CLOUD CONNECT

By Adam Simpson, Manager – National Cloud Services

The Cloud Reaches New Heights

The demand for cloud services in the 2 months since joining Harbour IT has exceeded all expectations. It is surprising to see the uptake and commitment to these types of services in such a short period of time. I liken it to the light coming on, and it seems that IT has finally delivered on the promise to deliver cost savings and technology at the same time without impacting service.

However, the most common questions I see other then what is the cloud and what does it offer, is, what is a private cloud and what is a public cloud?

My best definition to date on what is the Cloud is, "It's the use of shared hardware, software and services, being provided to PC's and other personal devices on demand. It is no different to having access to your home phone, you always expect it to work and if you need another handset, you just plug it in.”

So what is the difference between a private and public cloud? A public cloud is shared infrastructure, generally accessed via the internet, and hosts your personal and shared applications. A private cloud again is shared infrastructure but is generally delivered on a private network or internet connection behind a firewall and to only one customer at a time. 

See also: Cloudy on Public & Private Clouds?