Cloud computing gives companies the opportunity to network sustainably and establish new platforms for data exchange. The community cloud is a suitable variant for exchanging data quickly and easily while still offering high security. You can find out how the cloud delivery model works and what advantages a community cloud brings in this article.
What is a community cloud?
Community clouds are cloud infrastructures that are used by several companies. Companies are thus able to access shared services. In the context of joint projects, this cloud variant proves useful. However, the community cloud is not an offer from a freely accessible provider, but remains limited in advance to a specific group of users. For this reason, this cloud delivery model is a rare special case and less common in cloud computing than public clouds or private clouds.
Often, companies from the same industry use the cloud model of a community cloud, so that a corporate community is created by sharing the cloud. The model is also interesting for larger organizations, office communities or long-term project partners, because far-reaching advantages arise from a shared platform. This IT infrastructure is particularly suitable if there are similar requirements for the cloud.
Companies automatically use the same applications and software programs in a shared system. The mode of operation facilitates the synchronization of data, and the use of resources also reduces the need for capacity for individual partners within the community. Consequently, costs are also reduced.
How the community cloud works
From a technical perspective, the community cloud is a special form of hybrid cloud. This hybrid form of private cloud and public cloud combines several cloud infrastructures via standardized interfaces. To ensure smooth communication between the individual cloud environments, they are linked via management software.
The community members accordingly agree on a standardized cloud variant with selected components. The integrated tools and software solutions are available to all clients. However, it is fundamentally important that the cloud provider standardizes the services, because otherwise customers use a cloud that does not work economically.
Advantages and disadvantages of the community cloud
The decisive advantage of this cloud variant is that the need for capacities within a company can be reduced. Shared use by several partners reduces costs because each application unit contributes its financial share to the operation of the cloud. A community cloud is also scalable, eliminating the cost of resources that are not needed.
As with a private cloud, companies benefit from the highest standards with regard to the security of sensitive data. In addition to the basic availability of an online-based infrastructure, the community can also use integrated applications and software.
A disadvantage, however, is the high administrative effort required for the company’s own IT infrastructure. This is necessary to link the interfaces of the individual cloud areas with each other. There is also the risk that data is accidentally stored in the wrong cloud environment. Clearly defined rules within an organization or company are therefore the basis for operating a community cloud securely.
Areas of application for community clouds
In addition to the technical and infrastructural dimension, the community cloud offers an optimal platform for bringing partners and employees together in a virtual network. It can also be used to connect a company’s customers. These options result in countless use cases.
A community cloud can serve as a self-service for employees and customers. Companies thus have the opportunity to build internal communities that promote both productivity and community. Additionally, companies benefit from interaction in customer service, for example, based on the powerful software. A self-service portal enables customers to manage the business relationship independently.
The decision in favor of a community cloud is particularly worthwhile if collaboration in a network is to be optimized. In larger corporate structures, for example, it is the case that important information remains available at all times and regardless of location. Examples of this are the area of e-commerce or the collaboration of different agencies on the same project.
Tips for implementing a community cloud
In most cases, the service of a community cloud is significantly more extensive than a classic IaaS platform, as is the case with Apple or Google. In a community cloud, the focus is on applications and applications that promote the transfer of required information.
It is advisable to bring in experts to integrate a cloud into a company’s business. This ensures that current IT structures are taken into account and that desired cloud services are implemented on this basis. Furthermore, with the help of expertise, an IT structure can be created that is aligned with a company’s goals.
On the other hand, it is just as important that all partners in a community must be clear about what their individual interests are. Only this basis creates the option of finding a consensus as to which cloud resources are actually desired and necessary. In addition, it must be clarified in advance who is responsible for which areas of a cloud structure, who operates the cloud and who develops it further.
TeamDrive and the community cloud
TeamDrive offers companies a secure cloud service with zero knowledge architecture. Data storage is subject to the highest security standards and is fully compliant with the German GDPR. For example, TeamDrive’s cloud solution automatically synchronizes data end-to-end in encrypted form with other devices.
TeamDrive is ideal for use as a community cloud. Each TeamDrive user can administer and manage their data autonomously. A data room owner can grant and revoke access rights to other users. This makes it possible to set up teams or communities with like-minded people, work colleagues or across companies. In them, the participants can exchange data and collaborate under their own complete control. This enables secure collaboration with partners who do not work within the company’s own cloud structure. The main advantage of a community cloud in combination with TeamDrive is that all data is basically processed and stored securely. This applies both from the point of view of the company itself and for the external stakeholders of a joint work project.
