Why Hybrid Clouds can be better than Public and Private Clouds

Cloud Computing is the answer to many IT questions these days. While most organisations are moving to the cloud in a fast pace, many are still pessimistic about its efficiency and security. The general solution for Cloud Computing starters is Public Clouds. For some major organisations, Private clouds are more secure and trustworthy in their own opinion.

Hybrid Cloud is better than public and private clouds

These are just a set of myths everyone frames based on their understanding of Cloud Computing. The real and ideal utilisation, advantages of Cloud Computing can be far more efficient and secure. Let’s have a look at the basic types of architectures of Cloud Computing.

Public Clouds:

The most cost effective solution everyone uses at the instant they step into the cloud world. For starters, it’s not secure!

Public Clouds are usually made just like a regular VPS using Virtualisation technologies, except they are distributed in a global set of data centres. Some providers don’t even spread your data across the globe. Instead they sell node balancers which do the work. SAN storage is the most common means of Public Cloud storage these days.

Pros of Public Clouds:

  1. Cheapest (but costly than an ordinary VPS).
  2. Easy to access (No confusing cloud control panels).
  3. Available from most providers.
  4. Can be easy even for novice admins.
  5. Automated software for daily operations are readily available.

Cons of Public Clouds:

  1. No security.
  2. Not spread globally as advertised on most provider’s websites.
  3. SAN based architecture can be inaccessible during network related outages/repairs.
  4. Even backups are stored in remote locations (No internet no data).
  5. No control panel/system to configure advanced options.
  6. No firewall is provided as a free option.
  7. Number of VM’s are used from the same server (Can crash or hang during high usage).
  8. Unless Virtualisation used is Xen, your resources are not entirely dedicated to you.

Private Clouds:

Private Clouds are used by most organisations where they consider it to be the most secure and efficient way of cloud computing. Unless they have any repair or outage, they can’t recognise the cons of Private clouds.

Pros of Private Clouds:

  1. Your resources are dedicated to you.
  2. You get all the control of the server along with costly and flashy backend panels.
  3. Highly secure through custom firewalls (Firehost is a good example).
  4. Resources can be increased based on your usage. (Tailor made plans in most cases).
  5. Your backups and data are stored on one machine.

Cons of Private Cloud:

  1. Costly than other architectures (If you think it’s efficient, then you are super dumb).
  2. Only one machine, no data is spread over various locations unless you buy additional node balancers in other locations.
  3. You need to buy custom firewall and software to protect it which is again a matter of cost.
  4. Backups and data are to be stored on the same cloud making it inefficient at times of faults/outages.
  5. Not useful unless you have a very large organisation where every detail of your company must be secured. (Let’s say Anonymous Hackers are attacking you!)
  6. Not available from most cloud providers yet.
  7. Need good administrators to configure all aspects of your cloud.
  8. No automated solutions available for daily operations. Either you need to get it created or manually get it done the terminal way. In either cases it involves more cost and delays.

Hybrid Clouds:

Hybrid Clouds are the best solution for those in a dilemma of what they need for their business/organisation/applications. It involves the best of both public and private clouds including cost reduction.

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of Hybrid Cloud Computing:

Pros of Hybrid Clouds:

  1. Hybrid Clouds are the cost effective and efficient solutions in Cloud Computing.
  2. Important data can be on private clouds, whereas regularly used general data can be used from a public cloud.
  3. Cloud based access management can be applicable.
  4. You can control where your data can be stored based on its requirement and discretion.
  5. Some automated work can be done in the public side of hybrid cloud.
  6. Costs more than a public cloud and less than a private cloud.
  7. Node balancing can be used for regularly used data and files (Ex. Websites, Apps).
  8. You can utilise your full resources and upgrade them as you like.

Cons of Hybrid Clouds:

  1. Costly than Public clouds. Hybrid clouds are not suitable for small organisations and individuals.
  2. Hybrid Cloud cannot be configured by regular admins. You need an expert to get it working by combining public and private clouds.
  3. Data on Public side of Hybrid Clouds are not secure unlike the data on private cloud.
  4. Highly complex architecture where every application/data used must be supported on those platforms. You might even need to change some code/functionality of your Application/Data to get it working on Hybrids.

These are the basic differences of Public, Private and Hybrid Clouds. The choice is to be made by end user and the respective CIO’s of that organisation. Since cost is the main aspect that determines the goals, the cost of these clouds must be selected based on your prefixed expenditures.

The functionality of Public, Private and Hybrid clouds are all different. Each type of architecture is created for its own purpose. Since getting on the cloud is the most important thing, selection of clouds must be the primary factor to consider. Every dollar you spend on the Cloud must bring efficiency to your company/organisations rather than unused resources and unprotected data through wasted dollars. When it comes to Hybrid Clouds, Private Clouds and Public Clouds, choosing wisely matters.

If you have any suggestions or ideas, please let us know in the comments below.

Image Credit: NskInc.com