Top 5 Community Cloud Providers in 2021

A community cloud is defined as a cloud computing and infrastructure deployment model where multiple tenants share a private pool of cloud resources segregated from external access. This article discusses the must-have features to look for in a community cloud solution and the top five providers in this space. 

Table of Contents

• Key Must-Have Features to Look for in a Community Cloud Provider
• Top 5 Community Cloud Providers to Consider in 2021

Key Must-Have Features to Look for in a Community Cloud Provider 

A community cloud is a cloud computing and infrastructure deployment model where multiple tenants share a private pool of cloud resources segregated from external access. It is a hybrid approach to private cloud deployment, where more than one organization can use cloud infrastructure that is technically private and cut off from the public internet. 

Community clouds can be extremely helpful when building a collective organization, where different companies, partners, resellers, suppliers, and customer groups work together towards a shared business purpose. For example, in the education sector, you can have a set of regional institutions, a supervisor board, a local government agency, and a parent community organization looking to access the same apps, processes, and data assets. 

At the same time, they would want to have their independent applications and portals hosted on the cloud. The community cloud deployment model makes this possible without allowing organizations outside of this predetermined group or community to access the cloud infrastructure — which would be the case in a public cloud. 

Some key sectors that leverage community clouds include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and the government. A large industrial campus or economic zone may also want to operate on a community cloud to keep the infrastructure secure while gaining from the benefits of resource sharing, such as greater scalability, dynamic resource provisioning, and data connectivity. 

Also Read: What Is Private Cloud Storage? Definition, Types, Examples, and Best Practices

Community cloud providers are of three types: 

1. Public cloud platform owners like Microsoft offering a community cloud variant 
2. Private cloud infrastructure providers like IBM, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Cisco that host community cloud environments on their homegrown hardware 
3. Managed service providers (MSPs) that partner with cloud platform and hardware providers to assemble customized community cloud infrastructure for their clients 

No matter which type of community cloud provider you choose, there are five key features to keep in mind when assessing vendors.

Features to Look For in a Community Cloud Provider

1. A large partner ecosystem 

This is an important difference between community clouds and public clouds. While public cloud platforms can be freely integrated with external applications and third-party tools, a community cloud environment is more closed and segregated. This means that only certified vendors and partners will be able to operate within a community cloud environment, which adds to its security quotient. A large partner ecosystem on the part of your cloud provider will help make the environment flexible while also being secure and private. 

Check for hardware partnerships so that the cloud is supported by cutting-edge servers and data center technology. Security partnerships and application development support are also essential, as they help build out the environment and make it ready for business use. Finally, partnerships with network technology providers will help establish secure connectivity within your organization and with other members of the community cloud. 

2. Stringent security and compliance focus 

There are several ways to achieve this. The community cloud vendor could bring a set of homegrown security tools and appliances that natively work with your cloud apps and processes. The environment can also be secured through partnerships with the world’s leading cloud and infrastructure security providers. 

Another key element is role-based access with the provider organization. As a community cloud requires significantly more vendor involvement than a public cloud platform, the vendor stakeholders accessing your cloud-hosted data should be closely monitored. For example, if a U.S. government agency adopts a community cloud, then it should ensure that only U.S.-based employees of the community cloud provider can access its cloud systems. 

Finally, the provider must be fully certified as per your industry’s specific regulations — such as FedRAMP certification in the public sector, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance in healthcare, and compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in education. 

Also Read: Top 10 Public Cloud Hosting Service Providers in 2021

3. Tailored for a specific industry 

This is an essential parameter when choosing your community cloud provider. Given that this type of cloud deployment caters to the collective needs of organizations in a particular business category, industry-specific tools and features are crucial for performance. For example, a group of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, distributors, and equipment part resellers might need support for edge devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

In this scenario, the provider would be expected to build IoT apps, drive edge analytics, and enable network connectivity with distributed devices in this scenario. On the other hand, a community cloud environment for banking could prioritize mobile app functionalities. Therefore, your community cloud provider must be able to meet the requirements of your business in terms of functionality, compliance, and long-term support. 

4. Application development and deployment support 

A community cloud environment relies on a wide range of custom-built applications. You need connected platforms that tap into shared datasets to power 360-degree business intelligence. You also need standalone apps for your own organization, operating independently of the other tenants on the community cloud. Designing this application landscape, building cloud-native apps, enabling integrations, and deploying the initiative are among the core responsibilities of your community cloud provider. 

