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Cloud models

Which one is right for your company?

Eine leuchtend blaue, schematische Cloud-Grafik mit einem Blitz- oder Kreislauf-Symbol im Zentrum ist von einem Netzwerk aus verbundenen Punkten und kleineren Icons (z.B. Pfeile, Zahnräder) umgeben. Die Linien des Netzwerks erstrecken sich über einen dunklen, tiefblauen Hintergrund mit einem subtilen Glühen. Das Bild symbolisiert Cloud-Infrastruktur, vernetzte Dienste, Datenfluss und digitale Transformation.

Choosing the right cloud model is a strategic decision that determines the flexibility, security and efficiency of your IT infrastructure. Today, companies are faced with the challenge of finding the optimal solution from a variety of models - including public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud and multi-cloud. This article sheds light on the various cloud architectures and helps you make informed decisions for your digital future.

What are cloud models?

Cloud models define the way in which cloud services are provided, used and managed. They differ primarily in terms of ownership, scalability, security and management of the underlying infrastructure. Each model offers specific advantages and disadvantages that are relevant depending on company size, industry, budget and compliance requirements.

A glowing blue cloud symbol receives pulsating orange data streams along an aisle full of server racks in a data center. The image visualizes data transfer, data migration to the cloud and cloud computing in an IT infrastructure.

Public cloud: the scalable & cost-efficient solution

The public cloud is the best-known and most widespread cloud model. Here, a cloud provider (such as STACKIT) provides computing power, storage and applications via the internet. The infrastructure is shared by many customers, but logically separated from each other (multi-client capability).

Advantages:

  • High scalability: resources can be adapted quickly and flexibly as required.
  • Cost efficiency: pay-as-you-go models reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX).
  • Low administration costs: the provider takes care of infrastructure maintenance, updates and security.
  • Global availability: Often access to data centers worldwide.

Disadvantages:

  • Less control over physical infrastructure.
  • Potential concerns regarding data protection and data sovereignty (especially with non-European providers).
Further information on the public cloud

Private cloud: maximum control & security

A private cloud is a cloud infrastructure that is operated exclusively for a single company. It can either be hosted in the company's own data center (on-premise) or provided by a third-party provider on dedicated hardware.

Advantages:

  • Maximum control: Full control over infrastructure, data and security settings.
  • High security & compliance: Ideal for sensitive data and strictly regulated industries.
  • Customizability: Infrastructure and services can be precisely tailored to individual needs.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher initial investment and operating costs (CAPEX).
  • Greater administrative effort for the in-house IT team.
  • Lower scalability compared to the public cloud.

Hybrid cloud: the best of both worlds

The hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud environments that are connected by a common technology or integration. This enables companies to move workloads flexibly between the two environments.

Advantages:

  • Optimal flexibility: Sensitive data remains in the private cloud, while less critical workloads can be outsourced to the public cloud.
  • Cost optimization: Take advantage of the cost benefits of the public cloud for non-critical tasks and save resources.
  • Scalability on demand: Resources can be dynamically added from the public cloud during peak loads (cloud bursting)

Business continuity: Increased reliability through the distribution of workloads.

Disadvantages:

  • More complex management and integration of both environments.
  • Potential challenges with data migration and interoperability.

Multi cloud: diversification for the highest requirements

A multi-cloud strategy means using cloud services from several different cloud providers (e.g. STACKIT and another hyperscaler). This can include several public clouds as well as a combination of public and private clouds.

Advantages:

  • Reduction of vendor lock-in: Minimizes dependency on a single provider.
  • Optimal service selection: Selection of the best services and prices from different providers for specific workloads.
  • Increased resilience: Better business continuity in the event of a vendor failure.
  • Regional compliance: Meet local data residency requirements through targeted vendor selection.

Disadvantages:

  • Significantly higher complexity in management, integration and governance.
  • Potentially higher costs for administration and tools.
  • Challenges with security and data consistency across different platforms.
Hero company profile STACKIT

STACKIT and your cloud strategy: sovereignty at the core

No matter which cloud model you choose: Digital sovereignty should be a key criterion. As a German cloud provider, STACKIT offers a public cloud infrastructure that guarantees the highest level of GDPR compliance, ISO 27001 certification and operation in our own data centers in Germany and Austria.

For public cloud users: Benefit from a secure, transparent and highly scalable cloud "Made in Germany".

For hybrid & multi-cloud strategies: STACKIT can be seamlessly integrated into your existing IT landscape and offers a sovereign component for your multi-cloud architecture.

Would you like to optimize your cloud strategy? Our experts will be happy to advise you on the selection and implementation of the right cloud model for you.

Get in touch now and let us advise you!