The cloud isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s up to you to decide what you want to implement. Our specialty is working with you to find the best solution. Working in the cloud can take many forms, including the private cloud, the shared cloud, and a combination of the two: the hybrid model. In this blog, we’ll outline the main differences and possibilities. We’ll also tell you more about the Alistar Business Cloud and how it works.
What is a private cloud?
A private cloud is an environment set up for a single organization and fully customized to meet your business needs. This means that the infrastructure is configured and used exclusively for you and your organization, so that only you have access to the applications and data. Storing business data on servers has been common practice for a long time, but with a private cloud, this is no longer done locally (on-site) but online.
The level of security depends on the provider. You and your provider will determine, through mutual consultation, who is responsible for maintaining the applications. You are fully responsible for paying for the infrastructure you use, which makes the private cloud the most expensive option. Essentially, you have your own infrastructure running at an off-site location.
Benefits
• Flexibility to customize the cloud environment
• Greater control and privacy.
• Greater scalability
Disadvantages
• High operating costs
• High management costs
What is a shared cloud?
A shared cloud—or public cloud—is an environment in which you use a shared online infrastructure, such as databases, servers, and applications. In the shared cloud, each organization has its own space, and data is separated based on access rights. Because the infrastructure and applications are shared, the costs are significantly lower than with a private cloud. You pay only for the amount of data, your own applications, servers, and the number of users who access the shared infrastructure.
So you don’t own the hardware and don’t have access to its location. The applications are installed centrally, and in many cases, the provider also handles infrastructure maintenance and updates. In addition, the cloud offers virtually unlimited scalability. A well-known public cloud is Microsoft Azure.
Benefits
• Lower (shared) costs
• Nearly unlimited scalability
• High reliability (no malfunctions)
Disadvantages
• Changes to infrastructure outside of business hours
• Deploy customer-specific applications after approval
What is a hybrid cloud?
A combination of private cloud and on-premises infrastructure—also known as a hybrid cloud—takes advantage of the economies of scale offered by the private cloud and the company’s own on-premises infrastructure and applications. This provides a unique mix of shared applications in the private cloud environment (such as Microsoft Office 365 or Exact Globe).
You can expand this with your own company-specific applications and legacy software in the private cloud environment. This combination provides you with economies of scale, while allowing you to easily add your own applications or software to your environment. With a hybrid cloud, data and applications can be moved between the two environments.
Benefits
• Oversight of private infrastructure
• Flexibility through additional resources
• Ease of use
Disadvantages
• Higher infrastructure costs (both cloud and on-premises)
• Higher management costs
The Alistar Business Cloud
In our custom-built Alistar Business Cloud, we offer an environment that combines the cost and management benefits of a shared cloud with the scalability of a private cloud. This allows anyone in your organization with access to securely log in to the workspace within the Alistar Business Cloud, without noticing any difference. Behind the scenes, we ensure that the right applications and data are available.
In addition, the available application server makes it possible to add your own software applications to the cloud without making them available within the shared environment. Examples include company-specific software or legacy software.
Benefits
• Flexible monthly subscription
• No software or hardware maintenance
• Cost economies of scale
• Add custom or legacy software
• Data storage in the Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Disadvantages
• Changes to infrastructure outside of business hours
• Deploy customer-specific applications after approval
Which cloud is right for you?
No single type of cloud is right for everyone. Every organization has its own unique processes, which is why the cloud comes in many different forms. Various cloud models, types, and services have been developed to meet the rapidly changing technology needs of organizations. We’d be happy to work with you to determine which solution best fits your organization’s needs and requirements.
Ask us for the ‘10-Step Plan to the Business Cloud’ to find out how we support and guide your organization through the transition (the transformation) to a future-proof cloud environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Business Cloud
Discover our 10-step plan to learn how your organization will be supported and guided through the transition to a secure, scalable, and future-proof cloud environment.
