A public cloud is a type of computing in which a service provider makes resources
available to the public via the internet. Resources vary by provider but may include storage capabilities, applications or virtual machines. Public cloud allows for scalability and resource sharing that would not otherwise be possible for a single organization to achieve. Some public cloud providers offer resources for free, while clients pay for other resources by subscription or a pay-per-usage model. Cloud services are available to individual users, as well, and prices scale depending on the user's resource needs. Organizations with huge amounts of data need to develop a cloud migration strategy before choosing a cloud vendor. How is public cloud structured? The public cloud allows users to share resources while maintaining the privacy of each user's data. Public cloud architecture is completely virtualized, providing an environment where shared resources are leveraged as needed. A key advantage of public cloud architecture is the ability to access a service or application on any internet connected device. Because the device itself performs little to no computation, individuals can use highly complex applications almost anywhere. Public cloud is typically designed with built-in redundancies to prevent data loss. A service provider may store replicated files across several data centers to ensure that disaster recovery is smooth and fast. Data stored on a public cloud platform is generally regarded as safe from most hazards. Public clouds may be structured differently depending on the type of service being provided. Here are the three most common models on the market today: