What is a Community cloud and how does it work?

A community cloud is a shared infrastructure accessible to various participants, typically companies, authorities, or organisations. It may involve all or some parties sharing their infrastructure, or a single organisation providing its resources to others. The goal is to foster networking, data exchange, and collaboration while maintaining high security standards.

How does a community cloud work?

The community cloud operates on a similar principle to other (public) cloud solutions, where a third-party provider offers services and software either for free or for a fee. It provides resources like servers, storage, databases, software, and analytics services. However, unlike a public cloud, access in a community cloud is restricted to certain users, and specific guidelines govern service usage. It also functions like a private cloud in that it is client-capable, allowing for the addition of new members and scalable resources as needed.

The cloud can be provided in two ways. In one approach, several parties collaborate to rent and configure server structures according to their needs. Each organisation offers its own services to other participants, with all parties agreeing on and adhering to common compliance requirements.

Alternatively, a single participant converts its own private cloud in the data centre or via a provider into a community cloud and makes the services hosted there available to other selected interested parties. In this case, the guidelines are usually defined and enforced by the host.

What are the most important applications?

There are many potential applications for the community cloud, even though it is less common than other forms of cloud computing. It is particularly useful where different individuals and groups collaborate on joint projects or share the same services. For example, multiple companies can pool their expertise and resources, benefiting all parties and reducing costs. Additionally, partners working together on a project may find a community cloud advantageous.

The solution is also frequently used by large organisations with global networks, allowing for optimal coordination. For instance, companies that rely on freelancers can use the cloud to provide them with essential programs and access to server structures and projects. Additionally, full-time employees working from home or clients that you have long-term relationships with can access all relevant services through a community cloud.

What are pros and cons of the community cloud?

There are numerous advantages and a few disadvantages associated with using a community cloud.

Pros

• Scalability: Larger resources can typically be quickly scaled up as needed.
• Security: Community clouds are considered very secure, preventing data loss and unauthorised access.
• Cost: Sharing costs among multiple parties reduces the financial burden on each participant.
• Networking: Collaboration among different parties is significantly easier, which also optimises the execution of joint projects.
• Custom Access Control: Rights and responsibilities can be tailored to the specific needs of each participant.
• Availability: Data availability is increased with a cloud solution, including community clouds.

Cons

• Effort: The effort required for configuration and maintenance is relatively high.
• Dependence: The success of such a solution depends on all participants. The principle can only work if everyone follows the rules and fulfills their responsibilities, especially concerning data security.

What alternatives are there for the community cloud?

If the community cloud model doesn’t suit your needs, there are three alternatives that can help you with virtualisation:

• Public Cloud: This solution offers services openly over the internet. There are both free and paid providers.
• Private Cloud: This refers to an internal cloud that is accessible only to selected users.
• Hybrid Cloud: This option allows you to store data partially in a private or public cloud and the rest in a traditional data centre.