So you are considering migrating your information to the cloud.  Awesome. However, before you randomly pick a program, it's important to understand the different types of cloud services for small businesses. This way you can make the best choice for your company and your future.

The Public Cloud

There are three basic types of cloud services available. The first type is the public cloud. The public cloud is the most recognizable cloud service to the average computer user. It refers to any server that makes its applications available to the general public over the Internet. Common examples include free cloud storage, Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings,  and online office applications. Basically, anytime you use your Gmail, you are using a public cloud service. Public cloud services are great for people who need a free or inexpensive cloud storage solution. Users also love the reliability and flexibility of the different public cloud services. Of course, there are some drawbacks. The biggest one is that the public cloud has a low level of security. Which is one of the main reasons why the private cloud was born.

The Private Cloud

The public clouds offered by companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have opened up these services to the masses. However, for those who need their information protected with higher levels of security, the private cloud is the better option. Private cloud services offer the same "access-from-anywhere" convenience. The biggest change is that, instead of holding your information in the same place as everyone else, private cloud services dedicate specific hardware, storage, and network to one individual client or company. Which means only your company's information is on that specific cloud and only you can access it. Along with higher security, the private cloud also gives you more control, privacy, and flexibility. As you can probably guess, all of this security and privacy comes at a price. Private cloud services are always more expensive than public ones, and they can often cost more than having your own on-premise equipment. As the expense of a private cloud is usually more than a small business can afford, a third option has been developed: the hybrid cloud.

The Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud (also known as a turnkey cloud) combines the economics of a public cloud with the security of a public one. Hybrid clouds are customized according to the needs, uses, and budget of the individual company. It could mean that you use a public cloud (such as Google Drive) for basic company work and store your sensitive information on a private cloud or network. It could mean that you have a business process that is designed to connect different environments as if they were a single entity. It could mean that you have a SaaS and move data in between private data resources. The hybrid cloud is designed to give the best value to your company while still giving you the essential features that your business needs. If you are seriously considering migrating your small business to the cloud, talk to your Digity Tech Advisor. He will be able to advise you as to which which cloud services for small businesses is best for your unique situation, needs, and budget.