Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud: What's the Difference?

 

These are obviously "sky clouds," and that's not what this post be about today. :-) 

Do you use cloud storage for your computer files? Do you use a private or a public cloud storage? Do you realize the difference? 

Thanks to the Backblaze newsetter back in October 2021, I learned the differences and simplify what I learned for you here:

A Private Cloud is one where the servers are owned and dedicated to only one organization. The Genealogy Big Four are private clouds (Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Find My Past). And there are many others. 

A Public Cloud is where the servers are shared between multiple unrelated tenants. Think of a public cloud this way:  The vendor has a huge warehouse of space sells access to smaller entities. Think Dropbox. 

A private cloud offers security and low latency (which simply means one can access data quicker). And a private cloud service typically costs more than public cloud services.

A public cloud deals with monthly payments (opt out at any time), fast and easy setup and often incentives (free trials, free tiers) are offered. 

Which one is right for you? You decide. Meanwhile, go outside and look at the sky clouds.