Is Modern Public Cloud as Good as Private Cloud?
In the earlier days of cloud computing, the private cloud was often the preferred approach. It offered an innate sense of security, making it a more comfortable option for companies that dealt with sensitive data or those who weren’t overly confident that a shared cloud could meet their needs.
While private clouds indisputably came with benefits initially, the public cloud has since evolved. Additionally, how companies view the public cloud shifted with time, particularly after the pandemic.
During the pandemic, the public cloud was the fastest solution for companies that had to embrace digital transformation quickly. As a result, leaders have far more experience with this version of the technology than in years past, giving them a more realistic picture of what today’s public cloud offers.
But does that mean the modern public cloud measures up to the private cloud? If you’re curious about the state of cloud computing, here’s what you need to know.
Modern Public Cloud Security Rivals Private Cloud
One of the main concerns about public clouds during the technology’s infancy was security. Many companies were hesitant to enter what are functionally shared environments. Additionally, they were wary of the lack of control offered to them through public cloud services, as certain changes weren’t possible in that type of landscape.
However, those original challenges are largely overcome at this point. Cloud service providers can offer far more in the way of customization, allowing companies to ensure an environment meets their unique needs. Additionally, providers aimed to calm security concerns by adopting critical best practices that safeguarded data, ensured compliance, and reduced risk from several angles.
Ultimately, the sheer number of configuration options allows modern public clouds to rival private clouds from a security standpoint. While there may be more risk since the space is functionally shared, it’s primarily considered negligible at this point.
Public Cloud Use Cases Increase Significantly
During the early days of the public cloud, its primary use revolved around databases, storage, and virtual machines. While those use cases still exist, the modern public cloud has ventured out much further. As more configuration options became available, the potential of the public cloud grew to include more functional areas. At this point, there’s little a private cloud can cover that a public cloud can’t, suggesting the right provider is involved.
Additionally, modern public cloud providers have focused heavily on the expanding world of hybrid clouds. In many cases, it’s because providers understand that many companies seek out best-in-class solutions, as well as maintain specific computing resources in-house even while expanding their cloud-based capabilities. While the private cloud can undoubtedly play a role in hybrid environments, the increased emphasis by modern public cloud services makes these solutions particularly well-equipped to adapt in this arena.
Modern Public Cloud Offers Exceptional Affordability
One area where modern public clouds can actually outpace private clouds is affordability. While the higher cost attributed to private clouds made sense when public clouds were somewhat limited from a functionality standpoint, it’s harder to justify higher prices when the two options can perform equally well in many scenarios.
Plus, public cloud solutions often come with scalability you don’t find with many private cloud strategies. Companies can adjust their plans to reflect their shifting usage needs, allowing them to right-size in a way that simply isn’t possible with certain private cloud options.
Ultimately, the modern public cloud is capable, secure, and versatile. At a minimum, it stands up to the classic private cloud, and, in some arenas, it may beat it. As a result, it’s a wise option for any company to consider.
