Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is increasingly becoming a fundamental element of how organisations manage their data, applications, and their infrastructure.

Many organisations are turning to Data Installation & Supplies Ltd (DIS) to support them with their cloud transformation, and we work closely with our customers to decipher the best cloud solution to meet their individual needs, enabling them to maximise the benefits of cloud.

One area we are often asked to explain is the difference between the cloud deployments, public, private and hybrid to provide our customers with an introduction to understanding cloud computing. Each of these cloud models offer distinct advantages to cater to different organisational and operational prerequisites.

Understanding the differences…

Public Cloud:

Public Cloud is a model that is best associated as renting space within a shared building. This model of cloud computing provides a solution whereby both the service and the infrastructure are provided by a third party provider. You may be familiar with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Public cloud deployment enables organisations to access resources, storage and applications on a pay-as-you-go basis, which eradicates the need for upfront capital expenditure, however is operated upon a shared infrastructure.

The shared infrastructure poses disadvantages for organisations where security and compliance requirements are more strigent, with the need for enhanced sensitive data protection, in which case public cloud may not be the most appropriate solution for your organisation.

Private cloud:

A private cloud is a model that is dedicated exclusively to the end user organisation, protected behind a firewall, with no sharing of resource.

Traditionally, a private cloud was hosted by an organisation on premise, however increasingly organisations are now using third-party owned data centres that offer high levels of security, combined with dedicated infrastructure and storage.

Private clouds offer increased control, security and privacy when comparing to public clouds and are therefore beneficial to organisatiions with stringent regulatory requirements. Whilst it’s important to understand the enhanced security offered, it does require substantial capital expenditure in the infrastructure- (ardware, software and maintenance.)

Hybrid Cloud:

Hybrid cloud allows you to combine the elements found in public and private cloud solutions. Many organisations choose to leverage the scalabilty and cost efficency offered by public cloud, wilst retaining their business critical and sensitive data in a private cloud environment.

A hybrid cloud model may be beneficial for organisations looking for a best of both world solution where they want to share data seamlessly, prioritise workloads and have the flexibility to scale resounce based on demand.

We hope this introduction provides you with an introduction to understanding cloud computing. And that it offers multiple deployment options, each with elements that have both strengths and considerations, influenced by the elements of cloud that are important to you. Things such as data security, compliance requirements, scalability, budget and how much internal IT expertise you have for management and maintenance, talk to DIS and let us support you in leveraging the best solution to begin your organisation’s digital transformation.

Please contact us on 01274 869 099, or info@disnorth.com and a member of our team will help.