WHAT IS PRIVATE CLOUD?
A private cloud is a particular model of cloud computing that involves a distinct and secure cloud based environment in which only the specified client can operate.

As with other cloud models, private clouds will provide computing power as a service within a virtualised environment using an underlying pool of physical computing resource. However, under the private cloud model, the cloud (the pool of resource) is only accessible by a single organisation, therefore providing that organisation with greater control and privacy.

Features and Benefits of Private Clouds

HIGHER SECURITY AND PRIVACY
While public cloud services offer a certain level of security, private clouds are the more secure option. This is achieved using distinct pools of resource with access restricted to connections made from one organisation’s firewall, dedicated leased lines and on-site internal hosting

MORE CONTROL
As a private cloud is only accessible by a single organisation, that organisation will have the ability to configure and manage it inline with their needs to achieve a tailored network solution

COST AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Implementing a private cloud model can improve the allocation of resources within an organisation by ensuring that the availability of resources to individual departments/business functions can directly and flexibly respond to their demand. They make more efficient use of the computing resource than traditional LANs and can also reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint

IMPROVED RELIABILITY
Even where resources (servers, networks etc.) are hosted internally, the creation of virtualization operating environments means that the network is more resilient to individual failures across the physical infrastructure. Virtual partitions can, for example, pull their resource from the remaining unaffected servers

CLOUD BURSTING
Some providers may offer the opportunity to employ cloud bursting, within a private cloud offering, in the event of spikes in demand. This service allows the provider to switch certain non-sensitive functions to a public cloud to free up more space in the private cloud for the sensitive functions that require it

Private Cloud Characteristics

Private cloud services can vary considerably and so it is hard to define what constitutes a private cloud from a technical aspect. Instead such services are usually categorized by the features that they offer to their client. Traits that characterize private clouds include:

Ring fencing of a cloud which has multiple clients accessing virtualised services, which all draw their resource from a distinct pool of physical computing. These may be hosted internally or externally and may be accessed across private leased lines or secure encrypted connections via public networks

Additional security, which is ideal for enterprises that need to store and process private data or carry out sensitive tasks. For example, a private cloud service could be utilised by a financial company that is required to store sensitive data internally and who will still want to benefit from some of the advantages of cloud computing, such as on-demand resource allocation