In some cases like Microsoft, the application landscape might come pre-built, adapting to your unique community cloud architecture for greater security. But mostly, community cloud customers look for bespoke applications suited to their business needs and their partners or other community members. Few apps your provider would be expected to deliver are: 

• A centralized IT dashboard to monitor cloud performance across tenants 
• Independent IT dashboards to monitor cloud performance for each tenant 
• Business apps that enable connected workflows and data visibility between tenants 
• Business apps tailored to the needs of each organization on the cloud 
• Network access and security monitoring apps

5. Robust managed service capabilities 

Unlike the public cloud, where organizations can take full ownership of implementation with little to no involvement from the vendor, community cloud providers must also act as an MSP. This means that they will take charge of designing the infrastructure architecture, covering both hardware and software needs. They must be able to remotely troubleshoot the system and simplify the day-to-day management of the community cloud. 

As your business environment evolves and you onboard new partners, the cloud environment must expand accordingly. The provider should be able to aid scalability, provisioning fresh hardware, network capacities, and software tools. Importantly, as an MSP, the provider must deliver a high uptime guarantee and 24x7x365 availability for remote troubleshooting. 

These are the five foundational features that make a community cloud solution suitable for a company or a group of companies. Let us now discuss the top providers that meet these criteria. 

Also Read: Cloud vs. On-premise Comparison: Key Differences and Similarities

Top 5 Community Cloud Providers to Consider in 2021 

Several MSPs and cloud vendors can help build a tailored cloud landscape for your business environment and its member organizations. Here are the top five providers in terms of market presence, comprehensiveness of cloud capability, and business enablement services to aid your research (arranged in alphabetical order). 

Disclaimer: This list is based on publicly available information and includes vendor websites that sell to mid-to-large enterprises. Readers are advised to conduct their own final research to ensure the best fit for their unique organizational needs.

1. Cisco

Overview: Cisco is among the world’s leading companies in hybrid cloud and software as a service (SaaS). It also partners with multi-cloud solutions provider Rackspace Technology to deliver sophisticated and secure IT infrastructure. Cisco’s cloud capabilities range from software-defined networking, internet of things (IoT), and containerization to physical servers. Cisco has a strong presence in the community cloud segment and has been recognized as a major industry player by research firm Research and Markets. It delivers community cloud solutions for various use cases, including government use, enterprises, and education. 

Key features: The key features of Cisco’s community cloud offering include: 

• Backed by a vast solution footprint in both enterprise hardware and software 
• Converged infrastructure solutions like FlexPod to build a cloud-ready architecture 
• Customizable dashboards to manage community cloud utilization 
• Partnerships with industry leaders like NetApp, Rackspace, and others to drive a 360-degree cloud solution 
• An impressive suite of networking solutions such as switches, routers, and access points for cloud-based connectivity 
• Homegrown data center solutions for community cloud storage 

USP: Cisco is one of the few companies that provides end-to-end community cloud capabilities with very little need for external or third-party support. It has everything you would need to power a cloud migration initiative, including the Cisco SecureX platform to address any security concerns when moving to a community cloud. The company has also achieved proven success in various community cloud scenarios, aided by its strong service capability that helps design custom architectures for different types of businesses. 

Pricing: Cisco’s community cloud offering is custom priced based on the components you use (FlexPod, Cisco Nexus switches, and fabric interconnects, data and workload management apps, Cisco network management apps, etc.)

Editorial comments: Companies of every size looking to gain from a connected network of alliance partners should consider Cisco as a provider. It ensures migration and community cloud go live with minimal interruption to ongoing processes, and its equipment is known for durability and lasting excellence. 

Also Read: What Is Hybrid Cloud? Definition, Architecture, and Management Best Practices for 2021

2. Cloud4C 

Overview: Cloud4C is a leading cloud MSP founded in 2014. It caters to 80+ enterprises across 25 countries (including 60 of the Fortune 500), earning over 41 billion in revenues. The company’s partnerships with SAP, Azure, Google, AWS, and Oracle Cloud make it well-equipped to deliver various customized cloud solutions. Cloud4C has three community cloud offerings — SAP on Cloud, Bank-in-a-Box, and Insurance-in-a-Box. These enable industry-relevant hardware and software implementation within a community cloud environment purpose-built for your organization and its partners. Apart from this, Cloud4C enhances your performance on the cloud through DevOps, AIOps, automation, data and application modernization, and cloud cost management. 

Key features: The key features of Cloud4C’s community cloud offering include: 

• Offers a combination of fully private and public cloud resources 
• Industry-focused clouds for banking, insurance, healthcare, and enterprise resource planning (ERP)
• Full uptime ownership of applications 
• Disaster recovery and business continuity services, aided by high availability infrastructure 
• 26+ security tools and 18 Centers of Excellence for specific use cases 
• End-to-end community cloud management from setting up data centers to middleware backup and application management

USP: Cloud4C allows you to gain from public clouds like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform in addition to your private data centers (remote or on-premise). This makes your community cloud environment more flexible and cost-efficient, as you can conserve private resources for more sensitive workloads. At the same time, non-business-critical data and processes can be relegated to a public platform. The entire hybrid environment is secured using multiple tools and 40+ security controls. 

