Comparing Private Cloud Providers for Large and Small Businesses

Private clouds offer businesses the flexibility and control of on-premises infrastructure with the scalability and cost-efficiency of cloud computing. But with a wide range of providers available, choosing the right partner can be a challenge. Here’s the key: understanding how your company size influences your cloud needs. Large enterprises usually have much different requirements compared to smaller businesses. 

Large organizations often require robust security features, extensive service offerings to support complex workloads, and the ability to scale globally. Smaller businesses, on the other hand, may be more focused on cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and finding a provider that caters to their specific needs, such as development tools or high-performance computing.

While the size of your business generally affects what vendors you’ll want to consider, keep in mind that most providers have services that are appropriate for businesses of all sizes. There are plenty of tiny startups using AWS and lots of large enterprises using Red Hat! So don’t take our classifications as the be-all and end-all 🙂

This article will explore vendor differences and equip you with the tools to navigate the private cloud provider landscape. Whether you’re managing massive datasets at a global corporation or running a lean startup, we’ll guide you towards the perfect private cloud solution.

Private Cloud Providers for Large Enterprises

Large enterprise private cloud priorities generally include:

• High scalability
• Robust security
• Extensive service offerings
• Global reach
• Integration with existing infrastructure

To keep providers as easy to compare as possible, we’ll use this evaluation criteria for each:

• Security features (compliance certifications, data encryption)
• Scalability (ability to handle large workloads)
• Service offerings (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Global reach (data center locations)
• Integration with existing infrastructure (hybrid cloud capabilities)
• Cost structure (pay-as-you-go vs. upfront investment)

AMAZON WEB SERVICES (AWS) VIRTUAL PRIVATE CLOUD (VPC)

Security Features

AWS is known for its robust security infrastructure. VPC offers features like security groups for access control, network access control lists (ACLs) for subnet-level filtering, and AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) for user authentication and authorization.

VPC also complies with various industry standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and SOC.

Scalability

A core strength of AWS is its massive scale. You can easily scale your VPC resources (EC2 instances, databases, etc.) up or down based on your needs.

AWS offers a global footprint with data centers in multiple regions, allowing you to distribute your workloads geographically for redundancy and performance optimization.

Service Offerings

Beyond VPC itself, AWS offers a comprehensive suite of cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) that can seamlessly integrate with your private cloud environment. This includes services like Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) for virtual servers, Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) for managed databases, and Amazon S3 for object storage.

Global Reach

As mentioned earlier, AWS boasts a vast global infrastructure with data centers spread across multiple regions. This allows you to deploy your VPC resources in geographically distributed locations for disaster recovery, latency optimization, or serving geographically dispersed users.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

AWS supports hybrid cloud deployments through features like AWS Direct Connect for dedicated network connections and AWS Transit Gateway for managing VPC routing across multiple connections. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your VPC with your on-premises infrastructure.

Cost Structure

AWS offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, so you only pay for the resources you use. This can be cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating workloads. However, egress charges for internet traffic can add up, so careful planning is needed.

TL;DR

AWS VPC stands out as a robust choice for sizable corporations in search of a secure, adaptable, and comprehensive private cloud solution, offering a wide array of services and a worldwide presence. Nevertheless, effective cost control is essential due to the pay-as-you-go structure and possible additional charges for data leaving the network.

See Amazon Virtual Private Cloud’s latest reviews

MICROSOFT AZURE DEDICATED HOST

Security Features

Azure Dedicated Host provides hardware isolation, ensuring your VMs run on single-tenant physical servers. This enhances data security by keeping your workloads separate from other customers.

Additionally, Azure offers robust security features like Azure Security Center for threat detection and Azure Active Directory for user access control. Compliance certifications like SOC and HIPAA are also available.

Scalability

While not as limitlessly scalable as AWS, Azure Dedicated Hosts offer flexibility by allowing you to choose from various host sizes and add more hosts as your needs grow.

You can also leverage Azure’s broader cloud offerings for additional scalability when needed.

Service Offerings

Azure integrates seamlessly with other Azure services like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, and Azure SQL Database. This creates a comprehensive cloud environment for your private cloud alongside the dedicated hosting capabilities.

Global Reach

Azure has a significant global presence with data centers in many regions. You can deploy your dedicated hosts in specific regions to optimize performance and meet data residency requirements.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Azure Dedicated Hosts integrate well with on-premises infrastructure through Azure ExpressRoute for private connections and Azure Virtual WAN for managing hybrid network connectivity. This allows you to extend your existing network to your Azure private cloud.

Cost Structure

Azure Dedicated Hosts use a fixed hourly rate regardless of VM usage. This can be predictable for budgeting but may not be as cost-effective for workloads with fluctuating resource needs. However, Azure Hybrid Benefit allows you to use your existing Windows and SQL Server licenses on Azure VMs, potentially reducing costs.

TL;DR

For large enterprises with existing Microsoft environments, Azure Dedicated Host offers a secure, scalable private cloud solution with tight integration. The fixed cost model ensures budget predictability, but requires upfront planning to optimize resource utilization.

See Microsoft Azure’s latest reviews

GOOGLE CLOUD PLATFORM (GCP) VIRTUAL PRIVATE CLOUD

Security Features

GCP Private Cloud prioritizes security with features like VPC network isolation, Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) for granular access control, and encryption at rest and in transit for data protection.

GCP also adheres to stringent compliance certifications like SOC, PCI DSS, and HIPAA, ensuring your data meets industry security standards.

