4 Major Cloud Deployment Models – A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

What is Cloud Computing? What are the deployment models of Cloud Computing? How many types of deployment models are used in Cloud technology? If your mind is buzzing with all these questions, this article is a one-stop-source covering all these topics. Let’s get started!

What is Cloud Computing? In simple terms, Cloud Computing refers to the distribution of computing resources over the Internet.

So then, what is a Cloud deployment model? Based on the location of the organization’s infrastructure and its respective administrators, we establish a suitable Cloud deployment model. Choosing the right deployment model for your company is of paramount importance. The reason behind this is the diverse nature of Cloud deployment models. They are different for each organization.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the basic terms involved with the topic in question, let us delve deeper into exploring the different types of cloud deployment models. We will also be discussing the respective pros and cons of Cloud deployment models.

1. Types Of Cloud Deployment Models In Cloud Computing
2. Public
3. Private
4. Community
5. Hybrid

1. Types Of Cloud Deployment Models In Cloud Computing

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines four major categories of Cloud Computing deployment models. These 4 deployment models of Cloud Computing –

• Public
• Private
• Community
• Hybrid

Let us get a greater level of understanding of each of these four Cloud deployment models along with their pros and cons.

2. Public

Public Cloud deployment models are created for public use. Users access hardware, software, or other computing resources using a subscription-based approach. Their data creation and storage gets handled by third-party servers.

The Cloud service providers administer the server infrastructure and also regulate pool resources. Thus, users need not to worry about maintaining any hardware. They employ free or paid internet services offered by their service providers. Hence, this approach is quite pocket friendly.

In most cases, Public Cloud deployment models get deployed to share files, to provide web-based email storage, to carry out development and testing, and to use online office applications.

Organizations that do not have a high privacy concern can invest in Public Cloud deployment models. Some Public Cloud deployment models examples include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Elastic Cloud Compute (EC2), etc.

A) Pros Of Using Public Clouds

Below, we have listed a few advantages that Public Cloud users get to enjoy.

• Lenient Cloud Infrastructure Management

As discussed above, Cloud providers take care of resources, so users do not need to worry about hardware and software maintenance. Public Cloud resources are simple and user-friendly.

• Storage Flexibility

The Cloud provides a versatile capacity that can alter as per user requirements. 

• Pocket-friendly

Users can employ Public Cloud services, both free and paid, as and when required. This helps in spending money on services only when the need arises. Out of the four types of cloud deployment models, the Public model is the most pocket-friendly.

• Ensured Reliability

A large network of servers offered by your Public Cloud services provider ensures a higher level of reliability.

B) Cons Of Using A Public Network

There are a considerable number of disadvantages that are associated with Public Cloud services.

• Negotiated Reliability

A large network of servers ensures resistance towards failure. Nonetheless, there have been many previous cases of outages and glitches in the Public Cloud system.

• Unavailability of custom-made services

Users with complex requirements are difficult to satisfy since Cloud providers only offer standard services.

• Unreliable Performance

The performance depends on how strong the internet connection is. If users do not have strong internet connectivity, they will face the consequences.

• Security Threat

A major drawback of Public Cloud services is weak data privacy. Public Cloud Deployment offers ease of access. Yet, it does not provide users with the ability to manage the data. Users are unaware of where their data is stored and who accesses it.

2. Private

The Private Cloud deployment models are also widely known as internal models or corporate models. The private cloud deployment model is quite similar to the previous category, i.e., the public cloud deployment model. Even so, unlike Public Clouds, Private clouds offer seclusion to their clients. 

The client organization’s premises host the server. Irrespective of their geographical region, these infrastructures use a private network for maintenance purposes. The data is stored privately and gets accessed by the intended company only.

Contrary to the offers provided by Public Clouds, Private Clouds deliver users with the freedom of customization as per their requirements. Organizations that need a versatile model with guaranteed privacy can opt for Private Clouds.

Dell, IBM, Amazon, Cisco, and various other companies provide Public and Private Cloud services for clients.

A) Perks Of Using A Private Network

Let us look at the perks of switching to Private Cloud service deployment models.

• Better Data Protection

Private Cloud services offer better data protection than Public Clouds. As previously mentioned, a private cloud specifically serves one company. This way, no other source can access the resources provided to a user.

• Enhanced Performance

Not to forget, Private Clouds use the internal organizational network and thus, provide better performance. This feature is not available in Public Clouds.

