Public Cloud

Definition

A public cloud is a computing model that delivers resources and services, such as servers and storage, over the internet to multiple customers, allowing for shared infrastructure. In this model, service providers manage and maintain the resources, making them accessible to users on a pay-as-you-go basis. This approach offers scalability, flexibility, and reduced costs compared to traditional on-premises solutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Public clouds are managed by third-party service providers who handle all aspects of infrastructure maintenance and management.
2. This model allows businesses to quickly scale their resources up or down based on demand without significant upfront investment.
3. Public cloud services are typically billed on a consumption basis, meaning users only pay for what they use.
4. Major public cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), each offering various services and capabilities.
5. Security in public clouds is often enhanced through shared responsibility models, where providers ensure physical security while customers handle data security.

Review Questions

• How does the public cloud model support scalability for businesses compared to traditional on-premises solutions?
  • The public cloud model allows businesses to rapidly scale their resources in response to changing demands without needing to invest in additional hardware or infrastructure. This flexibility is achieved through virtualization and the extensive resources provided by cloud service providers. Companies can easily increase or decrease their resource allocation based on their current needs, leading to significant cost savings and improved efficiency.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a public cloud for storing sensitive data.
  • Using a public cloud for storing sensitive data has several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of access, and scalability. However, there are disadvantages as well; primarily concerns about security and privacy since the data is stored off-site with third-party providers. Organizations must carefully evaluate their security needs and choose providers with robust security measures to protect sensitive information while complying with regulations.
• Evaluate the impact of public clouds on business operations and IT strategy in the context of digital transformation.
  • Public clouds significantly impact business operations and IT strategy by facilitating digital transformation through enhanced agility, reduced costs, and improved collaboration. They enable organizations to adopt innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning without heavy investments in infrastructure. As businesses leverage public clouds for more efficient operations, they can focus on core competencies and drive growth through digital initiatives. This shift fosters an environment where rapid deployment of applications and services is possible, ultimately enhancing competitive advantage.

Related terms

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): A cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, enabling users to rent IT infrastructure instead of purchasing hardware.

Software as a Service (SaaS): A software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet, eliminating the need for local installations.

Cloud Service Provider (CSP): A company that offers cloud computing services such as storage, networking, and applications to individuals and businesses via the internet.