Pick a Cloud, Any Cloud

Which cloud computing models best support business aims — and which ones should you learn?

- AARON AXLINE

Cloud computing is the de facto technology standard for the majority of people in both their working and personal lives. The convenience and functionality of the cloud paired with powerful mobile devices that enable “always on” personal and business computing has permanently transformed our world. But, as any sky gazer can tell you, not every cloud looks the same.

There are three different primary cloud computing models: public, private, and hybrid. Each of these cloud models offers different levels of efficiency, stability, and security. Knowing what these differences are and which model best suits the requirements of a business is something every IT professional should have in their skill set.

Let’s take a closer look at cloud computing models, the pros and cons of each, and where cloud professionals should focus their training efforts based on industry adoption.

Public clouds

As its name suggests, a public cloud leverages the internet to provide businesses with online computing assets which are hosted on equipment owned by third-party cloud service providers. A company can use its “rent-a-cloud” to offer products and services to customers over the public internet, along with internal applications and resources available to employees anywhere they have internet access.