Public Cloud

Definition

A public cloud is a computing model where services and resources are made available to the general public over the internet, typically on a pay-as-you-go basis. It allows users to access a shared pool of computing resources like servers, storage, and applications without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure. This model is crucial for scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in deploying applications and services.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Public clouds are hosted by third-party providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, who are responsible for maintaining the hardware and software.
2. They offer high scalability, allowing businesses to quickly adjust their resource usage according to demand without upfront capital expenses.
3. Users can access public cloud services from anywhere with an internet connection, promoting remote work and collaboration.
4. Security is often enhanced through advanced protocols and measures, although users need to ensure they configure their applications correctly to protect sensitive data.
5. Cost models for public clouds can vary widely, often featuring tiered pricing based on resource consumption which can lead to unpredictable costs if not managed properly.

Review Questions

• How does the public cloud differ from private and hybrid cloud models in terms of accessibility and resource management?
  • The public cloud is accessible to anyone over the internet, allowing multiple users to share the same resources provided by third-party vendors. In contrast, a private cloud is dedicated to a single organization, providing greater control and security but at higher costs. Hybrid clouds combine both models, allowing for flexibility in resource management by integrating on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services. This difference in accessibility influences how organizations approach their cloud strategies based on their specific needs.
• Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using public cloud services for DevOps practices.
  • Using public cloud services for DevOps offers numerous benefits such as rapid deployment of applications, easy scaling of resources, and access to advanced tools that enhance collaboration among teams. However, challenges include managing costs effectively due to variable pricing models and ensuring data security as multiple users share the same infrastructure. Organizations need to implement strong governance policies to mitigate risks associated with these challenges while leveraging the advantages of rapid innovation and deployment.
• Assess how the rise of public cloud computing has transformed traditional IT infrastructure management practices.
  • The rise of public cloud computing has fundamentally changed how organizations manage their IT infrastructure by shifting from capital-intensive investments in physical hardware to a more flexible, on-demand model. This transformation allows companies to focus on agility and scalability, rapidly adapting their resource usage according to business needs. Additionally, it has prompted shifts in skill requirements within IT teams, as they now need to understand cloud service management and integration rather than just maintaining hardware. This evolution leads organizations toward innovative practices that prioritize speed and efficiency over traditional operational models.

Related terms

IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service; a cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.

SaaS: Software as a Service; a model that delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis.

Multi-tenancy: A principle in cloud computing where multiple users share the same physical infrastructure while keeping their data isolated and secure.