Businesses are embracing the cloud model as the accepted form of computing, but some are finding that they want more control over their data. When you use a public cloud, you’re relinquishing some control so that you don’t have to deal with network security and hosting. If you’re serious about protecting your data and maintaining the infrastructure yourself, there are several benefits of operating your own private cloud infrastructure.
Of course, you need to ask yourself if the private cloud is the right computing solution for your business. It largely depends on how much control and responsibility you want placed on your shoulders. Businesses who prefer a hands-off approach to their technology will find that the public cloud is better suited to their needs, while those who want to have more control over their data will opt for the private cloud.
You don’t want to jump into a private cloud project without knowing what you’re getting yourself into. There are many factors that need to be considered before switching from a public to a private cloud, including new software, hardware, and network restraints. At the very least, your private cloud will need a virtual machine with a network that can back it up, as well as cloud computing software to distribute your applications and data throughout your infrastructure.
Here are three primarily benefits of integrating a private cloud computing solution to your business model:
- Enhanced Security Possibilities: Security is always an important goal to shoot for when integrating a cloud solution, but when you’re looking to integrate a private cloud infrastructure, it’s essential. Normally, the cloud service’s provider would handle the security measures in a public cloud setting; but in the case of the private cloud, it’s up to the business to protect their data. This can be both a positive and negative aspect of the private cloud, as it presents the ability to either ignore or augment your cloud’s security with external solutions.
- Greater Control: As previously mentioned, you’re in control when you decide to integrate a private cloud solution. This means that you’re in charge of hosting and maintaining your cloud server. This might not sound like a benefit, but beneath the surface, you have greater access to data and admin settings than you would if you were using the public cloud.
- Customization: Many cloud vendors will give you several options for hosting on a public cloud, but when you host your own cloud server, you can integrate it your way. Choose which applications your team has access to, how much drive space is available for each of them, and of course, how much you want to invest into it.
If you’re not sure whether a private cloud is right for you, there’s always the choice of going with a hybrid cloud solution. This combines the ease of use and reliability of the public cloud, with the security and control of a private cloud. Just give us a call at (610) 828- 5500 for an IT consultation. We can help your business get started with its new cloud adventure.