What is the difference between public, private, and hybrid cloud?
A public cloud is shared infrastructure run by a provider like AWS and used by many customers over the internet. A private cloud is dedicated to one organisation, giving more control and often used for sensitive data. A hybrid cloud mixes both, keeping some systems private and using the public cloud for the rest.
- Public cloud shares provider infrastructure across many customers.
- Private cloud is dedicated to one organisation for more control and security.
- Hybrid cloud combines both to balance flexibility and control.
The three types
- Public cloud: shared, low cost, highly scalable, run by a provider.
- Private cloud: dedicated to one company, more control and privacy, higher cost.
- Hybrid cloud: a mix, sensitive data stays private while public handles the rest.
Most startups use public cloud for speed and low cost. Large companies with strict rules, like banks, may use private or hybrid to keep sensitive workloads under tighter control.
Tie the choice to a reason. Saying a bank might use hybrid to keep customer data private while using public cloud for its website shows you connect the concept to real needs.
Frequently asked questions
When would you choose a private cloud?
When you have strict security, compliance, or control requirements that make dedicated infrastructure worth the higher cost and maintenance.
What is a hybrid cloud used for?
It keeps sensitive workloads private while using the public cloud for scale or bursts, giving flexibility without moving everything off premises.
Common follow up questions
Related interview questions
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