Scalability

GCP offers a highly scalable private cloud solution. You can leverage Google’s global network to easily scale your VPC resources (Compute Engine VMs, Cloud Storage buckets, etc.) up or down based on your needs.

GCP’s global reach with data centers across multiple regions allows you to distribute your private cloud geographically for redundancy and performance optimization.

Service Offerings

Beyond VPC, GCP provides a comprehensive suite of cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) that integrate seamlessly with your private cloud. This includes services like Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) for container orchestration, Cloud SQL for managed databases, and BigQuery for data warehousing.

Global Reach

Similar to AWS and Azure, GCP boasts a robust global infrastructure with data centers spanning multiple regions. This allows you to deploy your private cloud resources in geographically dispersed locations for disaster recovery, latency reduction, or catering to geographically distributed users.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

GCP supports hybrid cloud deployments through Cloud VPN for secure connections to on-premises networks and Cloud Interconnect for dedicated, high-bandwidth connections. This facilitates seamless integration of your private cloud with your existing infrastructure.

Cost Structure

GCP offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing you to optimize costs by only paying for the resources you use. This can be beneficial for businesses with fluctuating workloads. However, similar to AWS, egress charges for internet traffic can add up, so careful cost management is essential.

TL;DR

Large enterprises looking for a feature-packed private cloud with extensive services and global reach may want to consider GCP Private Cloud. The pay-as-you-go approach keeps costs flexible, but careful monitoring of egress fees is necessary to optimize your budget.

See Google Cloud Platform’s latest reviews

IBM CLOUD

Security Features

IBM Cloud prioritizes security with features like VPC network isolation, granular access controls through IBM Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM), and encryption of data at rest and in transit.

Compliance certifications like SOC, PCI DSS, and HIPAA are also available to ensure your data adheres to industry security standards.

Scalability

IBM Cloud offers flexible scaling options for your private cloud. You can choose dedicated physical servers, virtual servers, or containerized deployments depending on your needs. Additionally, IBM Cloud integrates with bare metal servers on-premises for hybrid cloud deployments, allowing you to scale your resources across different environments.

Service Offerings

Beyond VPC, IBM Cloud offers a wide range of cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) that can integrate with your private cloud. This includes services like IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service for container management, IBM Cloud Databases for managed databases, and IBM Cloud Object Storage for scalable storage.

Global Reach

While not as expansive as some competitors, IBM Cloud has a global presence with data centers in multiple regions. You can deploy your private cloud resources in specific regions to meet data residency requirements and optimize performance.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

IBM Cloud excels in hybrid cloud integration. IBM Cloud Direct Link provides dedicated network connections for secure and high-bandwidth communication between your private cloud and on-premises infrastructure. Additionally, IBM Cloud Satellite extends IBM Cloud services to on-premises environments, further streamlining hybrid deployments.

Cost Structure

IBM Cloud offers various pricing models, including pay-as-you-go, reserved instances, and commitment plans. This allows you to choose the most cost-effective option based on your resource usage patterns. Additionally, IBM supports multi-cloud deployments, potentially enabling you to leverage cost-optimization opportunities across different cloud providers.

TL;DR

Enterprises, particularly those already using IBM solutions, will find IBM Cloud a strong fit for their private cloud needs. Its hybrid cloud integration capabilities simplifies connecting your private cloud to existing IBM infrastructure. The flexible pricing allows for cost optimization, but careful planning based on your resource usage is crucial to ensure you choose the most cost-effective plan.

See IBM Cloud’s latest reviews

HPE GREENLAKE

Security Features

HPE GreenLake prioritizes security by offering dedicated infrastructure, reducing the risk of shared resource vulnerabilities. Additionally, it integrates with existing security tools and leverages HPE’s expertise in security solutions to bolster overall protection. Compliance with relevant industry standards is also ensured.

Scalability

HPE GreenLake offers on-demand scaling capabilities. You can easily scale compute, storage, and networking resources up or down based on your workload requirements. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing business needs without significant upfront investments.

Service Offerings

HPE GreenLake goes beyond basic infrastructure by offering a variety of managed services alongside your private cloud. This includes services like backup and disaster recovery, application management, and security monitoring. These services can help you reduce IT overhead and improve operational efficiency.

Global Reach

While HPE GreenLake itself isn’t a globally distributed cloud platform, it leverages HPE’s global network of data centers to deploy your private cloud infrastructure. This can be beneficial for geographically dispersed organizations seeking regional deployments.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

HPE GreenLake excels in integrating with existing on-premises infrastructure. Its hybrid cloud approach allows seamless connectivity between your private cloud and your existing IT environment. Additionally, HPE offers expertise in migrating workloads to the cloud, simplifying the transition process.

Cost Structure

HPE GreenLake operates on a pay-as-you-go consumption model. You only pay for the resources you use, making it cost-effective for fluctuating workloads. Additionally, predictable monthly billing simplifies budgeting compared to upfront capital expenditures.

TL;DR

HPE GreenLake is a strong option for businesses seeking a private cloud solution with a focus on managed services and tight integration with existing infrastructure. The pay-as-you-go model promotes cost efficiency, and HPE’s expertise can streamline the cloud adoption process.

See HPE GreenLake’s latest reviews

DELL TECHNOLOGIES APEX

Security Features

Dell APEX prioritizes security by offering dedicated infrastructure with options for customer-managed or Dell-owned deployments. This reduces the risk associated with shared resources. Additionally, APEX integrates with VMware security tools and leverages Dell’s security expertise for comprehensive protection. Compliance with relevant industry standards is also assured.

