Cloud computing offers a number of advantages over traditional IT services. Clouds have long been established in many companies. The question is therefore no longer whether cloud computing is used in the company, but what type of cloud is used. In this article, we look at the public cloud model and compare its strengths and weaknesses.
What is a public cloud?
The public cloud is a public cloud provided by a freely accessible third-party provider. The provider of this open cloud type offers its service freely over the Internet to all users who want to use the service or software. Both free and paid offerings exist for this form of cloud.
Providers of a public cloud are always responsible for managing and maintaining the software and the underlying IT infrastructures, regardless of the particular offering. Common public cloud providers are, for example, various email services, Google Docs, Office 365 or SAP Business by Design. Among other things, many users store private photos in a cloud and are also very likely to use a cloud that can be counted as a public cloud.
A public cloud is characterized by certain features. These basically include the fact that users only need a manageable amount of equipment to be able to use this cloud. Most of the IT infrastructure is integrated into the cloud. To use the software, the cloud provider provides a web-based interface. Users can then create individual accounts to use the cloud’s features.
The models of the cloud vary greatly depending on the need and are therefore made up of different components that are relevant for cloud computing.
Public cloud: How the public cloud works
Models of the public cloud as well as the private cloud are based on the same mode of operation. Users access virtual resources of a software that are located on a virtual server. However, in the public cloud, all applications are used simultaneously by multiple customers. The software applications are located on servers in decentralized data centers, which in turn are operated by an IT service provider.
By comparison, in the private cloud model, only a single company accesses the pool of applications. In this variant, the company itself usually takes on the task of managing the cloud application. However, a combination of a public cloud and a private cloud is also possible. The hybrid cloud is a mixed form in which companies each use components of the public and private cloud.
Access to a public cloud is very simple for customers, because only one end device is required that has access to the Internet. All data stored in the cloud is secured via authentication and other mechanisms. In a public cloud, therefore, only those people who are authorized to do so have access to stored data.
The functioning of a cloud with public status can be illustrated by Microsoft’s Office 365 software. Previously, users installed their programs such as Word or Excel locally on individual computers. Microsoft, as a cloud provider, now provides this service virtually by making the application accessible via the web browser.
Advantages of the public cloud
A cloud in public variant has some advantages that can be interesting for companies. It is particularly attractive compared to classic on-premise solutions.
Flexible scaling
If a company needs additional IT resources, it is possible to expand these capacities in a public cloud. In the same way, capacities can also be reduced flexibly. In addition, external software packages and technologies can be integrated into the cloud environment.
Redundancy
Cloud platforms usually operate with spare systems, i.e. redundantly. This leads to more security in case the primary server system fails. Some providers operate several data centers at different locations for cloud computing applications. In the event of failures due to external influences, this ensures that services are compensated.
Low expenditure
With a public cloud solution, companies themselves hardly need their own IT infrastructure and hardware on site. All that is needed to use a cloud is end devices with access to the Internet. In addition, there is no effort to set up and maintain servers. This task is taken over by the cloud provider, who also remains responsible in the event of faults and eliminates them.
Favorable conditions
Compared to classic IT infrastructures, public clouds have very low acquisition costs. In addition, this type of cloud is also significantly cheaper to operate than private cloud solutions. Often, the billed costs are not incurred as a lump sum, but are based on the scope of use.
Disadvantages of the public cloud
However, public cloud services also have decisive disadvantages. In particular, there is a comparatively high risk with regard to data security and data protection compared to other types of cloud. For example, public clouds do not consistently meet the strict requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). They are much more susceptible to gaps in IT security because the connection between cloud and user runs over the public Internet. In contrast, data flows in companies remain internal with other cloud forms. Anyone who processes and stores personal data should therefore definitely check the provider to see where its server locations are and what the security of the data is like.
In addition, fluctuations in performance can occur with public clouds. The usage volume is influenced by other users and affects the resources of the cloud. The reason for this is that all users access a single physical machine and share its performance. This can lead to possible restrictions and temporarily affect access to data or collaborative working via the cloud.
In general, the IT solutions of a public cloud solution are very highly standardized. For companies, therefore, the services of a private cloud are more recommended because these can be adapted even more individually to needs and goals.
Selecting a provider for public cloud services
The market offers a wide range of providers that provide a public cloud offering. Cloud services can be divided into three services: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). A cloud application based on SaaS is, for example, Office 365. Before making a final decision on a specific cloud solution, companies should check the following aspects in advance:
Security
The storage of data is mostly subject to the standards of the GDPR. Personal data may therefore only be stored on servers within the European Union. To ensure that the requirements for data protection remain met, providers that operate their data centers in Germany are recommended. Whether the service providers comprehensively fulfill all security requirements can be easily verified by issued security certificates for cloud operators.
Mobility and functionality
A provider’s cloud infrastructure must fit in with the IT infrastructure and the platforms already used in the company. In the preliminary discussions, it is important to discuss this issue together with the experts to ensure that cooperation is goal-oriented.
Willingness to innovate
A cloud service in use requires regular updates and updated software solutions. Only under these circumstances does the IT infrastructure in the company remain competitive and secure.
Cloud computing based on public services is a sensible solution, especially for small and medium-sized companies. The company’s own IT department is relieved or is not necessary to operate a cloud service. In addition, the costs for public cloud services are less significant. In addition, the external cloud platform does not affect the IT environment in the company, which remains in use as usual.
TeamDrive and the use of public clouds
If you use a public cloud in the company, TeamDrive offers additional security with its services. This is based on the Zero Trust architecture and the use of full end-to-end encryption when uploading data to the cloud. The keys are only available to authorized users, so that even potentially insecure cloud services remain secure.
In addition, TeamDrive relies on data centers operated in Europe when storing data and thus meets the strict requirements of the GDPR. TeamDrive’s secure cloud solution is infinitely scalable, making it a flexible IaaS solution.
