Do Private Data Centers Make Sense Anymore?

Froehlich, A. (2021, May 19). Do Private Data Centers Make Sense Anymore?
InformationWeek. https://beta.informationweek.com/strategic-cio/do-private-data-centers-make-
sense-anymore-.

Summary

The author asks if companies should keep private data centers on-premises with modern-day
cloud technologies. Due to data security, lack of local support, and unforeseeable costs,
organizations were unwilling to use public clouds to replace on-premises data centers. With
current cloud technologies, these concerns have been addressed by cloud service providers. In
addition, cloud service platforms can provide more reliable data security, flexible application
support with automated service charge forecast to control service spending.
The primary reason to have a private data center is that the end-users enjoy low latency when
connected to local LAN directly. Traditional cloud service providers struggle to minimize
latency with customers hundreds of miles away. Cloud service providers have teamed up with
telecommunications to deploy micro clouds or metropolitan edge infrastructures to be closer to
customers to address the latency issue. This model benefits organizations that adopted a hybrid
workplace model. Businesses that choose to operate private data centers will face increasing
operating and upgrade costs soon.
Reaction
It isn't easy to decide whether to go with public cloud service or stick with the current private
center nowadays. However, when businesses grow, their data infrastructure will grow as well.
Therefore, leaders must take extra caution when deciding what data can be migrated to the public
cloud.
Public cloud services are more affordable and can be accessed over the internet. In addition,
organizations can choose a pay-per-user rate or fixed subscription fee. As a result, organizations
don't need to spend the overhead cost to purchase and maintain.
Private data centers have better visibility, data privacy, data security, and direct control. In
addition, end-users can customize their own data center for their needs without sharing any
resources with others.
The hybrid model uses a private data center to store critical data and a shared data center for non-
sensitive data. My company uses the hybrid data center model; it uses a third-party vendor to
keep low-sensitive customer maintenance records. Intellectual properties like design print,
engineering drawings, and highly sensitive documentations are stored in private data centers and
controlled by the IT department.
Most organizations should consider the hybrid model. The model offers affordability, security,
and flexibility. Leaders should evaluate all options and find out which model is suitable to store
their data.