Scalability

Dell APEX offers on-demand scaling for your private cloud environment. You can easily scale compute, storage, and networking resources (powered by VxRail hyperconverged infrastructure) up or down based on your workload needs. This allows for flexible adaptation to changing business requirements without significant upfront investments.

Service Offerings

Beyond basic infrastructure, Dell APEX provides a range of managed services alongside your private cloud. This includes options like backup and disaster recovery, application management, and infrastructure monitoring. These services can help you reduce IT overhead and streamline operations.

Global Reach

Dell APEX itself doesn’t have a globally distributed cloud network. However, it leverages Dell’s existing data centers to deploy your private cloud infrastructure. This can be beneficial for geographically dispersed organizations with regional deployment needs.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure:

Dell APEX excels in integrating with existing VMware environments, making it a natural fit for organizations already invested in VMware technology. Additionally, APEX simplifies hybrid cloud deployments by offering a consistent management experience across private and public cloud resources.

Cost Structure

Dell APEX offers a consumption-based pricing model. You only pay for the resources you use, making it cost-effective for fluctuating workloads. There’s also the option for a subscription model, providing predictable monthly billing for easier budgeting compared to large upfront capital expenditures.

TL;DR

For businesses, especially those already using VMware, Dell APEX offers a user-friendly private cloud solution with helpful managed services and easy integrations. Their flexible pricing lets you optimize costs, and Dell’s expertise can simplify your cloud journey from setup to management.

See Dell APEX’s latest reviews

PLATFORM9

Security Features

Platform9 goes beyond basic security features by offering a comprehensive security posture for your private cloud. It leverages OpenStack’s security groups and integrates with existing security tools to provide granular access control and threat protection. Additionally, Platform9 prioritizes data security with encryption at rest and in transit. Compliance certifications like SOC 2 and HIPAA are achievable through Platform9’s platform.

Scalability

Platform9 excels in scaling private clouds across large, complex infrastructures. It supports hundreds of hypervisors and thousands of virtual machines, making it suitable for even the most demanding enterprise workloads. Platform9’s automated provisioning and management capabilities streamline scaling processes for efficient resource allocation.

Service Offerings

Unlike some providers focused solely on infrastructure, Platform9 offers a rich set of cloud management services. This includes self-service provisioning, automated scaling, health monitoring, and disaster recovery orchestration. These services empower enterprises to manage their private cloud efficiently and free up IT resources for strategic initiatives.

Global Reach

While Platform9 itself doesn’t have its own global data center network, it is designed to work with your existing infrastructure, regardless of location. This allows enterprises with geographically dispersed operations to deploy private clouds in their desired regions for latency optimization and data residency compliance.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Platform9 integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise infrastructure. It supports leading hypervisors (VMware, KVM, etc.) and cloud platforms (OpenStack, Kubernetes) This allows for hybrid cloud deployments and simplifies the management of a heterogeneous IT environment.

Cost Structure

Platform9 offers a subscription-based pricing model. While the exact cost depends on your specific needs, the pay-as-you-grow scalability and reduced operational overhead can lead to significant cost savings compared to traditional infrastructure management. Additionally, Platform9 eliminates the need for expensive, specialized cloud management skills within your IT team.

TL;DR

Platform9 is a compelling choice for large enterprises seeking a feature-rich private cloud solution. It offers good security, streamlines management through automation, and integrates with existing infrastructure. The subscription model and reduced IT overhead contribute to a potentially cost-effective solution for managing complex private cloud deployments.

See Platform9’s latest reviews

CANONICAL CHARMED OPENSTACK

Security Features

Canonical’s Charmed OpenStack distribution prioritizes security with features like role-based access control (RBAC) for granular user permissions, security groups for network traffic control, and integration with leading security solutions like Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike. Additionally, Charmed OpenStack adheres to strict security practices and offers compliance certifications like SOC 2 for data security and HIPAA for healthcare data.

Scalability

Charmed OpenStack is known for its exceptional scalability. Its modular architecture allows you to easily scale your private cloud up or down based on workload demands. You can add additional OpenStack “charms” (application packages) for new services or scale existing services by adding more resources (compute, storage) to meet peak load requirements.

Service Offerings

Beyond the core OpenStack infrastructure, Canonical offers a comprehensive suite of cloud management services alongside Charmed OpenStack. These services include MAAS (Metal as a Service) for bare-metal server provisioning, Juju for application modeling and deployment, and Landscape for centralized cloud management and monitoring. This suite empowers enterprises to build and manage a feature-rich private cloud environment.

Global Reach

While Canonical itself doesn’t have a global cloud infrastructure network, Charmed OpenStack is designed for deployment on-premises or in any cloud environment. This allows large enterprises with geographically dispersed operations to deploy private clouds in their desired regions for data residency compliance and performance optimization.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Charmed OpenStack integrates well with existing enterprise infrastructure. It supports leading hypervisors (VMware, KVM) and cloud platforms (OpenStack, Kubernetes). This enables hybrid cloud deployments and simplifies management of complex IT environments. Additionally, Canonical offers migration tools to assist with transitioning existing workloads to your private cloud.

