Community Cloud Model

Explore the Community Cloud Model, its benefits, and issues. Learn about the cost-effectiveness, shared resources, security aspects, and challenges related to data access, privacy, and governance in a community cloud environment.



Community Cloud Model

The community cloud model is designed for use by a specific group of organizations that share common interests or requirements. This model allows multiple organizations within a community to access and utilize shared cloud resources. The community cloud infrastructure can be managed either by the organizations themselves or by a third party.

Benefits of Community Cloud Model

Cost Effective

The community cloud model provides many of the advantages of a private cloud but at a lower cost. By sharing the infrastructure among several organizations, the cost of resources and maintenance is distributed, making it more affordable for each organization involved.

Sharing Among Organizations

This model enables organizations within a community to share cloud resources and capabilities. This collaborative approach allows organizations to benefit from shared infrastructure while maintaining some degree of control and customization according to their specific needs.

Security

The community cloud is more secure than a public cloud because it restricts access to a specific group of organizations, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access. However, it does not offer the same level of security as a private cloud, where resources are dedicated to a single organization.

Issues with Community Cloud Model

Data Access and Privacy

Since all data is stored within a shared environment, there is a potential risk that data could be accessed by other organizations within the community. Organizations must be cautious about the sensitivity of their data and ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect privacy.

Governance and Responsibility

Allocating responsibilities for governance, security, and cost among multiple organizations can be challenging. Clear agreements and protocols are necessary to define how these aspects will be managed and shared among the participating organizations to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth operation.

Overall, the community cloud model offers a balanced approach by providing cost savings and collaborative benefits while maintaining a level of security that is higher than a public cloud but lower than a private cloud. It is particularly suited for organizations with shared interests or regulatory requirements that benefit from a collective cloud environment.