Difference Between Public Cloud and Private Cloud

Key Differences: Public Vs. Private Cloud

In a public cloud, computing infrastructure and resources are shared with multiple companies. In a Private cloud, the cloud infrastructure is deployed for a single organization.
Reliability of the Public cloud is moderate, whereas Private infrastructure offers a high level of reliability, security, and data confidentiality.
Public Cloud is managed by Cloud Service Provider’s technical team on the contrary, Private Cloud is managed by in-house technical administrators.
The public cloud can be accessed via the internet, while the Private Cloud is usually accessed over a VPN.

What is Public Cloud?

A public cloud is a cloud computing deployment model in which resources, such as servers and storage, are owned and operated by third parties and delivered via the internet. The model enables organizations of all sizes to implement various solutions and computing resources to meet their growing needs.

What is a Private Cloud?

Private clouds are cloud investments that are deployed for a single organization. It comprises cloud computing resources used exclusively by one company or organization. Private cloud can be deployed at your company’s on-site data center. Large private corporations mostly use it, which needs to be refreshed periodically. However, this miscalculation may lead to hazards.

Public Cloud Vs. Private Cloud

Here are important differences between Public and Private Clouds:

Although both public and private cloud provides hosting solutions, the way they operate differs when it comes to security, performance, and control.

Parameters	Public Cloud	Private Cloud
Definition	A public cloud is a computing environment in which computing infrastructure and resources are shared with the public over the Internet.	A private cloud is a computing infrastructure and resource-sharing network that is connected via the Internet to a private network.
Work on	Public cloud functions on the principle of storage demand scalability.	Private cloud can only be shared among users of an organization.
Control over Infrastructure	Public cloud deployment control over infrastructure is limited.	Private cloud environment provides complete control.
Connection	It is connected to the public Internet.	It only provides connectivity over the private network.
Hosted	It is hosted at the Service Provider site.	It is hosted at the Service Provider site or enterprise.
Business requirement	It is an affordable solution that provides room for growth.	High performance, security, customization, and control options.
Best use	It is widely used to provide web-based email, online storage, application testing, and development environments.	Uses widely in the application to protect your most sensitive data and applications
Scalability	It is managed by Cloud Service Provider’s technical team.	It is managed by In-house technical administrators.
Managed by	A public cloud is a multi-tenant in which your service provider manages the network.	A private cloud is like a single tenant in which the in-house team handles the network.
Cost	It is an affordable option offering a pay-as-you-go service fee.	It requires large upfront costs for implementing the hardware, software, staff, and other resources.
Billing method	Users have to pay a monthly bill for public cloud services.	In the Public cloud, money is charged based on usage GB and bandwidth transfer fees.
Reliability	Reliability is moderate here.	Private infrastructure offers a high level of reliability.
Demand for in-house software	Not needed in this cloud computing model.	Very high in-house software requirement
Security	Only offers essential security compliance.	Enhanced security to meet data protection legislation.
Performance	In the public cloud, the performance is low to medium.	The performance is high in a private cloud.
Servers	It covers the shared servers.	It covers the devoted servers.
Example	A public cloud is comparable to renting a truck from a large company that is available to everyone.	The concept of a private cloud can be compared to owning and managing a fleet of trucks.
Providers	Amazon web service (AWS) and Google AppEngine, etc.	Microsoft KVM, HP, Red Hat & VMWare, etc.
Advantages	It is available anytime and anywhere, with robust permission and authentication mechanism. You don’t need to maintain the cloud. Does not have any limit on the number of users.	You get complete command over service integration, IT operations, policies, and user behavior. Companies can customize their solution according to market demands. It offers exceptional reliability in performance. A private cloud enables the company to tailor its solution to meet specific needs.
Disadvantages	Offers Minimal Control Privacy and organizational autonomy are not possible.	The private cloud is quite expensive, with a relatively high operating cost. Scalability depends on the choice of hardware. Minimal mobile Access

Read more about: Types of Cloud Computing

Which is better, public or Private cloud?

The final selection between public or private cloud solutions depends on various factors, use cases, and limitations.

Generally, organizations that require a high level of performance, security, and control should opt for a private cloud deployment model, whereas those who are perhaps smaller companies with a limited budget should consider a public cloud.