Introduction to Cloud Computing Deployment Models

A cloud deployment model is defined by where the infrastructure for the deployment is located and who controls that infrastructure.

The cloud deployment models denote the specific type of cloud environment based on ownership, size, and access. It also describes the cloud’s nature and purpose. Most businesses use cloud infrastructure to reduce capital expenditure and control operating costs.

Learners must understand its four types to determine which deployment model best meets their needs and desires. Each cloud deployment model provides a distinct value to your company.

Understanding the benefits of public, private, and hybrid clouds can help optimize workload placement and maximize your ROI. But before moving any further, let’s go through the topics that we will be covering in this article:

1. What is a cloud deployment model?
2. Different types of deployment models
   • Public 
   • Private
   • Hybrid
   • Community
3. Differences between deployment models

What is a cloud deployment model?

A cloud deployment model signifies a specific cloud environment based on who controls security, who has permissions, and whether resources are shared or dedicated. 

It describes your cloud infrastructure, how much you can change, and whether you will be provided with services. Cloud deployment types also represent the connections between the infrastructure and your users.

Select the model that best fits your institution’s methodology because each cloud deployment model can meet different organizational needs.

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Different types of deployment models

Cloud deployment models describe how cloud services are made available to users. The four cloud computing deployment models are as follows:

1. Public cloud
2. Private cloud
3. Hybrid cloud
4. Community cloud

Let’s go through each of these deployment models in detail:

Public cloud:

This type of cloud is open to the public. Public cloud deployment models are ideal for organizations with fluctuating and growing demands. It is a perfect choice for businesses with low-security concerns. As a result, you pay a cloud service provider for networking, computing, virtualization, and storage accessible via the public internet.

It is also an excellent delivery model for development and testing teams. Its quick and simple configuration and deployment make it ideal for test environments.

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There are many advantages of the public cloud deployment model. Some of those are:

1. No hardware setup: No hardware installation is required because the cloud service providers fully fund the entire infrastructure.
2. Minimal investment: There is no initial investment because it is a pay-per-use service. Making it ideal for businesses that require immediate access to resources.
3. No infrastructure management: Using the public cloud does not necessitate an in-house team.

Likewise, there are also a few limitations with public cloud deployment. Some of those limitations are:

1. License restrictions: Numerous resources are available for tenant exchange, but there is a usage limit.
2. Concerns about data security and privacy: Because it is open to all, it does not fully protect against cyber-attacks and may lead to vulnerabilities.
3. Reliability issues: Because the same server network is accessible to many users, malfunctions and outages can occur.

For more information, you can also explore: What is Public Cloud?

Private cloud:

The private cloud allows for greater control over cloud resources. The public cloud deployment model is the opposite of the private cloud deployment model. It is a one-on-one setting for a single user. It is not essential to share your hardware with anyone.

Another name for this cloud is “internal cloud.” And it refers to the ability to access systems and services within a specific border or organization. The difference between private and public clouds is how all hardware is handled.

There are many advantages of the private cloud deployment model. Some of those are:

1. Data security: Ideal for storing corporate data so only authorized personnel can access it.
2. Security: Resource segmentation within the same infrastructure can aid in better access and higher levels of security.
3. Supports legacy systems: This model supports legacy systems that cannot access the public cloud.

Likewise, there are also a few limitations with private cloud deployment. Some of those limitations are:

1. Higher Cost: The investment will be higher than in the public cloud because of the benefits. You must pay for software, hardware, and staff and training resources.
2. Fixed scalability: The hardware you select will help you scale in a specific direction.
3. High maintenance: Because it is managed in-house, the upkeep costs rise.

For more information, you can also explore: What is Private Cloud Storage? – Private Cloud Examples

Hybrid cloud:

A hybrid cloud deployment model combines public and private clouds. A hybrid cloud is one in which a company uses the public cloud while also owning on-premises systems and has a connection between the two. They function as a single system. This is a useful model because it allows for a more gradual transition into the public cloud.

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Due to security or data protection concerns, some businesses cannot operate solely in the public cloud. To address this issue, they may opt for a hybrid cloud, which combines the requirements with the benefits of a public cloud.

There are many advantages of the hybrid cloud deployment model. Some of those are:

1. Cost: Because public clouds allow for scalability, you’ll only have to pay for extra capacity if needed.
2. Security: Because data is separated correctly, attackers’ chances of data theft are significantly reduced.
3. Flexibility and control: Businesses with greater flexibility can create customized solutions to meet their specific needs.

Likewise, there are also a few limitations with hybrid cloud deployment. Some of those limitations are:

1. Specific use case: This model is better suited for organizations with multiple use cases or those that need to separate critical and sensitive data.
2. Complexity: It isn’t easy to set up a hybrid cloud because it requires the integration of two or more cloud architectures.

For more information, you can also explore: What is a Hybrid Cloud?

Community cloud:

This cloud enables a group of organizations to access systems and services. It is a distributed system built by combining the services of various clouds to meet the specific needs of a community or business.

Organizations could share the community’s infrastructure with common concerns or tasks. A third party or a collaboration of more community organizations typically manages this type of cloud.

There are many advantages of the community cloud deployment model. Some of those are:

1. Cost-effective: It is cost-effective because multiple organizations or communities share the cloud.
2. Security: The community cloud is more secure.
3. Allows to share resources: It enables you to share resources, infrastructure, and so on with multiple organizations.
4. Data sharing: It is appropriate for both collaboration and data sharing.

Likewise, there are also a few limitations with community cloud deployment. Some of those limitations are:

1. Shared resources: Community resources frequently present difficulties due to limited bandwidth and storage capacity.
2. Not as popular: Because this is a new model, it is not widely used or available across industries.

Differences between deployment models

Let’s review the differences between various cloud deployment models for better understanding.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Que1. What exactly is cloud computing?
Ans1. Cloud computing is a model for delivering highly scalable, on-demand access to computer resources such as CPUs, storage, networking, and other hosted software services.

Que2. What are the factors to consider when deploying a cloud?
Ans2. Organizations must consider four critical factors: security, performance, integration, and legal requirements.

Que3. Which cloud deployment model is the most effective, and why?
Ans3. The most common deployment model is the public cloud. You do not own hardware in a public cloud deployment model because the cloud service provider provides all resources.

Que4. What is the function of a deployment model?
Ans4. A cloud computing deployment model enables a company to identify the environment that will house its IT infrastructure based on ownership, accessibility, scale, and the nature and purpose of the cloud.

Conclusion

The cloud has evolved dramatically over time. Initially, it was just an exotic option with few variations. You can even build your private cloud in your data center. Each cloud deployment model has a distinct offering that can significantly increase the value of your business. And, as your needs evolve, you can switch to a different deployment model.

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