A VPC or Virtual Private Cloud is a division within a service provider’s public cloud architecture which supports private cloud services. This approach enables the user to enjoy the benefits of a private cloud platform, while at the same time take advantage of resources available in a public cloud.
The term virtual private cloud and private cloud are not synonymous. By taking the time to visit Aviatrix’s Cloud Learning Center, you will identify the distinct differences between the two. In a conventional private cloud, the user’s IT department is the service provider and each unit within the enterprise is a tenant. On the other hand, in a VPC, the public cloud provider is also the service provider, and the users are the tenants.
1. How does VPC work?
In a VPC model, the provider ensures that the data of each customer remains isolated from other customer’s information while in transit, and when stored inside the provider’s network. This is made possible by using security policies such as tunneling, encryption, allocating a VLAN, and providing customers with a private IP address.
2. Advantages and drawbacks of a VPC
As discussed earlier, the significant benefit of using a VPC is the combined appreciation and enjoyment of the benefits of a private could service and a public cloud service. Private cloud models provide the user with granular control over their network while having access to public cloud services gives the user the benefits of scalability and paying as you go.
A VPC is also ideal for implementing a hybrid cloud model. For example, the organization can use a VPC to extend the capacity of their on-premise data center without having to worry about the complexities involved in building a private cloud network.
Although there are many benefits to using a VPC, there are also some drawbacks that potential users need to consider. One of the challenges with VPC models is that the organization may need to deal with problems related to managing, configuring, and monitoring their VPN.
Moreover, although there is an isolated environment within the public cloud service for the user’s workload, these are still hosted externally. What this means is that for organizations that need to comply with strict rules and regulations on data storage, a VPC limits the amount and kind of information which the user can ultimately move to the cloud.
3. Providers of VPCs
There are three leading providers of VPCs that cater to cloud subscribers that prefer the IaaS model. There is Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google. These are the biggest names in public cloud computing which many organizations today make use of.
In selecting a provider for your organization’s VPC, it is essential to begin by identifying and setting specific goals. From there, you can determine whether or not a VPC is an ideal solution or cloud model to adopt. Each organization has unique needs, and by assessing the advantages and disadvantage of each cloud model, you can decide on the optimal solution that benefits your enterprise and prevents costly modifications later on.
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