Private Cloud Connect vs Internet Access to the Cloud

Most businesses access cloud applications over the public internet, and for many workloads that works well. But as more critical systems move to the cloud, the path between your offices and those systems becomes as important as the systems themselves.

Internet access

Traffic travels over your internet connection and across the public internet to the cloud provider. It is simple, inexpensive and available everywhere. Performance, however, depends on congestion and routing outside your control.

Private cloud connectivity

Dedicated links connect your offices or data centre directly to cloud providers' networks, bypassing the public internet. Benefits include consistent latency, higher throughput for large transfers and reduced exposure to internet-based threats.

When private connectivity makes sense

• Large or frequent data transfers, such as backups and replication
• Latency-sensitive applications like ERP, trading or real-time analytics
• Hybrid architectures where on-premise and cloud systems communicate constantly
• Compliance requirements that discourage public internet paths

When internet access is enough

SaaS tools such as email, collaboration platforms and CRM generally work well over good internet connections.

Hybrid approach

Use private links for core systems and data transfers, and internet access for SaaS and general browsing. SD-WAN can steer traffic automatically.

Redundancy

Even private connections should have a backup path, often an encrypted tunnel over the internet.

Cost considerations

Private links add cost but may reduce data transfer charges and improve productivity.

The bottom line

Match connectivity to workload criticality. Private connections make the cloud feel local for the systems that matter most.

Learn more about Managed Cloud from UbiFi, or talk to our team.