Cloud computing is usually described in one of two ways. Either based on the cloud location /deployment, or on the service that the cloud is offering.
Cloud computing deployment models are majorly divided in 4 types, as shown in following figure.
Cloud computing – Based on Deployment models
1. Public Cloud
Available to the public and owned by a single organization selling cloud service.
The cloud provider is responsible for the creation and on-going maintenance of the public cloud and its IT resources.
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2. Private Cloud
Operated solely for a single organization. Maybe on premise or off premise.
A private cloud is owned by a single organization. Private cloud enables an organization to use cloud computing technology as a means of centralizing access to IT resources by different parts, locations, or departments of the organization.
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3. Hybrid Cloud
Any combination of two or more private / community or public clouds.
A hybrid cloud is a cloud environment comprised of two or more different cloud deployment models. For example, a cloud consumer may choose to deploy cloud services processing sensitive data to a private cloud and other, less sensitive cloud services to a public cloud.
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4. Community Cloud Shared by several entities that have a common purpose. Maybe on premise or off premise.
A community cloud is like a public cloud except that its access is limited to a specific community of cloud consumers. The community cloud may be jointly owned by the community members or by a third-party cloud provider that provisions a public cloud with limited access.