Private Cloud vs Public Cloud? What is the Difference?

Published on 30 June 2023

Cloud computing, also known as cloud IT,  has revolutionised the way businesses store and access their data. Traditionally, businesses had to invest heavily in their own infrastructure to maintain and manage their IT systems, but cloud technology means businesses now have the option to leverage the power of remote servers to store and process their data. 

Two popular models of cloud computing are private cloud and public cloud. In this blog, we will explore the key differences between these two cloud computing models so you can make a more informed decision about using cloud IT. 

What is Private Cloud?

Private cloud refers to a cloud infrastructure that is dedicated solely to one organisation. It can be hosted on-site or by a third-party service provider. The private cloud provides a secure and controlled environment for storing sensitive data and running critical applications. 

It offers significantly more flexibility and customisation options compared to public cloud solutions. Businesses that choose private cloud usually have specific compliance and security requirements that require complete control over their data and infrastructure.

What is Public Cloud?

Public cloud is a cloud infrastructure that is shared among multiple organisations. It is typically provided by third-party service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Public cloud offers scalability, cost-effectiveness, and a wide range of services and applications. 

It allows businesses to access computing resources on-demand and pay only for what they use. Public cloud solutions are suitable for businesses that need high scalability, rapid deployment, and don’t have strict security and compliance requirements.

Benefits of Using Private Cloud

There are a number of key benefits to using a private cloud IT solution, including: 

1. Enhanced Security: Private cloud provides a higher level of security because it’s dedicated only to one organisation. This makes it ideal for companies that deal with sensitive data, like healthcare and finance.
2. Greater Control: With a private cloud, businesses have complete control over their infrastructure, allowing them to customise and optimise it to meet their specific needs.
3. Improved Performance: Private cloud offers better performance and low-latency connections compared to public cloud, making it suitable for applications that require real-time data processing.

Cons of Using Private Cloud

There are some key things to be aware of before choosing a private cloud solution, including:

1. Higher Costs: Private cloud requires significant upfront investment, and it can be expensive to build and maintain the infrastructure required for a private cloud environment.
2. Limited Scalability: Private cloud environments are generally designed to meet the needs of a specific organisation, which can limit scalability options.
3. Resource Management: Businesses using private cloud solutions are responsible for managing and maintaining their infrastructure, which requires skilled IT workers.

Benefits of Using Public Cloud

The public cloud has a number of key advantages, including:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Public cloud negates the need for upfront infrastructure investment and allows businesses to pay only for the resources they need, making it a cost-effective option.
2. Scalability: Public cloud offers almost limitless scalability, allowing businesses to easily scale up or down based on demand.
3. Simplified Management: Public cloud providers handle the management and maintenance of the underlying infrastructure, freeing up IT resources to focus on core business activities.

Cons of Using Public Cloud

Although there are some redeemable advantages to the public cloud, it’s also important to be aware of potential drawbacks, including:

1. Security and Compliance Concerns: Because the public cloud is shared with multiple organisations, there may be concerns about data security and compliance, especially for industries with strict regulatory requirements.
2. Dependency on Service Provider: Businesses using public cloud rely on the service provider for availability and performance. Any disruptions on the provider’s end can impact business operations.
3. Limited Customisation: Public cloud solutions often have limitations in terms of customisation and control over the infrastructure, because it is a shared environment.

Key Differences Between Private & Public Cloud

To make it easier for you to make an informed decision between public and private cloud IT, we’ve highlighted the key differences between the two below:

• Control and Security: Private cloud offers greater control and security because it’s dedicated to a single business, whereas public cloud involves sharing resources with other users, which may raise security concerns.
• Scalability: Public cloud provides better scalability options due to its vast pool of resources, whereas private cloud scalability is limited to the organisation’s infrastructure.
• Cost: Private cloud involves higher upfront costs because businesses need to invest in their own infrastructure. Public cloud, on the other hand, follows a pay-as-you-go model, reducing upfront expenses.
• Customisation: Private cloud allows for greater customisation and optimisation, while public cloud solutions have limitations in terms of customisation.

The choice between private cloud and public cloud depends on your businesses’ specific requirements, budget and compliance needs. If you’re still unsure which option is best for you, contact us at Bluebell IT Solutions to learn more.