Cost Structure

Canonical offers flexible pricing models for Charmed OpenStack. You can choose a subscription-based model with predictable costs or an option based on the number of physical servers (nodes) in your deployment. Additionally, Canonical’s focus on automation and streamlined operations can lead to significant cost savings compared to managing a vanilla OpenStack environment.

TL;DR

Large enterprises requiring a versatile private cloud with robust protection and extensive management capabilities will find Charmed OpenStack from Canonical intriguing. Its flexible deployment options cater to complex IT needs, while integration with existing infrastructure simplifies management. The focus on automation further streamlines operations, potentially leading to a cost-effective private cloud solution.

See Canonical OpenStack’s latest reviews

MIRANTIS OPENSTACK FOR KUBERNETES

Security Features

Mirantis prioritizes security by leveraging OpenStack’s security features and integrating with leading security solutions like Palo Alto Networks and MacAfee. Additionally, Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE) incorporates security best practices for containerized workloads. Compliance with relevant industry standards like SOC 2 and PCI DSS is achievable through Mirantis’ platform.

Scalability

Mirantis excels in scaling private clouds across large, complex infrastructures. Their Container Cloud platform supports thousands of containers and bare metal deployments, making it suitable for demanding enterprise workloads. Mirantis’ automated provisioning and management tools streamline scaling processes for efficient resource allocation.

Service Offerings

Mirantis offers a comprehensive suite of cloud management services alongside Mirantis Container Cloud. This includes MKE for container orchestration, Metal as a Service (MaaS) for bare metal server provisioning, and Mirantis Cloud Platform (MCP) for a centralized cloud management experience. These services empower enterprises to build, manage, and orchestrate containerized and virtualized applications on a single platform.

Global Reach

While Mirantis itself doesn’t have its own global data center network, it is designed to work with your existing infrastructure, regardless of location. This allows enterprises with geographically dispersed operations to deploy private clouds in their desired regions for latency optimization and data residency compliance.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Mirantis integrates with existing enterprise infrastructure. It supports leading hypervisors (VMware, KVM, etc.) and cloud platforms (OpenStack, Kubernetes). This allows for hybrid cloud deployments and simplifies the management of a heterogeneous IT environment. Additionally, Mirantis offers migration tools to assist with transitioning existing workloads to your private cloud.

Cost Structure

Mirantis offers flexible pricing models for its solutions. You can choose a subscription-based model with predictable costs or a customized option based on your specific needs and deployment size. Mirantis’ focus on automation and streamlined operations can lead to significant cost savings compared to traditional OpenStack management.

TL;DR

Mirantis is a good choice for large enterprises seeking a private cloud solution that excels at handling large deployments with a strong focus on containerization. The comprehensive service offerings for both containers and VMs, along with flexible deployment options, cater to complex enterprise needs. Mirantis’ automation and integration capabilities can streamline management and potentially reduce costs compared to traditional OpenStack management.

See Mirantis OpenStack for Kubernetes’s latest reviews

RACKSPACE

Security Features

Rackspace prioritizes security with a layered approach. This includes features like VPC network isolation, granular access control through Rackspace Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM), encryption at rest and in transit for data protection, and constant threat monitoring. Additionally, Rackspace adheres to stringent compliance certifications like SOC, PCI DSS, and HIPAA to ensure your data meets industry security standards.

Scalability

Rackspace offers highly scalable private cloud solutions. You can leverage their extensive network of data centers to geographically distribute your private cloud resources for redundancy and performance optimization. Additionally, Rackspace supports various scaling options, including vertical scaling (upgrading resources within a server) and horizontal scaling (adding more servers) to accommodate workload fluctuations.

Service Offerings

Beyond core infrastructure, Rackspace offers a comprehensive suite of managed cloud services that integrate seamlessly with your private cloud. This includes services like Managed Kubernetes for container orchestration, Managed Databases for various database needs, and Managed Security for advanced threat protection. These services allow enterprises to offload management tasks and focus on core business objectives.

Global Reach

Rackspace boasts a robust global infrastructure with data centers across multiple regions. This allows large enterprises with geographically dispersed operations to deploy private cloud resources in specific regions to meet data residency requirements and optimize latency for global users.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Rackspace excels in hybrid cloud integration. Their Rackspace Cloud Connect service provides dedicated network connections for secure and high-bandwidth communication between your private cloud and on-premises infrastructure. This facilitates seamless integration of your private cloud with existing IT investments. Additionally, Rackspace offers migration services to assist enterprises in transitioning workloads to the cloud.

Cost Structure

Rackspace offers various pricing models for private clouds, including dedicated instance pricing, reserved instances for predictable costs, and custom pricing for large deployments. This flexibility allows enterprises to optimize costs based on their resource usage and commitment level. Additionally, Rackspace’s managed services can potentially reduce operational overhead and improve overall cost-efficiency.

TL;DR

Large enterprises with intricate IT needs may want to check out Rackspace’s private cloud solutions. Their global infrastructure allows for geographically distributed deployments, while their hybrid cloud capabilities can integrate with your existing setup. Rackspace offers a variety of managed services alongside their private cloud, allowing you to offload management tasks and focus on core business goals. Flexible pricing lets you optimize costs, and Rackspace’s experience can simplify cloud adoption and ongoing management.

