Community

Community cloud models refer to a specific type of cloud computing deployment that is shared among multiple organizations with common interests or requirements. In this model, a community of users with similar security, compliance, and governance needs come together to share cloud resources provided by a third-party cloud service provider. The community cloud is designed to meet the specific needs of its members and may be managed by the community itself or an external cloud service provider.

Key Characteristics of Community Cloud Models

Community cloud models possess the following key characteristics that distinguish them from other cloud deployment models:

• Shared Community: The community cloud is shared by multiple organizations or entities with similar requirements and concerns.
• Common Interests: The members of the community have common interests, such as compliance regulations or industry-specific standards.
• Customization: The community cloud is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of its member organizations.
• Resource Pooling: Community cloud resources are pooled and shared among the members to achieve cost efficiency.
• Governance: The community may have shared governance over the cloud resources or delegate management to a third-party provider.
• Secure Collaboration: Community clouds enable secure collaboration and data sharing among community members.

Use Cases of Community Cloud Models

Community clouds are commonly used in scenarios where multiple organizations share common interests:

• Government Agencies: Government agencies with shared security and compliance requirements may use a community cloud for data sharing and collaboration.
• Healthcare Networks: Healthcare organizations and providers may collaborate on a community cloud to exchange patient data securely.
• Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities may form a community cloud to share educational resources and research data.
• Financial Services: Financial institutions may join a community cloud to share financial data while adhering to industry regulations.
• Research and Development: Companies in the same industry working on research and development projects may collaborate through a community cloud.

Advantages of Community Cloud Models

Adopting community cloud models offers several benefits for member organizations:

• Cost Efficiency: Community clouds enable resource pooling and cost-sharing, reducing individual infrastructure expenses.
• Customization: The community cloud can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of the member organizations.
• Enhanced Security: Community clouds can implement shared security standards and best practices, enhancing overall data protection.
• Collaboration: Community clouds facilitate secure data sharing and collaboration among member organizations.
• Compliance: The community cloud can be designed to adhere to specific industry regulations and compliance requirements.

Considerations for Community Cloud Models

While community cloud models offer significant advantages, organizations should consider the following factors:

• Trust and Shared Governance: Member organizations must trust each other and establish shared governance rules for cloud management.
• Data Security and Privacy: Ensuring data security and compliance with regulations is critical when multiple organizations share cloud resources.
• Vendor Selection: Choosing a reputable and reliable cloud service provider is crucial for the success of the community cloud.
• Interoperability: Ensure seamless integration and interoperability among different systems and applications used by member organizations.
• Exit Strategy: Have an exit strategy in place in case any member organization needs to leave the community cloud.