The big question: is anything stored online really safe?
In more recent years the cloud has become synonymous with just how far modern technology infrastructure has come and has ultimately, revolutionalised our lives. The cloud has interconnected our digital lives by integrating loose webs of useful tools and devices into a single unified network. We already know that the cloud has played an integral part in freeing up computer resources on local machines and reducing hardware requirements. But it has given us ease of use and improved the user experiences as well.
There are many positives that come with using cloud infrastructure. If you’re a business that is looking to move its data infrastructure off-site, not only will you be reducing expenses, but also, mitigating certain risks. That said, when you do use an off-site infrastructure, such as a cloud, you surrender a certain degree of that data. If you’re dealing with a high level of private client data or groups whose computing needs are more specific- this is where the Private Cloud can be considered.
So, what is a Private Cloud?
In short, private clouds are networks of servers and user devices connected via the internet. Also known as internal or corporate clouds, private clouds utilize flexibility and scalable resource allocation in order to offer resource management. They are operated by single organizations for the exclusive use of their own members. Resources can be shared across multiple servers allowing them to be used more effectively whilst minimizing wasted space. As it is a single organisation that retains control over the network, decisions on software and hardware remain with the owner. This ultimately improves overall security by limiting external interaction, reducing the chance of remote access by unauthorised users.
Private Cloud Vs. Public Cloud
Popular examples of public clouds are Dropbox, Google Drive, Netflix, and Office365. These make make use of public internet lines to transfer and store data for users across the world, allowing them access as needed from anywhere. While these services are incredibly useful, they have a downside. In exchange for convenience, customers surrender control over their data.
An example of this can be found using Dropbox. The convenience of an infrastructure like this one is particular popular as it allows our files to easily travel with us, and can be accessible across various formats, and don’t take up space on personal computers, giving you all the perks. That said, when it comes to your data, some companies use a service known as colocation. This allows clients to rent space within data centres from other third- party organisations which can present additional risks. With every new layer between you and your data you surrender a little more control and the chance for unforseen errors.
However, with a private cloud you gain all the system-wide benefits of a public cloud in exchange for a higher upfront cost and greater expertise whilst reducing external risks within the controlled environment. This is especially ideal for larger organisations running a variety of software acorss multiple departments and servers.
As with most things, the private cloud does come with a few draw backs…
To properly manage the system, an organisation’s IT infrastructure would need to remain internal as well. For smaller businesses who are still growing their IT departments, the transition to private cloud can come with significantly higher investment.
