Community Cloud vs Public Cloud: Which One is Better for Business?

In today’s digital era, the need for efficient and secure data storage is increasing, especially for businesses with extensive customer data and transaction volumes. Many companies are now turning to backing up their data online, one of which is through the cloud. Data from Thales Group shows at least a twofold increase in the proportion of corporate data stored in the cloud, from 30% in 2015 to 60% by 2022. This has also triggered the growth of the cloud industry, which Markets and Markets estimate will reach a valuation of 1.24 trillion dollars by 2027. To date, various types of cloud can be used according to company needs. Cloud types can be distinguished based on their range and type of service. This article will discuss two types of cloud that are similar at first glance but have advantages and disadvantages.

Community Cloud vs Public Cloud?

Before you can choose which service is right for your business, you need to know the definition of these two types of cloud. A community cloud is a type of cloud set up and used by several organizations with the same interests, needs, and security standards. The use of community clouds is based on similarities and is generally managed by internal or third parties. Meanwhile, a public cloud is a type of cloud that can be used freely by the public via the internet. This service is generally free, and even if a fee is charged, it will be calculated based on a specific package of capacity and benefits. Based on the two definitions above, both have similarities because various parties can access them simultaneously but with different limits or scopes.

Pros and Cons 

A.Public Cloud

Pros: Public cloud can save company expenses at a lower cost because users only pay for the services or packages used. Public cloud is also generally provided by companies with large capacity data centers, such as Google and Microsoft, so users will be more flexible in adjusting the required capacity. Regarding scalability, there is no need to doubt the public cloud because it can be upgraded at any time according to company needs. In addition, this service is also reliable and has high accessibility. Gartner estimates that worldwide user spending by the end of 2023 will reach 597.3 billion dollars. 

Disadvantages: However, with these various advantages, public cloud services have disadvantages, such as limited power to control. The service provider generally manages public cloud services, starting from infrastructure and configuration. This is a drawback if the company requires more or complete control over the system configuration. Public clouds that many parties can access can also be a boomerang for companies because companies need regular monitoring to prevent data from being safe from cybercrime threats. 

B.Community Cloud

Pros: Like the public cloud, the community cloud can save company expenses because many users can use it in the same environment. This can increase collaboration between users and services and automatically ensure everyday needs on the same server. Community cloud integrates various features and benefits in a service tailored to the company’s needs. The community cloud also has limited access by certain parties, ensuring that data security and privacy are better maintained. Community cloud also gives companies greater control to customize and configure according to their needs.

Disadvantages: Compared to the public cloud, of course, the community cloud costs more and sometimes requires the help of experts in its implementation. Community clouds also have the potential to experience performance bottlenecks such as limited storage and bandwidth because they are shared between multiple users.

So, Which One is Better for Business?

There are many things to consider in choosing a cloud service to suit the needs and finances of the company, including:

1.Scalability

Scalability is the system’s ability to adjust capacity to business needs. Although both services can be customized, the public cloud is considered superior and flexible in this case. Meanwhile, the community cloud is more limited because the infrastructure is shared with other community members.

2.Security

In massive cybercrime, security is a very calculated factor, especially regarding data storage in the cloud. Community cloud offers better security because it gives companies greater control and privacy with limited access, unlike the public cloud, which opens access to the public.

3.Cost

This is no less important factor; the public cloud is the right choice for companies that want lower investment costs. However, with increasing needs, more charges will be incurred over time. Meanwhile, the community cloud requires a more significant initial investment cost but offers more advantages to the company. Therefore, long-term operation and use are more controllable.

Conclusion

From the discussion above, no choice requires industries to use a particular cloud. The decision should be based on the needs and priorities of the company. However, several things can be considered for companies, including scalability, security, and cost. Therefore, companies must be more careful and consider the long-term benefits for the company.

Trying to decide the exemplary cloud service for your business? Trust Vidia Cloud for the solution! With a professional and experienced IT team ready to improve your company. Contact us now at vidia@visionet.co.id or visit our website here.

Source:

https://explodingtopics.com/blog/corporate-cloud-data

https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-04-19-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-public-cloud-end-user-spending-to-reach-nearly-600-billion-in-2023