See Rackspace’s latest reviews

Private Cloud Providers for SMBs and SMEs

SMB and SME private cloud priorities generally include:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Ease of use
• Flexibility
• A focus on specific needs (e.g., certain development tools)

To keep providers as easy to compare as possible, we’ll use this evaluation criteria for each:

• Ease of deployment and management
• Cost structure (predictable vs. variable)
• Scalability (ability to grow with the business)
• Security features (data security is still crucial)
• Integration with existing tools (development environments)
• Customer support (availability and responsiveness)

OPENMETAL OPENSTACK HOSTED PRIVATE CLOUD

Ease of Deployment and Management

OpenMetal’s Hosted Private Cloud leverages OpenStack, an open-source cloud management platform. This can be advantageous for business IT teams used to OpenStack, offering a familiar interface and much faster deployment compared to setting up a private cloud from scratch.

However, OpenStack can also have a steeper learning curve for those new to the platform. OpenMetal offers management tools and documentation, but additional OpenStack knowledge/training might be needed to be comfortable utilizing this platform.

Cost Structure

OpenMetal offers a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model based on your resource usage with options from hourly billing up to 5-year agreement terms. This can be cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating workloads or those starting small and scaling up gradually. There’s also free 30 day proof of concept trials to test the service before committing.

Scalability

OpenMetal’s cloud cores, the building block of their private cloud offering, are designed for scalability. You can easily add additional cloud cores to increase compute, storage, and networking capacity as your needs grow.

Security Features

OpenMetal provides a secure infrastructure with features like firewalls and role-based access control. However, the level of security ultimately depends on your configuration and ongoing management. Expertise in OpenStack security is recommended for robust protection.

Integration with Existing Tools

OpenStack offers a high degree of flexibility for integration with various development tools and languages. Just about any other platform or service can be integrated. This can be beneficial for businesses with specific development workflows or existing DevOps practices.

Customer Support

OpenMetal offers customer support plans with varying response times based on your needs. For smaller businesses that may not require 24/7 support, this tiered approach can offer cost savings compared to providers with only premium support options.

TL;DR

OpenMetal OpenStack Hosted Private Cloud is a good option for smaller businesses or those comfortable with OpenStack that seek a cost-effective and versatile private cloud solution with development tool flexibility. It’s also the only platform that can deploy new resources in under a minute. However, the potential complexity of OpenStack management requires some technical expertise for optimal security and performance.

See OpenMetal Private Cloud’s latest reviews

RED HAT OPENSTACK PLATFORM

Ease of Deployment and Management

Red Hat OpenStack Platform offers a more user-friendly experience compared to vanilla OpenStack due to Red Hat’s focus on stability and management tools. This can simplify deployment and ongoing management for businesses with some OpenStack experience. However, it can still have a learning curve for those entirely new to the platform.

Cost Structure

Red Hat OpenStack Platform requires a subscription fee for the software itself, alongside the cost of underlying infrastructure (hardware, network). This can be a consideration for smaller businesses with tight budgets. However, the subscription model offers predictable costs compared to purely pay-as-you-go options.

Scalability

Red Hat OpenStack Platform is designed for scalability. You can add additional resources (compute, storage, network) to your private cloud as your business grows. However, the level of scalability might be limited compared to larger cloud providers due to your own infrastructure capacity.

Security Features

Red Hat OpenStack Platform offers a secure foundation with features like role-based access control and security groups. However, the overall security posture depends on your configuration and ongoing management practices. Security expertise in OpenStack is recommended for robust protection.

Integration with Existing Tools

Similar to OpenMetal, Red Hat OpenStack offers a high degree of flexibility for integration with various development tools and languages. This can be beneficial for businesses with specific development workflows or existing DevOps practices.

Customer Support

Red Hat provides different support options, including subscriptions with varying response times. For smaller businesses, this tiered approach allows for cost optimization compared to providers with only premium support options. However, Red Hat support can be expensive compared to some smaller cloud providers.

TL;DR

OpenStack-savvy small businesses can utilize the Red Hat OpenStack Platform for a private cloud solution that adapts to their growth and integrates smoothly with development tools. While its user interface is friendlier than vanilla OpenStack, ongoing management might require security expertise. Carefully consider the cost and potential need for additional security resources before committing.

See Red Hat OpenStack’s latest reviews

DIGITALOCEAN CLOUD

Ease of Deployment and Management

DigitalOcean Cloud offers a user-friendly web interface and a well-documented API for deploying and managing your private cloud. Their platform is known for its simplicity, making it a good choice for smaller businesses or those new to cloud management. They also provide tutorials and community support to assist with the process.

Cost Structure

DigitalOcean Cloud uses a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model based on your resource usage (compute, storage, bandwidth). This can be highly cost-effective for smaller businesses or those with unpredictable workloads. They offer a variety of droplet (virtual server) sizes and configurations to optimize cost based on your needs.

Scalability

DigitalOcean Cloud offers good vertical scaling options. You can easily upgrade your existing droplets to higher-performance configurations as your needs grow. Horizontal scaling (adding more droplets) is also possible, but limitations exist compared to larger cloud providers due to DigitalOcean’s own infrastructure capacity.

Security Features

DigitalOcean Cloud provides a secure foundation with features like firewalls, private networking, and SSH key access. However, the level of security ultimately depends on your configuration and ongoing management practices. Additional security solutions might be needed for robust protection.

Integration with Existing Tools

DigitalOcean offers a robust API and integrations with popular developer tools like GitHub and Docker. This allows for easy integration with existing development workflows and automation processes.

Customer Support

DigitalOcean offers 24/7 customer support through a ticketing system and a knowledge base. While phone-based support isn’t readily available, their reputation for responsive and helpful customer service is a plus for smaller businesses.

