Benefits of cloud computing

Vendor Cloud (external) :  

• Quick startup time; no capital investment required.
• Allows outsourcing of non-core functions to a service provider.
• Leverages a highly scalable provider infrastructure.
• Uses a reliable and standardised software stack.
• Lower initial fees, variable costs, billed by usage.

Private Cloud (internal)

• Quick startup and flexibility of resource allocation; requires capital investment. 
• On-premise data and systems; allows direct support of governance and compliance, security, data privacy, etc; limited opportunities for reduction of staffing. 
• Maybe a good choice when possible to leverage existing staff and investments; allows control of service levels and operational reporting. 
• Cost savings through leveraging virtualisation and more effectiveuse of assets to increase resource utilisation and lower internal costs. 

Hybrid Cloud (mixed)

• Quick startup, but the integration of vendor and private cloud adds complexity.
• Can permit control of data and reduction of non-core focus.
• Allows selection of scalable provider infrastructure when needed; can allow internal control when required.
• Allows fine-grained sourcing of most appropriate technology and cost profiles; integration may constrain savings potential.

Community Cloud 

• Sharing service costs between organisations.
• Can be architected to permit information sharing between organisations without passing data into external network environments.