A Private Cloud consists of at least one virtual server with public access restrictions. Whereas a public cloud provides users with access to shared applications and shared security software, a private cloud provides an individual business with a closed virtual network wherein application builds and security protocols may be configured.
Private Cloud Features
There are several major influential factors that may motivate a company to migrate towards virtual server solutions. Although generally driven by incentives such as greater control over net security and a reduced risk of accidental file sharing between seperate end users accessing the same virtual server, the decision may also be led by other internal requirements.
Private cloud features include:
- App Selection
When entering into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with a third party provider, the user may outline conditions that will allow for better integration with existing working practices. For example, modified applications may be specified at this stage. This means that the server is seeded exclusively with software that is pertinent to the daily operations of the business (memory is not wasted on unneeded software).
- Hardware Selection
Companies rely on fast and reliable connectivity between applications and a known number of client devices. The private cloud model allows users to build the necessary hardware infrastructure in terms of RAM and number of processors so as to create a dedicated app delivery platform. Interconnectivity between servers can also help to speed up access to data, resulting in a smoother overall user experience.
- UK Data Storage
Data centres that house public clouds may be maintained in an offshore location. Private cloud solutions provide companies with the guarantee of onshore data storage. Keeping sensitive data - or ‘big data’ - geographically close to home is particularly important to companies that wish to reduce the potential for data breaches.
Q: Can any existing internal servers become part of the private cloud? The answer is YES. A company that currently hosts data onsite but wishes to migrate to an offsite private cloud has the option to build existing servers into the new virtual server infrastructure.
Private Cloud - Onsite or Offsite?
When opting for a closed server computing environment (as opposed to sharing access to applications hosted on a public cloud), the decision must be made as to whether the private cloud infrastructure is to be located onsite or offsite. Depending on distinct inhouse preferences, there are several features (or benefits) to both onsite and offsite solutions that may help a company to make an informed decision.
- Onsite Private Cloud
An onsite private cloud is also called an internal cloud. This type of cloud incurs the startup costs of hardware and staffing but does allow for the expedited creation - or modification - of apps. Online security features can also be closely monitored and updated as the company sees fit - organising an onsite data centre with a view to configuring apps and security is a professional undertaking that is usually only beneficial to large scale companies with significant resources.
- Offsite Private Cloud
Offsite private clouds are provided by dedicated third party hosting companies. Private servers are managed as discreet clouds where access is only granted to one client. This guarantees a much higher level of privacy than public clouds. The hosting company also takes on the cost of infrastructure and maintenance, meaning offsite private clouds reduce the associated infrastructure and staffing costs.