Four models that define how cloud computing infrastructure is operated and accessed.
Overview
Cloud Deployment Models
Cloud deployment models are classifications defined in NIST SP 800-145 that indicate how cloud computing infrastructure is operated. There are four basic models - Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Community Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud - along with a derivative model called Multi-Cloud. Each model is classified based on differences in infrastructure ownership, users, and operational methods, and is selected according to an organization's security requirements, cost structure, and compliance needs. These models serve as an important foundation for standardizing cloud computing and formulating organizational cloud strategies.
cloud computing
NIST
public cloud
private cloud
hybrid cloud
multi-cloud
IT infrastructure
| code | slug | name | description | keyCharacteristics | providerExamples | deploymentOptions | useCases | keyCapabilities | advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | public-cloud | Public Cloud | Cloud infrastructure provisioned for open use by the general public. | ["Pay-as-you-go pricing","High scalability","Shared infrastructure","Minimal management overhead"] | ["AWS","Microsoft Azure","Google Cloud Platform","Oracle Cloud","IBM Cloud"] | ||||
| 2 | private-cloud | Private Cloud | Cloud infrastructure provisioned for exclusive use by a single organization. | ["Dedicated infrastructure","Complete control","Enhanced security","Customizable"] | ["On-premises","Hosted (third-party operated)","Managed private cloud"] | ||||
| 3 | community-cloud | Community Cloud | Cloud infrastructure provisioned for exclusive use by a specific community of consumers. | ["Community dedicated","Cost sharing","Industry-specific","Collaborative operation"] | ["Electronic medical record sharing among healthcare providers","Joint government agency systems","Research institution data sharing","Financial industry common infrastructure"] | ||||
| 4 | hybrid-cloud | Hybrid Cloud | Composition of two or more distinct cloud infrastructures bound together. | ["Multiple environment integration","Flexibility","Balance of security and scalability","Complex management"] | ["Cloud bursting","Data portability","Disaster recovery","Flexible workload placement"] | ||||
| 5 | multi-cloud | Multi-Cloud | Using cloud services from two or more cloud providers simultaneously. | ["Multiple providers","Strategic distribution","High availability","Complex operations management"] | ["Avoid vendor lock-in","Best-of-breed services","Geographic redundancy","Improved negotiation leverage"] |