Cloud computing has taken off and is now accepted in the business world as an viable and safe alternative to the traditional network server and hardware based IT Infrastructure. For some though the terminology can still be overwhelming to the beginner. In simple terms, Cloud Computing means your IT (information technology), your files and applications are stored in the 'cloud', another term for the internet, instead of being on your own network server hardware.

™

It can be a cheaper option for some businesses as you now no longer need to purchase applications, hard drives or back up disks or software every again. All of your data and files are stored on the 'Cloud' and rented through a cloud hosting provider.

IT as a Service on the Cloud

Moving IT infrastructure to cloud computing sees delivery of IT resources as services incorporating infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) over the internet. The advantages, beside the cost benefits of not need to constantly upgrade hardware, are that business operations tend to be faster, more flexible and highly efficient.

To access the 'Cloud' and all your data and applications, all you need is a cloud computer called a Notebook or Netbook and an internet connection with a cloud hosting service provider. You do not need expert technology knowledge or cumbersome computer hardware. If you can operate a lap top and a browser you can easily become a user of cloud computing.

A Cloud computing service provider allows for common business applications online, as mentioned above, accessed from a web browser. Business software and data are stored on the servers of your cloud host.

The Benefits of Moving to the Cloud

* Reduction in capital expenditure over the long haul (no need to constantly invest in new infrastructure)

* Increases business operations efficiency

While security and monitoring have been issues in the past with moving to the cloud, much of this is sorted out now with the military and Governments moving off hardware. This move has seen a dramatic maturation of cloud security. Security is becoming less of a problem as more larger companies move their entire IT infrastructure to cloud computing. It is still always a good idea to check with your cloud host or provider, what their back up and security protocols are and be satisfied you data and files will be in safe hands.

Whenever discussing cloud computing systems, you will often hear mentions made to private and public clouds, along with debates over the comparative advantages of each. To the cloud technology novice, this entire private cloud vs. public cloud dispute can sometimes sound like it is being debated in a foreign language. The following article identifies the differences between public and private cloud computing, and explains their important differences in common terminology.

Defining Private Cloud Technology

To put it simply, private cloud technology is a type of architecture that is set up for a lone client (generally a large business). With this kind of arrangement, the provider controls the framework but enables the client to Cloud consulting services control data storage, as well as the manner in which it's transferred. It's this higher degree of customer control that makes private cloud technology popular with clients who happen to be particularly concerned about security.

Benefits of Private Cloud Solutions

By providing the customer additional control, the private cloud is able to eliminate many prospective security concerns. By shifting its existing IT system to the cloud, the client will be able to enjoy the conveniences of scalability, flexibility and better productivity, but has the ability to do so without having to sacrifice the accountability for data security that may be related to public cloud computing systems.

The Disadvantages to Private Cloud Technology

Possibly the biggest problem with private cloud services is that often the end user must purchase computer hardware, configure it, and be able to continue to maintain it. While the public cloud consumer can essentially buy a cheap, ready-from-the-box system that can be employed immediately, the private user has to commit substantial capital up front to get a system that will be hosted internally, and then continue to deal with its management going forward. So as to benefit from the increased security that comes with a private solution, this is the required trade-off.

Understanding Public Cloud Computing

Instead of the closed design in the private cloud, public cloud computing solutions are almost always available to the public. Consequently all users using the service manage their files, and utilize software and platforms from a shared network server. The cloud computing vendor handles all online security and control over data files and software.

Advantages of Public Cloud Solutions

In terms of flexibility, scalability, hassle-free operation, and cost-effectiveness, public cloud technology surpasses private cloud alternatives each day of the week. The ability to make use of all services, especially infrastructure, on a pay-per-use framework, and become rid of the problems connected to their routine management delivers what many business users point to as the greatest advantage of cloud technology.

The Drawbacks to Public Cloud Systems

As alluded to in the previous paragraph, weaker security is the main relative disadvantage in public cloud technology. That isn't to suggest that public services do not possess security - quite a few have fantastic procedures in place - however, for clients who deal in large amounts of very-delicate personal data (e.g. financial businesses), the very idea of entrusting this information to a third party can often be intolerable.

You Choose Which is Better! Public Cloud or Private Cloud Computing?

The answer to this specific question clearly will depend on the client's kind of business. While public cloud services would seem to have public options beat on most fronts, the point that they put the responsibility for guarding client's confidentiality in the hands of another party is not just unnerving, but can even cause legal problems in some areas.

To lay this particular round of the debate to sleep, if your business does not require an elevated amount of data security, then the public cloud option will be better to fill your needs. Should your company deal in privileged customer data, though, private cloud computing options will still supply you with much improved scalability, flexibility and ease of use, however you will wind up paying more to have greater security.