TL;DR

DigitalOcean Cloud is an impressive option for smaller businesses or those new to cloud management seeking a user-friendly, cost-effective, and flexible private cloud solution. The focus on developer tools and integrations make it suitable for development teams. However, considerations include limitations in horizontal scaling and the need for additional security measures depending on your requirements.

See DigitalOcean Cloud’s latest reviews

OVHCLOUD

Ease of Deployment and Management

OVHcloud offers a pre-configured Hosted Private Cloud solution built on VMware technology. This simplifies deployment and management compared to building a private cloud from scratch, especially for businesses with limited cloud expertise. They also provide a user-friendly control panel for managing resources.

Cost Structure

OVHcloud offers a transparent pricing model based on the chosen configuration (CPU, RAM, storage) and billed hourly. This pay-as-you-go approach can be cost-effective for smaller businesses with fluctuating workloads or those starting small and scaling gradually.

Scalability

OVHcloud’s Hosted Private Cloud offers good vertical scaling options. You can upgrade your existing resources (CPU, RAM) within your chosen configuration to meet growing demands. Horizontal scaling (adding more servers) might require contacting OVHcloud for configuration changes.

Security Features

OVHcloud prioritizes security with features like firewalls, private networks, and hardware isolation. Additionally, their infrastructure adheres to various security certifications. However, the level of security ultimately depends on your configuration and ongoing management practices.

Integration with Existing Tools

OVHcloud’s platform integrates well with existing VMware environments, making it a good choice for businesses already invested in VMware technology. Integration with other development tools might require additional configuration.

Customer Support

OVHcloud offers various customer support plans with different response times and service levels. Smaller businesses can choose basic support plans with longer response times to optimize costs. However, premium support options are also available for those requiring faster response times.

TL;DR

For smaller businesses, especially those using VMware, OVHcloud Hosted Private Cloud offers a user-friendly and budget-conscious way to build a private cloud. The pre-configured setup makes management easy, but keep in mind that expanding the cloud horizontally (adding more servers) might be limited. Additionally, while OVHcloud provides a solid foundation, you might need extra security expertise depending on your specific needs.

See OVHcloud’s latest reviews

VULTR

Ease of Deployment and Management

Vultr offers a user-friendly web control panel for deploying and managing your private cloud. Their Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) feature allows you to create isolated networks for your resources, simplifying management compared to a completely open environment. Vultr is known for its ease of use, making it a good choice for smaller businesses or those new to cloud technology.

Cost Structure

Vultr utilizes a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model based on your resource usage (compute, storage, bandwidth). This can be highly cost-effective for smaller businesses or those with unpredictable workloads. They offer a variety of server configurations at competitive rates, allowing you to optimize cost based on your needs.

Scalability

Vultr offers good vertical scaling options. You can easily upgrade your existing instances to higher-performance configurations as your needs grow. Horizontal scaling (adding more servers) is also straightforward through the control panel, allowing you to quickly adapt to workload fluctuations.

Security Features

Vultr  provides a secure foundation with features like private networking and firewalls. You can further enhance security by configuring security groups to control inbound and outbound traffic. However, the level of security ultimately depends on your configuration and ongoing management practices. Additional security solutions might be needed for robust protection.

Integration with Existing Tools

Vultr offers a basic API for scripting deployments and managing resources programmatically. Integrations with popular developer tools are limited compared to some providers. However, the simplicity of the platform can ease manual management for smaller development teams.

Customer Support

Vultr provides 24/7 customer support through a ticketing system and a knowledge base. While not always phone-based support, their reputation for responsive customer service is a plus for smaller businesses.

TL;DR

For budget-minded startups or businesses new to cloud management, Vultr offers a user-friendly private cloud solution. Their simple pricing and easy-to-use interface make it great for handling everyday tasks. However, keep in mind that developer tool integrations are limited, and you might need to implement additional security measures depending on your needs.

See Vultr’s latest reviews

SCALEWAY ELEMENTS

Ease of Deployment and Management

Scaleway Elements offers a user-friendly web console and a well-documented API for deploying and managing your private cloud. Their platform is known for its simplicity, making it a good choice for smaller businesses or those new to cloud management. Scaleway provides tutorials and knowledge base articles to assist with the process.

Cost Structure

Scaleway Elements utilizes a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model based on your resource usage (compute, storage, bandwidth). This can be highly cost-effective for smaller businesses or those with unpredictable workloads. They offer a variety of instance types and configurations at competitive rates, allowing you to optimize cost based on your needs.

Scalability

Scaleway Elements offers good vertical and horizontal scaling options. You can easily upgrade your existing instances to higher-performance configurations or add more instances to your private cloud as your needs grow. The Scaleway API allows for automation of scaling processes, further streamlining resource management.

Security Features

Scaleway Elements provides a secure foundation with features like private networks, firewalls, and security groups for access control. Additionally, Scaleway prioritizes data security with features like server-side encryption and regulatory compliance certifications. However, the level of security ultimately depends on your configuration and ongoing management practices.

Integration with Existing Tools

Scaleway offers a robust API for scripting deployments and integrating with popular infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform. This allows for easy integration with existing DevOps workflows and automation processes.

Customer Support

Scaleway offers customer support through a ticketing system and a knowledge base. While phone support might be limited depending on your chosen plan, their reputation for responsive and helpful customer service is a benefit for smaller businesses.

