This blog post is part of a series called “CommScope Definitions,” in which we will explain common terms in communications network
infrastructure.
“Cloud computing” – it sounds very pie in the sky, doesn’t
it? All of this data, floating somewhere in space. Merriam-Webster
defines cloud computing as the practice of storing regularly used computer
data on multiple servers that can be accessed through the Internet. I think of cloud computing like
a revolving sushi bar: all the food (data) you want is available, but you still
need to grab a plate from the conveyor to eat. Same with cloud computing. The
data is “out there” on servers, but you need to grab it through the Internet. Generally,
it can take three different forms:
- Public cloud
- Private cloud
- Hybrid cloud
CLICK TO TWEET: Cloud computing takes 3 different forms. Which one do you use?
Public cloud describes the on-demand information technology
(IT) services publicly hosted by third-party providers. When public cloud
consumers subscribe to services, the providers privately deliver the services via
the internet. The data center resources, owned or leased by the providers, are
shared by all the service subscribers. The IT services supplied in public cloud
can be compute, storage, network security, database, software applications or
others.
Private cloud describes the on-demand IT services privately
hosted by enterprises themselves or third-party managed service providers. When
private cloud consumers subscribe to services, either the enterprise’s IT
organization delivers the services via the company intranet, or the managed
service providers deploy the services via dedicated connectivity. Either way,
the data center resources are dedicated for the individual customer alone. The
IT services available in private cloud can be compute, storage, network
security, database, software applications or others.
Hybrid cloud is the combination and collaboration of
deploying on-demand IT services from both private cloud and public cloud
providers. The key to hybrid cloud is enabling data, applications or services
to be shared, migrated or collaborated between the private cloud and public
cloud.
Cloud computing can mean different things to
different people and networks. How are you using the cloud?