Which Cloud Deployment Model Does My Organisation Need?
Introduction
Going into 2021, organisations across the UK and Ireland will continue to navigate the disruption brought on by COVID-19. In a now digital-first world, the pandemic has accelerated the move to cloud, which in turn brings up a whole series of questions for organisations looking to start their cloud journey. A common question that Version 1 has seen from our customers is how they identify the right cloud deployment model for their organisation.
This post will aim to cover what your organisation might need to know when it comes to choosing the right cloud deployment model.
What is a Cloud Deployment Model?
There are three types of deployment model, Public, Private, and Hybrid, with each model differing based on where the infrastructure for a deployment will sit, and who will control it. Each cloud deployment model is suited to different organisational needs – so it is important that the correct model is chosen for your organisation. Community Cloud Models also exist, where infrastructure is shared and jointly accessed by several organisations from a specific group that share specific computing concerns.
Public Cloud
Public Clouds are the most common type of deployment model, with infrastructure designed and configured for open use by the public and exists on the premises of the cloud provider. Public Clouds are primarily delivered over the internet via a web browser, with all infrastructure (e.g servers) owned by the cloud provider. As a result, these resources will be shared with other organisations that are using the cloud providers services. However, your organisation’s workloads and data are kept isolated and secure. The benefits of public cloud include:
Low Capital Investment
Low Maintenance Costs
Unlimited Scalability
High Flexiblity
High Reliability
Private Cloud
Private Clouds are designed and configured to use cloud computing exclusively for a single organisation. All facets of infrastructure (hardware and software) will be dedicated to one organisation, alleviating the data security concerns when using Public Cloud. This makes it easier for organisation to customise their cloud computing resources and ensure compliance with strict governance policies. Private cloud benefits include:
Increased Security and Flexibility
High Flexibility
High Control
Improved Performance
Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid Clouds combine both public clouds and private clouds to create a single, flexible cloud infrastructure. This allows data and application to be shared between the clouds, giving organisations greater flexibility and more deployment options. As a result, the advantages of both public and private clouds can be yielded, at a more cost efficient and effective rate.
High Control
Cost Effective
Improve Agility
Increased Scalability
Which Deployment Model Does my Organisation Need?
To answer this question, there needs to be a firm understanding of your organisation’s requirements and what the move to cloud is facilitating. No doubt security will be a priority for your organisation – it is important that the right cloud service provider is selected, with each providing a vast array of security accreditations. But remember, although cloud providers are data centres and otherwise accredited with secure methods and tools, alongside independent 3rd party audits, all this security can be compromised by your organisation or actions. For example, the routes between your organisation and the cloud service provider can be as secure as you want them, but this isn’t the cloud provider’s responsibility – especially for PaaS (Platform as a Service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) services.
When you implement cloud to support your organisation, it is much more than just a technology choice you are making. In many ways, that is the benefit of cloud, if done well. It can affect much more of your organisation and all for the better if planned out. Cloud will affect how people (technical and business) in your organisation work, how your IT systems, and most importantly how business processes work.
To identify the best-suited cloud deployment model for your organisation, we would recommend speaking to an IT service provider to help strengthen your organisation’s cloud strategy. However, you should aim as high up the stack as possible (from IaaS to SaaS) to accrue the most benefit, whilst ensuring that the right model is chosen in line with your organisation’s requirements.
About Version 1
Version 1 proves that IT can make a real difference to our customers’ businesses. We are trusted by global brands to deliver IT services and solutions which drive customer success. Our 1300+ strong team works closely with our technology partners to provide independent advice that helps our customers navigate the rapidly changing world of IT. Our greatest strength is balance in our efforts to achieve Customer Success, Empowered People and a Strong Organisation, underpinned by a commitment to our values. We believe this is what makes Version 1 different and more importantly, our customers agree.
