Public, private, and hybrid cloud computing refers to different classifications, types, and architecture models of cloud computing. Here’s how they compare:

What Is Public Cloud? 

Public cloud is a cloud computing model that delivers IT services to organizations via the Internet. This model is the most popular cloud computing service. It also has the widest array of choices in terms of computing resources and solutions. The public cloud addresses a lot of the IT needs of modern-day organizations. Examples of a public cloud include Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. 

When to Use Public Cloud

Organizations use public cloud when there are predictable computing needs for a specific number of users. 

  • When a provider needs specific apps and services to perform certain IT and business operations
  • When a provider needs additional resources during peak demand
  • For software development and testing 

What Is Private Cloud?

Private cloud is dedicated for use by a single organization. In this setup, an organization doesn’t share resources with any other organization. The organization may locate its resources in an on-premises data center or use an off-site third party to host them. 

When to Use Private Cloud

  • In highly regulated government agencies and industries
  • When handling sensitive data
  • When there’s a need for strong security and control over IT workloads and infrastructure
  • When it’s ideal for large enterprises that need advanced data center technologies to operate cost-effectively and efficiently. 

What Is Hybrid Cloud?

Hybrid cloud is a combination of both private and public cloud solutions. It allows an organization to seamlessly orchestrate resources across environments based on its technical and business needs. 

When to Use Hybrid Cloud

  • When serving multiple verticals that face different IT regulatory, security, and performance needs
  • Taking advantage of the benefits of both public and private clouds
  • Improving the security of existing cloud solutions that need secure private networks