Cloud computing infrastructure includes public, private, and hybrid options. It provides shared resources and software to reduce IT costs and offers dynamic scalability. Public cloud uses third-party hardware, while private cloud is conducted using private networks. Hybrid cloud combines both. Benefits include on-demand viewing and cost reduction, but potential pitfalls include unclear costs and data latency.
The three main types of cloud computing infrastructure are public, private and hybrid. Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, providing shared resources, shared software, and shared information to reduce an organization’s information technology (IT) costs. The combination of IT services can also provide dynamic scalability, allowing organizations to dramatically increase computing resources instantly without investing in additional system hardware. While cloud computing offers benefits, organizations should be aware of the potential risks.
Cloud computing infrastructure, also called Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), refers to servers, networks, data storage, and system software that are hosted offsite and accessed via the Internet. These are virtualized services, which means that the services are hosted on hardware equipped to run multiple instances of services. Infrastructure cloud computing can extend or even replace traditional on-premise data center operations owned by the organization.
Public cloud can also be called external cloud. With this type of cloud computing infrastructure, customers use third-party hardware and system software located offsite. Billing is often based on usage of shared resources. This is called utility computing, because the concept is similar to an energy company billing only the energy consumed.
A private cloud, which can also be referred to as an internal cloud, can mimic public cloud computing, but is conducted using private networks. This type is recommended for mission critical and highly sensitive infrastructure systems. In this situation, the organization is responsible for maintaining and updating the systems.
A cloud computing infrastructure that combines public and private aspects is hybrid cloud infrastructure. This offers greater adaptability when an organization is primarily on a private cloud. Your organization can easily scale up data center operations by adding public cloud infrastructure if needed.
Using infrastructure cloud computing can offer organizations a number of benefits. On-demand viewing of cloud storage can be a useful benefit. In times of growth, your organization can rapidly scale operations without having to invest in expensive system hardware and software. If an organization is shrinking, its infrastructure costs can also be reduced.
While it offers benefits, cloud computing infrastructure can have some pitfalls. Some costs, such as data storage costs, may not be clear. Another potential concern is the time it takes for data to travel across the Internet versus the time it takes when the data center is in-house. The delay is known as data latency and can cause problems for time-sensitive operations.
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