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?
Showing posts with label private cloud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label private cloud. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
CLOUDY ON PRIVATE AND PUBLIC CLOUDS? HERE’S A SIMPLE EXPLANATION!
Firstly, let’s start with a definition of exactly what ‘cloud computing’ is. Here are a couple of my favorites from around the traps:
WIKIPEDIA: Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, like the electricity grid.
GARTNER: A style of computing in which massively scalable IT-related capabilities are provided 'as a service' using Internet technologies to multiple external customers.
What is the difference between a private and public cloud?
A public cloud is a shared infrastructure, where anyone is able to tap into the resources.
A private cloud delivers resources behind a firewall to only one customer, usually on-premise.
It has been said that the term ‘private cloud’ is an oxymoron. Given the two definitions listed above, this may be the case. ‘Shared resources’ and ‘multiple external customers’ are definitely not offered within a private cloud. Private clouds lose so many of the benefits of cloud computing, such as scalability and flexibility.
There are concerns over security within a public cloud – how is my data going to be separated and secure from everyone elses on the same cloud? The term ‘public’ is fairly misleading… yes, you’re sharing a cloud, but no, there’s no ‘public access’.
Harbour IT’s cloud offering can be described as a Hybrid Cloud. While there are multiple customers on our cloud, each is stringently segregated into their own VRF (Virtual Routing & Forwarding). We use VMware’s vSphere technology – the best in the business.
Unlike many providers, Harbour IT’s data centre is located in Sydney, with a DR site in Melbourne. Both sites boast state-of-the-art security, including biometric hand geometry readers and CCTV and detailed surveillance logs.
FURTHER READING:
Online debate: public vs. private clouds: http://www.networkworld.com/community/tech-debate-private-public-cloud
VMware’s vSphere: http://www.vmware.com/products/vsphere/
Stats and report on cloud computing from IDC (earlier this year): http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/341263/cloud_computing_cloud_facts_figures/
WIKIPEDIA: Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, like the electricity grid.
GARTNER: A style of computing in which massively scalable IT-related capabilities are provided 'as a service' using Internet technologies to multiple external customers.
What is the difference between a private and public cloud?
A public cloud is a shared infrastructure, where anyone is able to tap into the resources.
A private cloud delivers resources behind a firewall to only one customer, usually on-premise.
It has been said that the term ‘private cloud’ is an oxymoron. Given the two definitions listed above, this may be the case. ‘Shared resources’ and ‘multiple external customers’ are definitely not offered within a private cloud. Private clouds lose so many of the benefits of cloud computing, such as scalability and flexibility.
There are concerns over security within a public cloud – how is my data going to be separated and secure from everyone elses on the same cloud? The term ‘public’ is fairly misleading… yes, you’re sharing a cloud, but no, there’s no ‘public access’.
Harbour IT’s cloud offering can be described as a Hybrid Cloud. While there are multiple customers on our cloud, each is stringently segregated into their own VRF (Virtual Routing & Forwarding). We use VMware’s vSphere technology – the best in the business.
Unlike many providers, Harbour IT’s data centre is located in Sydney, with a DR site in Melbourne. Both sites boast state-of-the-art security, including biometric hand geometry readers and CCTV and detailed surveillance logs.
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| Click to enlarge |
FURTHER READING:
Online debate: public vs. private clouds: http://www.networkworld.com/community/tech-debate-private-public-cloud
VMware’s vSphere: http://www.vmware.com/products/vsphere/
Stats and report on cloud computing from IDC (earlier this year): http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/341263/cloud_computing_cloud_facts_figures/
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