Cloud computing has become an ever present term in business and personal technology. From Google and Hotmail to iTunes and online banking services, cloud computing became the core of innovation long before they were actually called cloud services. In the commercial industry however, cloud computing is a fairly new technology, despite having an even greater accessibility publicly.

For the longest time, data security was a major issue for businesses that were seeking cloud computing. That’s when private cloud computing hit the market. Private clouds provide the all benefits of a public cloud service, but within a secured computing setting and a private network. The cloud hosting service you choose will be determined on what type of data you work with. Comparing public and private cloud services can give you a better understanding of which type is better for your needs.

Public Cloud Computing

Public cloud servers are built around ‘shared’ infrastructures that provide offsite over the web. These types of clouds provide great efficiency, but they are more vulnerable than private servers. Public cloud servers work best when:

• Your standard workload for software and applications are in use by lots of people, like emails.
• Your need is testing and developing application code.
• You employ SaaS (Software as a Service) applications from vendors who implement security strategies.
• Your need is incremental capacity.
• You work on projects that require collaboration.
• You are working on an ad-hoc software development project employing a Platform as a Service (PaaS) cloud.

Short term savings on costs may lead to long term disasters if you do not have streamlined governance and security, which are prime aspects that a public cloud server lacks.

Private Cloud Computing

A private cloud server, on the other hand, is maintained on a private network, providing high levels of control and security. However, a private cloud server requires ongoing purchases and maintenance of all software, applications, and infrastructures, which can reduce your cost savings. Private cloud computing should be employed when:

• A business works on sensitive and confidential data.
• A business works in an industry that requires strict compliance in terms of data privacy and security.
• A business has the resources to operate a next generation data network effectively and efficiently on its own.

Some public cloud servers today offer private versions of their cloud services. Some private cloud servers now provide public versions of their cloud services. Hence when choosing a cloud service, determine the needs of security and control in your business and industry.