In recent years, the adoption of public cloud services has significantly increased as businesses of all sizes leverage its flexibility and scalability to drive growth. According to an International Data Corporation (IDC) report, global spending on public cloud provider services is projected to reach $1.35 trillion by 2027.

A public cloud is a type of cloud computing where third-party providers offer computing resources over the internet on a pay-per-usage basis, enabling companies to scale resources as needed. Today, we delve into 10 key business use cases that demonstrate how public cloud technologies underpin modern business operations and drive digital transformation.

Understanding Public Cloud

Public cloud computing involves third-party providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud, or Microsoft Azure offering various computing resources like software applications, virtual machines, and development platforms over the public internet. This model allows companies to scale resources dynamically to meet their specific requirements.

How Public Cloud Computing Works

In the public cloud model, cloud service providers own and manage physical data centers that host client workloads. These environments are multi-tenant, where users share virtual resources provisioned via self-service interfaces. Providers handle hardware maintenance, high-bandwidth connectivity, virtualization, and security measures to ensure data protection and service availability.

Benefits of Leveraging Public Cloud

Organizations stand to gain several advantages by utilizing public cloud solutions:

• Cost-effectiveness: Reduce hardware and infrastructure costs with pay-per-usage models.
• Efficiency: Pay only for resources utilized, eliminating wastage.
• Elasticity: Scale resources to meet fluctuating demands effectively.
• Scalability: Easily increase workload capacities as needed.
• Innovation: Access cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT.
• Spending predictability: Ensure more predictable operating expenses.
• Team collaboration: Enable remote access to resources for improved collaboration.
• High availability and reliability: Ensure data resilience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Sustainability: Enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.

Public Cloud Service Models

Today’s cloud providers offer a range of managed services across various categories, creating modern IT environments.

Public Cloud Use Cases

Here are 10 ways organizations utilize public cloud services for cost savings, innovation, and overall business advancement:

1. Storage

Public cloud storage offers scalable storage capacities to reduce in-house infrastructure costs.

2. Dynamic resource allocation

Public cloud enables flexible resource scaling based on demand, ideal for businesses with fluctuating needs.

3. Development and testing

Public cloud environments provide efficient platforms for developing and testing applications.

4. Cloud-native applications and DevOps

Public cloud supports cloud-native applications and DevOps practices for rapid software deployment.

5. Low code

Low-code platforms in the public cloud streamline app development for non-coders.

6. Analytics

Public cloud infrastructures facilitate big data analytics for real-time insights.

7. Hybrid multicloud strategy

Integrating public cloud with other environments enables workload flexibility and service optimization.

8. Generative AI

Public cloud supports generative AI workloads with high computing capabilities.

9. Edge computing

Combining edge computing with public cloud enhances data processing efficiency.

10. Quantum computing

Public cloud services facilitate access to quantum computing resources for industries requiring advanced computational capabilities.

Public Cloud Solutions with IBM

IBM Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of public cloud solutions designed to deliver high performance, security, and compliance for mission-critical workloads across various industries.

FAQs about Public Cloud Use Cases

1. What is a public cloud?

A public cloud is a type of cloud computing where third-party providers offer computing resources over the internet on a pay-per-usage basis, allowing businesses to scale resources dynamically.

2. How does public cloud computing work?

In a public cloud model, providers own and manage physical data centers that host client workloads. Users share virtual resources provisioned through self-service interfaces, with providers managing hardware maintenance and security measures.

3. What are the benefits of using public cloud services?

Organizations can benefit from cost-effectiveness, efficiency, scalability, innovation, spending predictability, team collaboration, high availability, reliability, and sustainability by leveraging public cloud solutions.

4. How can organizations utilize public cloud use cases?

Organizations can utilize public cloud for storage, dynamic resource allocation, development and testing, cloud-native applications, low code development, analytics, hybrid multicloud strategies, generative AI, edge computing, and quantum computing.