Determining the type of Organization and its Needs
Arts organizations have different employment structures and technical needs. A theater company and a non-profit grant producing organization would require different types of cloud computing resources. I believe that private, hybrid or community clouds would be the best solutions for most companies. Even though the public cloud is efficient for coffee shops and libraries, it may not be a good solution for an arts organization-especially one that puts on productions, as no performer wants to be interrupted by someone’s smartphone use during a stage play. Once founders determine the type of organization they would like to create, they will get a better sense of the type of cloud computing that would be efficient for their company.
Why Not Just Use the Public Cloud?
The public cloud has the most vulnerabilities because it can be used by anyone (employee or visitor) and have a greater chance of encountering viruses. Also, it may be possible for hackers to gain unauthorized access to networks and systems used by directors and managers, which could lead to breaches of data and damages to software and hardware. In order to prevent these scenarios, selecting one of the other cloud versions would be more appropriate.
When is it a Good Idea to Use the Hybrid Cloud?
If an arts organization needs a private network for communication between a number of employees, and wants to make the internet available to people in art galleries and other open spaces, then a hybrid cloud service would be an effective option. However, upper management should introduce policies that ensure only the employees who need access to the private portion of the cloud can have it, but they should also be aware that the public side has more risk and there is a possibility that a threat agent from it can try to use brute force attacks and other methods to try to get to the information on the private portion of the cloud. Even though it is not the most secure option, I think hybrid clouds would be good solutions for art galleries and museums.
Should Companies Avoid the Community Cloud?
No, arts organizations that collaborate with others due to their proximity, mission, or goals will find the community cloud to be a strong solution. Collaboration is one of the most applied concepts to individuals and organizations that produce creative products and services. If the right companies are willing to pool their resources together to form a community cloud, it would create a collaborative environment (in which most arts organizations would be familiar with) and build business relationships between them with a sense that they are all in this together (in regards to network and cybersecurity).
Is the Private Cloud the Most Secure?
For arts organizations, as well as most corporations, implementing the private cloud is the most secure solution. This will give network access only to authorized staff, and no connectivity for the public. This method ensures that business and production information remain in secure storage with an insignificant chance of data breach.
Also, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, some analysts are suggesting a “new normal” will take place once the disease starts to spread much less frequently and states begin to re-open their economies. It is realistic to view attendees of an art gallery having to stand 6 feet away from each other while wearing masks and gloves. Installing a private cloud solution would not encourage attendees to stay longer at exhibits in order to gain internet access. It would prevent the flow of human traffic from becoming much larger than the recommended 10 people at a time.
So, Which One Would I Choose?
I would not select the public cloud due to its vulnerabilities and incentivizing of people to assemble in one place while COVID-19 is still active. I would only use the community cloud if I had business relationships with other good organizations and for its cost saving effect. Ideally a hybrid cloud would make arts organizations more appealing to their visitors, but unfortunately that would not be the case with the “new normal”. I would select the private cloud because it has less vulnerabilities and will fit in with the “new normal”.