Cloud computing is an important business tool for companies that want to improve infrastructure flexibility and scalability. It allows them to easily share resources, such as servers, storage, applications, and services over a network.

In contrast to a public cloud, where multiple organizations share resources, a private cloud is one where resources are dedicated to a single organization. Businesses may choose the private cloud over the public cloud if they want more control over their hardware or need to meet strict security requirements. They may also want to avoid losing performance when another organization’s workload hogs the machine’s resources.

There are two main options when setting up a private cloud: setting up your own on-premise hardware or working with a provider to set up a hosted private cloud. Let’s consider the differences between each option.

Differences Between Hosted and On-Premise Private Cloud Solutions

The challenge with a private cloud is that the company using it is responsible for its hardware, security, and administration. Many businesses find this too much for their current team to handle but may still need the security and control that the private cloud offers. How can they gain control without infrastructure management?

A hosted private cloud is a private cloud that is maintained and operated by a third party. This third-party manages the infrastructure and ensures that the cloud meets the customer’s needs. Resources are isolated from other clients and dedicated to a single client — allowing for a private cloud experience.

Setting up the private cloud with a hosted service is a great solution for businesses who want to move away from on-premise hardware and software but still want some level of control over their data.

Benefits of a Hosted Private Cloud:

• Complete oversight of the network
• Hardware is managed by the provider who is more likely to keep pace with emerging technology
• Access to experienced system administrators
• Full control over security to maintain strict security standards for data protection like HIPAA and other government regulations
• Infrastructure that is ready to scale
• Controlled costs that are billed as an operating expense

On the other hand, on-premise private clouds offer more control over data and infrastructure but come with a higher upfront cost and require more maintenance. Additionally, businesses can get locked into using a particular hardware vendor’s technology if they choose this option. Lock-in can create compatibility and budget concerns during future upgrades. Choosing between an on-premise or hosted private cloud will typically come down to budget, control and future requirements.

Benefits of an On-Premise Cloud:

• Complete oversight of the network
• Full control over security to maintain strict security standards for data protection like HIPAA and other government regulations
• Ability to choose specific hardware based on computing workloads
• Authority to direct future hardware upgrades and management software decisions

Both on-premise and hosted private clouds offer isolated infrastructure that protects your data from the risks of shared hardware. However, by removing the burden of hardware management, hosted private clouds become much more accessible. How can you find the right private cloud partner?

Choosing a Hosted Private Cloud Partner

While choosing a hosted provider isn’t as permanent as on-premise equipment, making the right choice will speed up deployment and integration. There are a few key steps that can help you with your consideration.

1. Make sure that the provider has a solid track record in your industry and is able to meet your specific needs.
2. Ensure that the provider has the necessary resources and expertise to help you scale and help your organization leverage the available cloud tools.
3. Review the contract’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure that you are comfortable with them.

Hosting your private cloud with a reputable provider can offer many benefits, including support and guidance as you move to the cloud.

Leverage OneNeck to get access to ReliaCloud, a hosted private cloud that provides dedicated compute resources from a Nutanix hyperconverged (web-scale) architecture. These services run in OneNeck’s data centers, where you get a managed cluster solution containing common services like hardware, cluster software, network, AOS management, hypervisor management and more.

At OneNeck, our goal is to help you protect what’s working in your core infrastructure while helping you navigate your path to IT modernization. Talk to us today about how you can build a private cloud solution that meets the demands of your workload.