The Difference between Public and Private Cloud

We’re all familiar with the Cloud. We use it for email, to store and share documents
and for easy access to our data. But when most people discuss the cloud, they’re describing
a Public Cloud model with shared, limited resources, and few realize just how
much different the Private Cloud can be.

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The Public versus Private Cloud


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The Public Cloud

Also called a Shared Cloud, this model is a multitenant environment where all of your data resides in a shared storage network. Think of it as an apartment building where many people are residing and one landlord looks after the entire thing. Everyone in a public cloud shares the same computing resources of all the servers in that system. Some examples include Amazon, Azure, Office 365, etc.

  • Advantages: Less expensive. Standardized environment with no need for architecting a unique environment. High level of scalability.

  • Disadvantages: Lack of control. Little to no customization. Not as fast. No dedicated resources. Problems with the system result in interruptions and restrictions of all accounts on the server.


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The Private Cloud

Also called the dedicated Cloud, this model is only accessible to users or partners of a single organization and all of the services are provided behind a secure firewall. No more apartments here – everyone gets their own house. All accounts have their own server with exclusive access to all the resources in that system. Some examples include Azure’s Private Cloud option or the sharepointspace.com SharePoint Cloud.

  • Advantages: A server all your own. More control and customization capabilities. Each private cloud is built to fit the business. Enterprise-grade security and reliability. High level of scalability.

  • Disadvantages: More expensive. Requires setup.

See the Difference between Public & Private SharePoint Clouds

compare private vs public cloud infographic