Public Cloud – What is it?
We are all using cloud technology these days. Whether you watch a film on Netflix, take part in video conferencing via Zoom, or use digital music services such as Spotify, all these platforms use the public cloud. It enables us all to share data across a huge virtual network of file sharing and is available across the world.
The public cloud has transformed file sharing for business too. Once upon a time we could only use the programs and the data stored on our own PCs and laptops. Today the sky is the limit when it comes to accessing and storing files; we can instantly share anything we like with colleagues across the world, as easily as with a colleague in the next room.
So why is the public cloud so good for business?
The public cloud is good for business use because it enables you to store your files and then access them from a different computer or device from any location. This means that your data is always available to everyone on your network who has access to it.
In addition, using cloud resources is fully scalable. These are available on demand although public cloud providers will slow down speeds for individuals who use too many resources for too long.
Although the public cloud is open to all, obviously this doesn’t mean it is open to users if they lack the correct log in credentials. Public cloud providers protect their data so, as in the case of Netflix for example, you cannot watch a movie unless you have paid the subscription. Likewise if you are using the public cloud for business, nobody else will be able to access your data unless the security is compromised.
The public cloud makes everything available.
As a business user you can use a wide range of services via the cloud while utilising a shared infrastructure with other users. You can have access to software for example which is convenient for business owners and far cheaper and more cost effective than buying in your own software programs.
Software as a service (SaaS) gives customers access to software and enables the user to store data in the cloud via remote servers. In addition other services such as Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) also gives customers access to web storage on the cloud as well as all the tools necessary to build, develop and manage your website.
All these functions are available on the public cloud and provide a way of sharing resources without compromising your security. And although the feature are available to all users, your part of the cloud remains private and is what you pay for in your monthly fee.
What is the difference between a private cloud and a public cloud?
The public cloud is available via the internet. A private cloud is similar but it is dedicated for your use.
With a private cloud, the customer can provide the hardware needed to operate the private cloud and the management can be carried out by the service provider. Data storage is not shared with anyone other than the company.
With a public cloud you must pay for data storage as part of your fee. The more you store, the more you pay so this scalable option works well for most companies because you only pay for what you use.
Using the public cloud is far cheaper than using a private cloud
Using the public cloud is far easier and cheaper than going to the expense of setting up your own private cloud for your company. You don’t have to buy any expensive hardware or software programs; instead you can benefit from a range of services online which are included in the same package.
What sort of public cloud services are available for business?
As well as using the cloud for data storage, there are many cloud services that the casual user can access for very little expense.
Dropbox: This is a file sharing service that can be used to synch files across multiple computers. Ideal for working on documents and good for all sizes of business as well as individual users, Dropbox is extremely inexpensive and easy to use. There is a free option for individual users but prices start at around £18 per month for business users.
Other business oriented cloud services include; Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, P Drive, Back Blaze and more. Some cloud providers only provide data storage, others provide collaborative tools so it is important to check out your providers specifications before you buy. Google Drive for example is a public cloud service, where you can create and store documents, spreadsheets and other files online.
The Hybrid Cloud is often the best solution for business
The hybrid cloud is a good solution for companies who wish to combine the benefits of the public cloud with the enhanced security of the private cloud. This type of cloud system is ideal for larger companies who operate from one large physical location because their data is protected by a firewall, yet it enables easy communication and customer activity via the public cloud server.
For large scale businesses, the hybrid cloud is a good solution because it gives the best of both options. However for smaller companies, the future of file sharing is usually best left to a public cloud provider because it is practically limitless in its capabilities.
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