• High Scalability

Private Clouds are flexible and provide services as per user requirements. Each company gets a customized solution that can be upgraded shall the need arise.

B) Cons Of Using A Private Cloud

Even though Private Cloud deployment models provide better functionality than Public Clouds, they do contain several drawbacks. Some of them have been listed below for your understanding.

• Cost

Private Clouds are obviously expensive since each Cloud gets dedicated to only one business firm. Start-ups and small companies should not invest in Private Clouds. It is the costliest amongst the different deployment models Cloud Computing uses.

• Vendor Lock-in

In a private cloud environment, a third-party service manages the hardware and infrastructure. Thus, the Vendor lock-in situation may often occur. The companies need to accept the services and options their Cloud provider offers. Migrating to a new service provider may seem tedious in such cases.

3. Community

Closely resembling the Private ones, the Community Cloud service and deployment models get employed by organizations sharing similar backgrounds. Private and Community Cloud solutions do not have the same set of users.

A Private Cloud only serves one business firm. Contrarily, a Community Cloud is distributed amongst multiple organizations. These clients share the same Community Cloud’s resources and infrastructure.

A) Perks Of Using A Community Network

• Pocket-Friendly Services

Since the user community shares the cost, individual financial pressure is reduced. The clients get to enjoy an experience similar to a Private environment, at reduced prices.

• Efficiency In Collaboration

The business firms may need to work on joint projects often. A Community Cloud makes it simpler by distributing resources between them.

• Increased Security And Functionality

The resources are not available to those outside the community. The data is still secure and only visible to trusted sources. The organizations can work with enhanced functionalities without worrying about costs or security.

B) Cons Of Using A Community Cloud

• Limited Data Privacy

Organizations that do not fancy the idea of having to share their information with any other organization at all may not enjoy the services that a Community Cloud provides.

• Expensive Price

Even though a Community Cloud adoption costs less as compared to Private Clouds, it still is costlier than Public Clouds.

• Difficulty In Resource Sharing

Good communication and understanding are vital for the community’s organizations. Otherwise, the distribution of roles and resources will become a major challenge.

• Storage Distribution Issues

Fixed data storage and bandwidth capacity get distributed among the community members. Possibly, some organizations may need a lesser or greater share depending on their needs.

4. Hybrid

Hybrid Cloud deployment models are a blend of the best features of Public, Private, and Community Clouds. A powerful combination of different cloud deployment models, they provide the best-suited option for clients. They offer high-quality services at pocket-friendly prices. Hybrid Clouds operate independently.

To set up a Hybrid Cloud environment, business firms require a Public infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platform. These platforms can be Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, etc.

Companies will also need to construct a Private Cloud. Lastly, a Wide Area Network (WAN) will also be required. Out of the four deployment models of Cloud Computing, a Hybrid Cloud is considered to be  the best. Let’s find out about its advantages to know why.

A) Perks Of Using A Hybrid Network

• Magnified scalability and flexibility

In a hybrid environment, the Private Cloud manages the organizational workload. The Public Cloud is present to upscale the performance and spontaneity of the company. If the workload increases, the Public Cloud takes charge. This provides more flexibility and scalability to the organization.

• Inexpensive Costs

Hybrid Cloud deployment models cost less than a Private Cloud and provide a considerable amount of perks. They work best for firms that cannot compromise on quality but cannot extend their budget either.

• Elevated protection and privacy

A Hybrid model enables the set-up of a Private Cloud on-premises. This increases data protection and privacy.

B) Cons Of Using A Hybrid Cloud

• Expensive Costs

A Hybrid Cloud costs less than Private Clouds. Nonetheless, it still is costlier than a Public Cloud. Thus, for some companies switching to Public Clouds would be financially beneficial.

• Data Segregation Is Vital

Hybrid Cloud deployment models only work well if the company knows how to segregate its data. The data needs to differentiate into non-sensitive and mission-critical categories.

• Cloud Compatibility

Since a Hybrid cloud is a blend of various deployment models of Cloud Computing, it suffers from compatibility issues. A business firm can have an efficient on-premise Cloud but an average Public Cloud. This would lead to incompatibility and greatly affect performance.

Conclusion

Lastly, let us summarize everything covered in this article. We tried to explain different models for deployment in Cloud Computing. Namey, they are Private, Public, Community, and Hybrid. Apart from learning their meaning, we discussed the perks and cons of each of the four types of Cloud Computing deployment models.

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