Public cloud vs private cloud: Which one do you need?

Cloud computing offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability, which means it has completely changed the way businesses work. The decision between a private and public cloud, though, might be confusing. Each model has advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will rely on the particular needs of your company.

A public cloud environment is essentially a shared computer network that can be accessed online. A third-party cloud service provider owns and runs it, and several businesses share the same infrastructure. A private cloud, on the other hand, is exclusive to one company. It is not shared with other tenants and can be hosted on-site or by an outside provider.

Public cloud: Advantages and drawbacks

Public cloud environments have a number of benefits, including cost-effective scalability. Costs can be optimised by quickly scaling up or down resources in response to demand. The cloud provider is also responsible for configuring and maintaining the infrastructure, so public cloud networks have lower upfront expenses.

In addition, these systems run on a pay-per-use model, so you only pay for the storage space and bandwidth that your company needs. This makes it more affordable to access a wide client base; since public cloud providers usually have data centres all over the world, companies can access a global clientele.

Public cloud environments also offer quick deployment. Time-to-market can be accelerated by the speedy deployment of new services and applications. These are overseen by the cloud provider, so you are guaranteed the latest technologies and apps.

Public clouds do have certain restrictions. Firstly, there are some security concerns as businesses managing sensitive data may face data sovereignty issues and local government restrictions. These issues need to be considered on a contextual basis.

Next, public cloud systems have restricted control. Businesses don't have as much power over the software and underlying hardware, as if they owned the cloud environment themselves. Like renting a building, the owners have the final say in what changes can be made.

Lastly, some public cloud environments can lead to a vendor lock-in. Switching to a different public cloud provider can be difficult if you rely on them too much. Overall, public cloud is a reliable, cost-effective and stress-free option for companies that are growing rapidly and prefer to rely on hyper scalers and public cloud providers.

Private cloud: Pros and cons

Private clouds provide a high level of protection and control. This enhanced security comes as the result of keeping data separate from other organisations, so the chance of a data breach is drastically decreased.

This cloud option is also great for compliance and regulations – fit for sectors requiring stringent adherence to laws, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). When compared to shared public cloud environments, dedicated resources in private cloud systems often offer higher performance.

There is also a greater degree of customisation. Businesses can create customised setups because they have complete control over the cloud environment. They own and manage the system, so any changes can be implemented at will, without having to consult other companies or the cloud service provider.

As with public cloud, there are some drawbacks to private cloud. Maintaining private cloud environments is more costly and requires a more experienced IT team to oversee its function and security. This creates higher up-front costs that involve a substantial financial commitment.

Private systems also have limited scalability. When compared to public clouds, scaling resources can take longer and it requires internal IT expertise for managing a private cloud. If money is no option and you have a strong IT team at your disposal, then private cloud could be the best option for large companies and multinational enterprises.

Choosing the best cloud environment for your company

Selecting between a public and private cloud is based on several variables. Firstly, look at your data sensitivity; a private cloud can be the better choice if your company deals with a lot of sensitive information and the personal details of customers.

Be mindful of requirements for compliance. To guarantee compliance, industries subject to strict restrictions should choose private cloud environments. This goes hand-in-hand with compliance and restrictions.

Next, assess your scalability requirements. The flexibility of a public cloud can be helpful if your company has sudden spikes in growth or erratic workloads. If your business is relatively new and is growing rapidly, a public cloud offers greater agility.

While private clouds demand a large initial investment but may result in long-term cost benefits, public clouds typically have lower upfront expenses but may grow more expensive over time. Look at your IT budget and decide which systems will best suit your needs in the coming years.

SEACOM: Your cloud solutions partner

SEACOM provides a variety of solutions tailored to your unique requirements, and we know about the intricacies involved in cloud computing. Our proficiency in data centre services and network infrastructure makes us a reliable partner for companies looking to implement cloud computing.

Whichever cloud strategy you choose, SEACOM can offer the connectivity, security, and assistance you need to make the most of your cloud experience. Our comprehensive knowledge of the South African market, along with our clever networking technologies, allow us to provide customised cloud solutions that promote company expansion. For more information about our various security solutions or to get a quote, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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