TL;DR

Small businesses and cloud management newcomers may appreciate Scaleway Elements. It’s a user-friendly and budget-conscious private cloud solution with built-in automation and developer-friendly tools, making it a good fit for modern development teams. However, keep in mind that phone support options might be limited, and depending on your needs, you might need additional security expertise.

See Scaleway’s latest reviews

VEXXHOST

Ease of Deployment and Management

VEXXHOST offers two private cloud deployment options: hosted and on-premise. The hosted option provides a pre-configured solution with a user-friendly control panel, simplifying deployment and management for businesses less familiar with cloud infrastructure. For those with existing infrastructure, VEXXHOST offers on-premise deployment with a steeper learning curve but greater control.

Cost Structure

VEXXHOST offers flexible pricing models for its private cloud solutions. You can choose between a one-time payment for upfront deployment, a monthly fee for fully managed services, or a hybrid option combining monthly support with a one-time payment. This flexibility allows smaller businesses to optimize costs based on their needs and technical expertise.

Scalability

VEXXHOST’s private cloud scales through adding nodes (physical servers) to your infrastructure. This allows for vertical scaling (increased resources per node) and horizontal scaling (adding more nodes) to accommodate workload growth.

Security Features

VEXXHOST prioritizes security by offering features like firewalls, VLANs, and role-based access control. Additionally, they emphasize data security with encryption at rest and in transit. Compliance with relevant industry standards is also available. However, the specific security configuration and ongoing management depend on your chosen deployment model (hosted vs. on-premise).

Integration with Existing Tools

VEXXHOST offers OpenStack consulting services to facilitate integration with existing tools and workflows. This can be beneficial for smaller businesses with existing OpenStack environments or those seeking to leverage OpenStack’s flexibility.

Customer Support

VEXXHOST provides 24/7 customer support through phone, ticketing system, and live chat. This comprehensive support structure can be valuable for smaller businesses requiring ongoing assistance with their private cloud.

TL;DR

VEXXHOST presents a versatile option for smaller businesses seeking a private cloud solution. The choice between hosted and on-premise deployment allows for flexibility based on technical expertise. The scalability, security features, and integration with OpenStack cater to various needs. However, careful consideration is needed regarding the chosen deployment model’s impact on management complexity and security responsibilities.

See VEXXHOST’s latest reviews

VIRTUOZZO

Ease of Deployment and Management

Virtuozzo is known for its user-friendly web interface and simple management tools. This makes it a good choice for smaller businesses or those new to cloud management. Virtuozzo offers pre-configured templates and a quick deployment process, streamlining initial setup.

Cost Structure

Virtuozzo offers a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model based on your resource usage (CPU, RAM, storage). This can be cost-effective for smaller businesses with fluctuating workloads or those starting small and scaling gradually. They offer a variety of VPS (Virtual Private Server) plans with different resource configurations to optimize cost based on your needs.

Scalability

Virtuozzo offers good vertical scaling options. You can easily upgrade your existing VPS plans to configurations with higher CPU, RAM, and storage capacity as your needs grow. Horizontal scaling (adding more VPS instances) is also possible, but limitations exist compared to larger cloud providers due to Virtuozzo’s own infrastructure capacity.

Security Features

Virtuozzo provides a secure foundation with features like containerization for workload isolation, role-based access control, and secure boot. These features help protect your data and applications. However, the level of security ultimately depends on your configuration and ongoing management practices. Additional security solutions might be needed for robust protection.

Integration with Existing Tools

Virtuozzo integrates with popular control panels like Plesk and cPanel, simplifying management for businesses already using these tools. Additionally, Virtuozzo offers an API for integration with custom automation scripts.

Customer Support

Virtuozzo offers various customer support plans with different response times and service levels. Smaller businesses can choose basic support plans with longer response times to optimize costs. Premium support options are also available for those requiring faster response times.

TL;DR

Virtuozzo is a great choice for smaller businesses taking their first steps into private cloud solutions. It’s budget-friendly, user-friendly, and built around containerization for a strong foundation. Easy management tools, pre-configured options, and seamless integration with popular control panels make it ideal for those new to the cloud game. However, keep in mind that expanding your cloud environment horizontally (adding more servers) might have limitations. You might also need to invest in additional security measures.

See Virtuozzo’s latest reviews

Private Cloud Summaries Side-by-Side

That was a lot of information! To make all these providers a little easier to digest, here’s all the TL;DRs in one spot.

Large Enterprises

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS VPC stands out as a robust choice for sizable corporations in search of a secure, adaptable, and comprehensive private cloud solution, offering a wide array of services and a worldwide presence. Nevertheless, effective cost control is essential due to the pay-as-you-go structure and possible additional charges for data leaving the network.

Microsoft Azure: For large enterprises with existing Microsoft environments, Azure Dedicated Host offers a secure, scalable private cloud solution with tight integration. The fixed cost model ensures budget predictability, but requires upfront planning to optimize resource utilization.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Large enterprises looking for a feature-packed private cloud with extensive services and global reach may want to consider GCP Private Cloud. The pay-as-you-go approach keeps costs flexible, but careful monitoring of egress fees is necessary to optimize your budget.

IBM Cloud: Enterprises, particularly those already using IBM solutions, will find IBM Cloud a strong fit for their private cloud needs. Its hybrid cloud integration capabilities simplifies connecting your private cloud to existing IBM infrastructure. The flexible pricing allows for cost optimization, but careful planning based on your resource usage is crucial to ensure you choose the most cost-effective plan.

