Technically, like all forms of cloud, the private cloud is based on virtualization. This means that IT resources previously tied to hardware are decoupled and made freely available in the cloud.
A simple example of this is Microsoft 365 for the cloud. While the old Office versions had to be laboriously installed on each employee’s computer, the Cloud Office can be accessed from any authorized end device. A local installation is no longer necessary.
In the case of the private cloud, users access the program either via the internet or via a so-called Virtual Private Network (VPN). The latter is specially secured public network structures. In any case, the prerequisite is that the user has the required rights.
A unique feature of virtualized environments is the unified server structure. In contrast to classic IT landscapes, a separate server does not have to be operated for each application. Instead, the virtualized cloud environment provides all services.
The Multi-Layer Structure Of A Private Cloud
A private cloud structure typically consists of four layers that build on one another. The so-called data pools form the first layer. For this purpose, existing IT resources are replaced by physical hardware and combined in a typical data reservoir. This data warehouse is only accessible to authorized users.
However, an IT process script is required as the second layer to access the desired data decentral. It is the selection tool that makes the data warehouse elements available.
To ensure the private cloud administration, the management software follows as the third layer. It enables control over all infrastructures of the cloud as well as usage monitoring and optimization.
The fourth and final layer is the so-called automation layer. It allows manual processes to be partially or wholly replaced by repeatable processes. Such a self-service cloud speeds up processes and requires less maintenance.
What Advantages Does A Private Cloud Offer You?
As a private cloud operator, your company benefits from several significant advantages.
Meet security requirements
There are exceptionally high legal and internal data protection requirements for industries that process sensitive information. This applies, for example, to companies in the healthcare and financial sectors. A private business cloud enables such companies to take advantage of the technical advantages of cloud computing without compromising on security.
Ensure more operational stability
If data or programs are only stored locally on a computer, this can bring entire productions to a standstill if the workstation in question fails. Cloud solutions prevent this problem. Should one or more computers fail, the data and applications can still be accessed in the cloud by all other end devices.
Enjoy better performance
With a public cloud solution, multiple companies share the same resources. This can lead to restrictions on simultaneous use, such as sales-intensive days in e-commerce such as Cyber Monday. In contrast, a private cloud is available to you alone. This results in higher bandwidth and overall better IT performance.
Scale as needed
Cloud services can be dynamically adapted to your needs, primarily when you work with a managed services provider. If you need more storage space or computing power at short notice, your provider can expand your company cloud. If the demand drops again, the cloud capacity can also be reduced.
This is a significant advantage compared to classic IT landscapes, which have to plan for possible peak loads from the outset. In practice, these costly resources often remain unused for long periods.
Reduce your administrative effort
Do you want to provide a new user with an IT workstation? With the help of a private cloud, this can be done in minutes. Register the respective end device in the private cloud, and your user can become productive immediately. The tedious installation of software on each new workstation is no longer necessary.
Enable more e-collaboration
Business clouds make a significant contribution to improving internal communication. Documents can be shared with one click and edited by several people simultaneously. Special team software simplifies workflows. Corporate social networks connect employees across departments. The cloud thus reduces silo thinking and creates more e-collaboration.
The Four Types Of Private Cloud
There are four different models for implementing a private company cloud.
Internet Private Cloud
In the case of the internal private cloud, the company provides the necessary IT infrastructure itself. Server, network, administration – all this is provided on-premises. This guarantees a high degree of autonomy but is also associated with the increased workload.
The Managed Private Cloud
The managed private cloud goes one step further. The infrastructure is provided internally, but the cloud is managed externally by a managed services provider. This guarantees a smooth process by continuously monitoring and ensuring the external security of the private cloud.
The Hosted Private Cloud
With the hosted private cloud, the cloud is housed on external servers. This also takes care of the operation of the cloud. In this way, companies save considerable acquisition costs for internal servers. The high maintenance effort is also eliminated and employees are freed for new tasks.
Community Private Cloud
The private community cloud is a particular case of the private cloud. B. from the same group of companies, a typical cloud. But there are also cloud collaborations between several companies from the same industry. The advantages are synergy effects and possibly lower operating costs. However, such mergers also harbor a higher security risk.
Also Read: Security In Cloud Computing