Cloud computing is no longer a topic for the future – it is a reality in companies of all sizes. It enables applications to be made available quickly, data to be stored regardless of location and IT costs to be made transparent.
However, choosing a cloud is crucial and not easy. Companies need to pay attention to various aspects.
The following blog article takes a closer look at cloud selection and what needs to be considered in order to make an informed decision. After all, understanding what is possible and what is needed lays the foundation for strong, future-proof IT.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing describes the process of flexibly providing IT resources such as storage space, computing power or applications via the internet. This allows capacity to be used efficiently without incurring unnecessary infrastructure costs.
Cloud computing enables teams to access data regardless of location and device. This is a real benefit, especially for hybrid working models, international locations or rapid project launches. Every industry and every company can benefit from the cloud. It acts as a decisive enabler for innovation and digital competitiveness. And anyone still relying entirely on local systems is wasting valuable potential.
Public cloud – the open solution
To understand the public cloud, you can imagine a rental model among IT infrastructures: Computing power, storage and other services are provided by third-party providers via the public internet. Companies can then access them without having to operate their own servers.
This has several advantages:
- Cost efficiency: There are no high investments in hardware, you only pay for what you actually use.
- Scalability: New resources can be provided with just a few clicks.
- Maintenance effort: This is entirely the responsibility of the provider, which relieves the burden on IT departments.
But the public cloud is not ideal for every scenario:
- It reduces control over the infrastructure and potential compliance or data protection challenges.
Private cloud – the exclusive solution
Another option is the private cloud. Here, the infrastructure is operated exclusively for a single company. This has several advantages:
- More security
- Better control over data and systems
- You can develop customized solutions that are adapted to individual requirements
This can be crucial, especially in highly regulated industries. But there are also disadvantages:
- A private cloud is often associated with higher costs
- It requires more technical expertise in administration.
- If you operate everything yourself, you also have to take care of maintenance, updates and operation – or get a reliable partner on board.
Nevertheless, for companies with sensitive data and clear compliance requirements, there is often no alternative to the private cloud. It combines the advantages of modern cloud technologies with the familiarity and security of traditional IT – creating a stable basis for digital innovation at your own pace.
Hybrid cloud – the combined solution
To go into more detail about the hybrid cloud, it connects the public cloud and the private cloud. This enables companies to move data between the two environments. This allows them to handle sensitive data in a more agile and controlled manner.
The big advantage: flexibility and optimal use of resources. Critical applications can run in the secure private cloud, while less sensitive workloads can be scaled cost-effectively via the public cloud. This is a real advantage, especially when requirements fluctuate greatly – such as seasonal peak loads.
Of course, the hybrid cloud also comes with challenges. Administration is more complex and sophisticated integration solutions are required to ensure that everything works together smoothly. But with the right tools and partners, this can be mastered.
For many companies that need to meet specific compliance requirements but still want cloud flexibility, the hybrid cloud is the happy medium – powerful, adaptable and ready for the reality of everyday business life.
Comparison of the cloud models
But which model suits which company? There are various points to consider:
- Costs: As you normally only pay for what you use in the public cloud, it is the cheapest option. The private cloud is more expensive because it has to be operated and maintained individually. The hybrid cloud is somewhere in between in terms of price – with potential savings through smart workload distribution.
- Security: Standard security measures apply in the public cloud. The private cloud offers the highest level here, while the hybrid cloud can be specifically adapted – e.g. sensitive data locally, everything else in the cloud.
- Scalability: The public cloud is the clear winner – resources can be expanded quickly and flexibly here. The hybrid cloud also scores highly in this area, while the private cloud is limited by fixed capacities.
- Control: In the private cloud, the company has full control. In the public cloud, you hand over more responsibility, while the hybrid cloud offers a balanced middle ground.
- Compliance: While the public cloud can sometimes cause headaches here, the private cloud is usually compliant. The hybrid cloud allows individual customization according to requirements.
This makes it clear that there is no one Suitable solution – but there is a suitable model for every company.
Decision criteria for companies
Choosing the right cloud model is not a question of “good” or “bad”, but depends heavily on the individual circumstances in the company:
- Clearly define business requirements. Do I need maximum flexibility? Do I need to be able to scale quickly? Or do I need stability and control?
- The budget also plays an important role. The public cloud is cheap to start with, private cloud solutions are more investment-intensive – but offer more exclusivity and control. The hybrid cloud is often a sensible compromise, but also requires planning and resources.
- Security requirements are another key factor: when working with highly sensitive data – e.g. in medicine or finance – there is no getting around a private or hybrid cloud.
- Regulatory requirements such as GDPR, industry-specific standards or international guidelines can also have an impact – it is important to take a close look here.
- And last but not least: Does my team have the expertise to operate the chosen solution or do I need outside support?
The bottom line is that those who know their own requirements will ultimately make the better, more sustainable decision.
Conclusion: Which cloud is suitable for companies?
Not all clouds are the same – this becomes clear at the latest when companies want to strategically realign their IT infrastructure. Whether public, private or hybrid cloud: each solution has its strengths, but also its challenges. The most important finding? It all depends on the individual requirements.
Companies need to analyze exactly what they need – today and with a view to tomorrow. Which workloads need special protection? How quickly must it be possible to scale? And what budget is available?
This is the only way to develop a cloud strategy that is also economically effective in the long term.
But once this has been done, many benefits await users: IT costs can be optimized, processes accelerated and real competitive advantages secured.
The cloud is not a panacea – but used correctly, it can become a real game changer for your IT strategy.