| Public cloud | Private cloud |
| Not fully customizable | Completely customizable |
| Suitable for content that is not too sensitive | Suitable for highly confidential data |
| Supports multiple customers | Supports a cluster of dedicated customers |
| Virtualized resources are shared publicly | Virtualized resources are shared privately |
| Connects over the internet | Connects over a private network and fiber |
| Lower cost of operations as services are managed by the provider | Higher price because of customizations and control |