitable Cloud Deployment Model for Your Business
While you are choosing your vendor for cloud deployment models, there are specific points that you must keep in mind to ensure that your
cloud migration is as smooth as possible.
Understand the tools for your business's needs and scale them according to your requirements. It makes it easier for you to close in on a vendor and the model.
It is also essential that you pay close attention to the flexibility, scalability, and security needs on your roadmap. With all these components figured out, you will be able to effectively decide upon which model to opt for.
Real Business Example: Netflix's decision to go to the cloud was largely motivated because of the ever-increasing volumes of data they were dealing with. On the other hand, using the AWS Cloud, you can rapidly and simply scale your data warehouse up or down to match demand. When Netflix looked at the prices per stream on the AWS Cloud, they discovered that they were a fraction of what they were spending before.
Conclusion
Cloud computing has enormous potential for organizations of all sizes. The ability to choose one or a combination of cloud models ensures the utmost flexibility for any business. An essential component that one must take care of during their transition to the cloud is how the vendor handles your legacy systems.
Once you have all the critical components of cloud computing in place, you will effectively channel all your efforts towards achieving your business goals.
FAQ
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
Cloud computing effectively helps an organization reduce its IT operational costs. With the cloud provider offering all the underlying infrastructure, it takes a significant load off the organizations. Cloud computing is global, convenient, and easily scalable, while also being highly accessible.
How to choose from the different kinds of cloud deployment models available?
While every cloud deployment model has its own unique set of features, you must choose a cloud model as per your requirements. Each cloud model caters to specific conditions. For example, if privacy and security are big concerns for your organization, it is suggested that you choose the private cloud model, as it is the most secure deployment model available.
What are the risks involved in cloud computing?
Some of the most common risks of cloud computing are:
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Limited visibility of network operations
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Risk of data breach and cyber-threats
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Data leakage and loss of data are primary concerns.