Cloud Deployment Model
Public Cloud
● a third-party cloud service provider delivers the cloud service over the internet.
● Public cloud services are sold on demand, typically by the minute or hour, though long-term commitments are available for many services.
● Customers only pay for the CPU cycles, storage or bandwidth they consume.
● Leading public cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, IBM and Google Cloud Platform.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using public cloud services:
*Advantages of Public Cloud:
1. Cost Savings: Public cloud services follow a pay-as-you-go model, allowing businesses to avoid upfront infrastructure costs and only pay for the resources they consume.
2. Scalability: Public clouds offer scalability, allowing businesses to easily scale up or down based on their computing and storage needs.
3. Flexibility: Public cloud services provide a wide range of services and resources, giving businesses the flexibility to choose the solutions that best fit their requirements.
4. Accessibility: Cloud services are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, providing greater mobility and flexibility for users.
5. Managed Services: Public cloud providers offer managed services, such as databases, machine learning, and analytics, which can offload operational tasks and allow businesses to focus on their core competencies.
6. Global Reach: Public cloud providers have data centers in multiple locations globally, allowing businesses to deploy applications and services closer to their end-users for improved performance.
7. Automatic Updates: Cloud providers handle system updates and maintenance, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security patches without manual intervention.
*Disadvantages of Public Cloud:
1. Security Concerns: Security is a common concern as data is stored in third-party data centers. While cloud providers implement robust security measures, some businesses may still have reservations about the security of their sensitive data.
2. Limited Customization: Public cloud services may have limitations in terms of customization. Businesses with specific or highly customized requirements may find it challenging to achieve their desired configurations.
3. Downtime: Although public cloud providers strive for high availability, no service can guarantee 100% uptime. Downtime can occur due to maintenance, outages, or other unforeseen circumstances.
4. Dependency on Internet Connection: Public cloud services rely on internet connectivity. If there are issues with the internet connection, users may experience disruptions in accessing cloud resources.
5. Data Privacy and Compliance: Different countries have varying data protection and privacy laws. Storing data in a public cloud may raise concerns about compliance with these regulations, especially if data crosses international borders.
6. Potential for Vendor Lock-In: Adopting specific cloud services may lead to dependency on a particular cloud provider, making it challenging to switch to another provider or bring services back in-house.
7. Cost Overruns: While the pay-as-you-go model can be cost-effective, businesses must carefully monitor their usage to avoid unexpected costs. Poorly managed resources or unforeseen spikes in usage can result in higher-than-expected bills.