HPE GreenLake: HPE GreenLake is a strong option for businesses seeking a private cloud solution with a focus on managed services and tight integration with existing infrastructure. The pay-as-you-go model promotes cost efficiency, and HPE’s expertise can streamline the cloud adoption process.

Dell Technologies APEX: For businesses, especially those already using VMware, Dell APEX offers a user-friendly private cloud solution with helpful managed services and easy integrations. Their flexible pricing lets you optimize costs, and Dell’s expertise can simplify your cloud journey from setup to management.

Platform9: Platform9 is a compelling choice for large enterprises seeking a feature-rich private cloud solution. It offers good security, streamlines management through automation, and integrates with existing infrastructure. The subscription model and reduced IT overhead contribute to a potentially cost-effective solution for managing complex private cloud deployments.

Canonical Charmed OpenStack: Large enterprises requiring a versatile private cloud with robust protection and extensive management capabilities will find Charmed OpenStack from Canonical intriguing. Its flexible deployment options cater to complex IT needs, while integration with existing infrastructure simplifies management. The focus on automation further streamlines operations, potentially leading to a cost-effective private cloud solution.

Mirantis: Mirantis is a good choice for large enterprises seeking a private cloud solution that excels at handling large deployments with a strong focus on containerization. The comprehensive service offerings for both containers and VMs, along with flexible deployment options, cater to complex enterprise needs. Mirantis’ automation and integration capabilities can streamline management and potentially reduce costs compared to traditional OpenStack management.

Rackspace: Large enterprises with intricate IT needs may want to check out Rackspace’s private cloud solutions. Their global infrastructure allows for geographically distributed deployments, while their hybrid cloud capabilities can integrate with your existing setup. Rackspace offers a variety of managed services alongside their private cloud, allowing you to offload management tasks and focus on core business goals. Flexible pricing lets you optimize costs, and Rackspace’s experience can simplify cloud adoption and ongoing management.

SMBs and SMEs

OpenMetal OpenStack Hosted Private Cloud: OpenMetal OpenStack Hosted Private Cloud is a good option for smaller businesses or those comfortable with OpenStack that seek a cost-effective and versatile private cloud solution with development tool flexibility. It’s also the only platform that can deploy new resources in under a minute. However, the potential complexity of OpenStack management requires some technical expertise for optimal security and performance.

Red Hat OpenStack Platform: OpenStack-savvy small businesses can utilize the Red Hat OpenStack Platform for a private cloud solution that adapts to their growth and integrates smoothly with development tools. While its user interface is friendlier than vanilla OpenStack, ongoing management might require security expertise. Carefully consider the cost and potential need for additional security resources before committing.

DigitalOcean Cloud: DigitalOcean Cloud is an impressive option for smaller businesses or those new to cloud management seeking a user-friendly, cost-effective, and flexible private cloud solution. The focus on developer tools and integrations make it suitable for development teams. However, considerations include limitations in horizontal scaling and the need for additional security measures depending on your requirements.

OVHcloud: For smaller businesses, especially those using VMware, OVHcloud Hosted Private Cloud offers a user-friendly and budget-conscious way to build a private cloud. The pre-configured setup makes management easy, but keep in mind that expanding the cloud horizontally (adding more servers) might be limited. Additionally, while OVHcloud provides a solid foundation, you might need extra security expertise depending on your specific needs.

Vultr: For budget-minded startups or businesses new to cloud management, Vultr offers a user-friendly private cloud solution. Their simple pricing and easy-to-use interface make it great for handling everyday tasks. However, keep in mind that developer tool integrations are limited, and you might need to implement additional security measures depending on your needs.

Scaleway Elements: Small businesses and cloud management newcomers may appreciate Scaleway Elements. It’s a user-friendly and budget-conscious private cloud solution with built-in automation and developer-friendly tools, making it a good fit for modern development teams. However, keep in mind that phone support options might be limited, and depending on your needs, you might need additional security expertise.

VEXXHOST: VEXXHOST presents a versatile option for smaller businesses seeking a private cloud solution. The choice between hosted and on-premise deployment allows for flexibility based on technical expertise. The scalability, security features, and integration with OpenStack cater to various needs. However, careful consideration is needed regarding the chosen deployment model’s impact on management complexity and security responsibilities.

Virtuozzo: Virtuozzo is a great choice for smaller businesses taking their first steps into private cloud solutions. It’s budget-friendly, user-friendly, and built around containerization for a strong foundation. Easy management tools, pre-configured options, and seamless integration with popular control panels make it ideal for those new to the cloud game. However, keep in mind that expanding your cloud environment horizontally (adding more servers) might have limitations. You might also need to invest in additional security measures.

Wrapping Up

When shopping for a private cloud provider, the size of your organization is just one thing to consider. While large enterprises will generally have different needs than smaller companies, there is crossover between many of these platforms, so don’t be afraid to look at different vendors and see what they have to offer.

Take some time before you begin your search to lay out what is most important to your organization, what your budget is, any gotchas to look out for like egress charges and term lengths, and what level of service and SLAs you’re comfortable with. There are also different levels of private cloud as you may have noticed in this list. It’s smart to decide which is fitting for your needs as well to help narrow down providers – do you need hosted private cloud? Fully managed private cloud? Does it need to be on dedicated servers or are you fine using virtual private clouds?

Wishing you the best of luck in your private cloud provider search!