Choosing between Private Cloud and Public Cloud

Let us work on the assumption that you are aware of the benefits of cloud computing and you are confused on whether you should be on a private cloud platform or a public one.  Just how important is security to your business?  Is it just as important as being innovative, competitive, or responsive?  Is the protection of intellectual property something crucial to the survival of your business?

These are all evaluative questions that must be answered in deciding whether you should be on a private or public cloud platform.  Regardless of the type of services your business may need, here are 3 factors you must consider.

1.    The Cost

Did you know that when it comes to computing, there are cost factors that you must take into account?  Basically, you need to take a look at your capital expenditure (Capex) and operational expenditure (Opex) that will have significant effect on the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Calculation of the TCO will always be based on a specific time frame regardless of the different methods available.  Determination of the TCO also includes depreciation and human capital aside from the actual cost of the equipment.

Therefore, in the framework of the Cloud platform, the longer you intend to use it, the better and simpler choice would have to be private Cloud computing.  Why?  A private platform means that ownership of the equipment can be claimed by the business or the service provider.  The equipment is likewise dedicated for the use of your business.

Committing to private Cloud providers for the long-term means lowered prices and access to dedicated equipment.  Unless you need sustained and heavy usage, finding a service provider with the right equipment is better than owning it.

You have to remember factors like power, cooling, system administration, and cost of floor space among others when you are the owner of the equipment.  Keep in mind, as owner, whether you use it or not, you still end up paying for it.  So why not find a private Cloud provider with the right equipment to lower your TCO?

2.    Computing Skills

What is the core competency of your business?  What does this have to do with deciding between private and public Cloud platforms?  A lot; especially if there is no in-house IT specialists who can handle your needs.  This means either hiring one or outsourcing your need for IT specialists.  However, you have to be aware of the fact that IT is a high specialized field with experts gaining their skills through a series of trainings and practical applications.  Why is this necessary to point out?  So that you become aware that IT mistakes in business are more costly than hiring the right IT specialists regardless how high their salaries may be.  Remember, you get what you pay for!

In the context of private and public Cloud platforms, there is no escaping the reality that you will be shouldering the paycheck of the IT specialists either in the form of paying salaries or as part of the regular fees to the service provider.

The crucial aspect of your decision should be based on whether or not you need IT specialists on a full-time basis and whether it would be best for your business to run private cloud computing with your own IT specialists or pay for their expertise on a per need basis with public cloud providers.

3.    Time Investment

Business-wise, time is a priceless commodity.  Why is this important to emphasize?  Because of the simple fact that starting a Cloud infrastructure from scratch will take substantial time before it become fully functional and operational.

You must never lose track of the main purpose of using Cloud platform; which is to solve your business problems.  With computing, what are problem solvers?  These are the various applications you will be running on your Cloud server that will give you instant or long-term benefits.  So you need to take this into account in your TCO as well.

It is important to never assume!  Being halfway there is not the same as having everything up and running at full speed.  So unless all services, tools, applications, and other elements are 100 percent available, you still need time to put your Cloud in order.  Aside from being comparatively expensive, private Clouds require enormous time to perfect so unless it is necessary, you are better off with a public one.

Aside from these 3 crucial factors there will always be the issue of security, jobs to run, and types of users that come into play.  The key in determining whether you are going for a private or public cloud platform is to get a comprehensive few of your business needs.

The need to carefully assess the cost, computing skills, and time investment along with other related factors become easier when dealing with the right service provider.

Contact NexStep cloud computing provider in storing and managing your data confidentially so you can focus on your business as a lawyer.