The use of cloud technologies is a must for large businesses as well as startups. There is a fast expansion of the cloud market. Numerous platforms are available, so the options are endless.
Finding the best solution for your company strategy can be very challenging. Newcomers are especially impacted by this. Choosing a platform is further complicated since there is no common scheme to assess providers or what they have to offer. Most have very specific features just as organizations have specific needs.
Some basic criteria that can be used to help choose the right cloud platform. Here we discuss that criteria and a list of platforms worth looking into.
Selecting A Cloud Platform
When choosing a cloud computing platform, important features must be considered.
- Business Needs: Determining the specific needs of your business is an important first step.
- Type of Data Storage: Consider whether the information that will be stored as sensitive or non-sensitive.
- Number of Devices: Scalability should match the size of the business. Data security decreases when there is an increase in the number of people involved.
- Budget: Free services are available, but of course, security levels differ. Smaller providers’ platforms generally have less expensive offerings than global leaders’.
Cloud Types
The type of cloud platform you choose will also depend on business needs.
Public Clouds
Public clouds are better suited for storing non-sensitive data. This is because they have a shared infrastructure and provide service to multiple customers. There are free versions as well as pay-per-use options. Public clouds have the highest vulnerability of cyberattacks.
Pros:
- Flexibility
- Reasonable price
- Scalability
- Automation
Cons:
- Financial sector compliance issues
- Security issues
Private clouds
Private clouds are best suited to store sensitive data such as healthcare information. A proprietary infrastructure serves only one customer. Private clouds work well for unpredictable needs and changing business models.
Pros:
- High Security
- Scalability
Cons:
- Non-automated
- Costly
Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid clouds are a combination of the best features in private and public clouds. A company can shift between several public and private clouds. Sensitive data can be stored on a private repository and less sensitive information can be stored on a public one. Hybrids are the ideal choice for a business that has highly changeable workloads.
Pros:
- Seamless mobile access and remote usage
- Enhanced agility
- Maximum flexibility
Cons:
- Complex infrastructure requires complex management
- Higher cost
- Security; some vulnerabilities are equal to public plants