What is a Public Cloud: All the Facts You Need

The public cloud is designed to gain better returns on investment with optimized operations. It relies on creating a virtualized environment in which clients store, access, and manage data and applications. Virtualization allows for the distribution of resources across multiple virtual environments. The key components of a public cloud are:

• Data Centers. Public cloud providers maintain extensive networks of data centers around the world. The data centers are home to the physical hardware and software, including servers, storage, and networking devices. The providers monitor and maintain the physical equipment to ensure it is operable and up-to-date.
• Resource Aggregation. The power of public clouds comes from the sharing of resources. Processing power and storage are pooled among the clients whose data and apps are stored there. Resources are assigned as needed dynamically, ensuring that each client has the capacity they need in the moment of need.
• APIs. Cloud providers give developers access to APIs that allow for seamless integration into the cloud’s applications. These tools allow users to integrate functionality, assign resources, and monitor usage.
• Service Agreements. As noted, service level agreements detail the level of services provided, uptime rates, and performance expectations.

There are multiple solutions – service models – available for clients who are migrating to the cloud. While the options range from provider to provider, here are the three most common:

• Software as a Service (SaaS). This approach allows access to cloud-hosted applications, such as software used for basic office tasks.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Provides access to cloud-hosted servers, both physical and virtual, networking, and storage. These core functions are essential for application operations and workloads.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS). A ready-to-use solution for app development, management, and maintenance.

Where do organizations use public clouds? Here are some of the most common use cases:

• Storage. Storing data in the cloud allows for reduced operational costs, more flexibility, and easy access from anywhere.
• Development. Public clouds allow for the development and testing of new applications.
• Resource Allocation. Public clouds allow for dynamic allocation of core resources and scaling depending on needs.
• Analytics. Public clouds let you collect and store massive amounts of information from the Internet of Things, customers, and products. You can then use powerful analytical skills to access large data sets and glean critical insights.
• Generative AI. With resource-intensive AI needs, the public cloud is an ideal solution for processing information quickly.

Public cloud is one of the three most common cloud configurations. Here is the difference between the Public, Private, and Hybrid clouds.

Private cloud solutions operate almost exactly like a public cloud with one notable exception. In a private cloud, there is only one client within the cloud server. The data and applications are only accessible by the client, with the company hosting all the data and applications. This single-tenant architecture does not always scale as easily and may require additional equipment purchases.

Hybrid cloud is a mix of private and public. In a hybrid cloud space, different data or applications may be stored on public or private clouds. For example, if there are considerable concerns or risks around data access, an organization may choose to store that information in a private cloud with other technologies and information in a public cloud.

Cybersecurity is a critical component of any cloud solution. Public cloud providers invest extensively in cybersecurity solutions. Encryption, monitoring, and advanced security of both the physical locations and the technology stored there are priorities and are critical to ensuring compliance and confidence.

Jano Tech offers extensive public cloud solutions, designed to meet your unique business needs. To learn more about how Jano Tech can transform your business and migrate your data and applications to the public cloud, contact us today.