The Zorg & ICT fair took place at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht on 12, 13 and 14 March 2019. A question that we, as a Cloud Service Provider, have heard very often was as follows: 'How secure is such a cloud really? ' In this blog, we would therefore like to focus on the different types of cloud implementations and the associated security benefits.
To understand the different types of cloud implementations, it is useful to start with the basics. What does cloud computing mean in concrete terms? Cloud computing is the provision of computing services (servers, storage, databases, network functions, software, analysis functions, intelligence and more) by a cloud service provider (CSP) over the Internet; 'the cloud'. Not every business has the same needs and expectations when it comes to storing data in the cloud. That is why different types of cloud implementations have been developed.
Cloud implementations
There are three types of cloud implementations: public, private and hybrid. Here is an overview of the characteristics of each type and the associated safety benefits.
Public cloud
Third party providers offer computing services over the public Internet for anyone to purchase and use. As an organization, you do not become the owner of the hardware and you do not have access to where the hardware is located. This ownership lies with the cloud provider and they also perform its maintenance. Well-known public clouds are Microsoft Azure, Dropbox and Google Cloud. A big advantage of this type of cloud is the low costs. Because it is not necessary for an organization to purchase the hardware and software yourself, you only pay for the services you actually use. In addition, the CSP carries out maintenance.
And the security of a public cloud? Security with this type is better in some aspects than you would host it yourself, because Microsoft, for example, takes extremely many security measures to protect their platform. You can purchase additional security in the form of solutions offered by Microsoft and third parties. The public cloud can therefore be just as secure as a private cloud.
Private cloud
A private cloud is an environment that has been created exclusively for your company. This environment can be owned, managed and supported by the organization itself, a CSP or a combination of these. The most important feature of a private cloud is that a “private” part is set up on the hardware and software. What is different here from a public cloud is that the infrastructure (hardware and software) is managed by a CSP. The biggest advantages of a private cloud is that it is very flexible and that security has improved. No software is shared with others, so you have more control and your data is more secure.
Hybrid cloud
Best of both worlds; that is the hybrid cloud. This type combines one or more private clouds with public clouds. This allows you to move data and applications between a private cloud and public clouds. For example, put your webmail, which requires little security, in a public cloud. You then use a private cloud for your sensitive data, such as patient data. Users do not notice the environment in which they work. A standardized technology solution ensures that both clouds are connected. Safety is of course the big advantage here. An example of a hybrid cloud is Azure Stack. The Sourcing Company was one of the first CSPs in the world to have an Azure Stack and place it in a Dutch data center. Because your data is stored in the Netherlands at a Dutch company, security is further increased.
Safety
How secure your cloud is therefore depends on the type of cloud you implement. A CSP that offers a public cloud often takes many security measures to protect the cloud. A private cloud can feel more secure, because it is a unique environment that has only been created for your organization and so you have a lot of overview about it. The hybrid cloud combines both. We can therefore say that they are safe for all three types. But if you want to take that one step extra, a hybrid cloud, placed at a data center in the Netherlands, is the perfect solution for you.
Need help with your transition to the cloud?
We are happy to advise you on all available options. Take here Contact us.
