The control of cloud resources depends on the type of cloud service being used. For the purpose of answering this question, we are focusing on public cloud services, as that is the context of the provided reference.
Public Cloud Control
In the realm of public cloud storage, the responsibility for management and security lies with the public cloud storage provider. This provider owns and maintains the physical infrastructure, including servers, storage devices, and network equipment.
- Examples of Public Cloud Providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Key Responsibilities of Cloud Providers
- Infrastructure Management: The provider manages the physical servers, networking, and storage hardware.
- Security: They implement security measures to protect the infrastructure and the data stored within their cloud.
- System Maintenance: The provider handles system updates, patches, and other maintenance tasks.
- Service Availability: Providers ensure that cloud services are accessible to customers when needed.
Client Responsibilities
While the public cloud provider manages the underlying infrastructure, users (organizations or individuals) retain control over their data. This includes:
- Data Creation: Users generate the content they store in the cloud.
- Data Modification: They can update, edit, or delete their data.
- Access Control: Users determine who has access to their data and what permissions they have.
- Data Management: They decide how their data is organized and used.
Key Differences: On-Premises vs. Public Cloud
| Feature | On-Premises | Public Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Organization manages everything | Provider manages infrastructure, security |
| Security | Organization is fully responsible | Provider manages core security features |
| Responsibility | Full control & full responsibility | Shared responsibility (Provider / User) |
| Cost | Higher upfront, ongoing costs | Variable based on usage, no initial cost |
Conclusion
In summary, for public cloud storage, the cloud provider controls the underlying infrastructure and its security, while the user retains control over the data itself.