Pricing: The pricing for Cloud4C will depend on your infrastructure mix and the specific business requirements as per your industry. 

Editorial comments: Cloud4C is one of the most compelling alternatives for organizations looking for end-or-end cloud transformation centered around a community cloud environment. From infrastructure modernization to implementation and compliance, the company is positioned as a partner across your cloud journey. Further, Cloud4C’s self-designed cloud framework enables community cloud access for SAP ERP, agnostic of the underlying cloud infrastructure. 

Also Read: What Is Cloud Encryption? Definition, Importance, Methods and Best Practices

3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) 

Overview: HPE is widely recognized for its flagship cloud solution, GreenLake. HPE GreenLake is meant for private and hybrid cloud implementations and has been leveraged for community cloud use cases. Apart from GreenLake, HPE also utilizes its Helion suite of open-source software and integrated systems to build on-premise private clouds and community cloud architectures. HPE tailors its community cloud offerings for your specific industry needs, enabling key services such as big data processing and mobility. It also helps that HPE has a robust suite of cloud services, including edge management colocation, data centers, and application development on the cloud. HPE offers a relatively straightforward cloud implementation approach, gaining from as-a-service delivery models and open-source technology. 

Key features: The key features of HPE’s community cloud offering include: 

• The HPE Ezmeral platform for executing applications, data processes, and IT workloads from the edge to the cloud 
• Helion OpenStack cloud platform for scalable private and community cloud environments 
• Seamless integration with existing systems by the HPE team 
• Homegrown products for big data, mobility, information security, machine learning, and database management 
• Out-of-the-box integration with SAP HANA installations 
• Enterprise-grade systems, ready for industrial applications and large-scale connectivity 

USP: HPE’s major USP when it comes to its community cloud offerings is the use of open-source. The Helion cloud platform is built on open-source OpenStack technology, making it extremely extensible as your business needs evolve. HPE leverages open-source for its database platform capability, seamlessly integrating with your existing and future infrastructure. As community cloud setups are typically dynamic and subject to continuous change, this intelligent use of open-source components can enable agility and reduce costs in the long term. 

Pricing: HPE provides its customers with a personalized quote based on the nature of cloud workloads, configurations, specifications, and parameters. Its cloud architecture and platform services are billed separately. 

Editorial comments: For companies looking to adopt a community cloud environment for industrial needs, HPE offers a compelling solution. It can support the end-to-end data center lifecycle, from constructing new facilities to configuration and deployment. And, its use of open-source components means that you can connect the community cloud with industry-specific tools, with different users launching their own platform within the ecosystem. 

Also Read: Top 8 Hybrid Cloud Storage Platforms in 2021

4. IBM

Overview: As a global leader in private and hybrid cloud infrastructures, IBM is well-poised to support your community cloud requirements. It focuses on two specific use cases — interconnectivity between government agencies and open-source cloud for research, experimentation, and development. The company has a Federal Community Cloud (FCC) service platform, which is compliant with government security regulations and certifications to enable shared tenancy for federal agencies. IBM is also FedRAMP-certified and offers a dedicated toolset called the IBM SmartCloud Social Collaboration for Government. It also offers the IBM LinuxONE Community Cloud, a free, enterprise-grade, and open access environment for customization and developer efforts. 

Key features: The key features of IBM’s community cloud offering include: 

• Facilitates the development of cloud-native apps in an enterprise-grade environment, free of cost 
• Compatibility with containerization use cases, owing to OpenShift Container Platform on the LinuxONE Community Cloud
• A vast portfolio of cloud services, including enterprise apps, developer support, and self-service IT infrastructure
• Expertise in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, real-time analytics, business automation, IoT, and cryptographic cybersecurity
• Cloud resource management through IBM Turbonomic 
• Purpose-built for the federal government 

USP: The biggest USP that IBM brings to the table is its wide range of cloud products. From blockchain to various types of computing workloads, the company can support all your digital transformation projects on the cloud. Given that community cloud initiatives are typically intended to bring collective transformation and growth, this makes a big difference to your operations. Further, IBM FCC is among the oldest community clouds available for governments, launched in 2010. 

Pricing: IBM’s community cloud offering will be custom priced according to your scale and feature selection. IBM SmartCloud Social Collaboration, FCC, Linux One servers, IBM Z, and Turbonomic are some of the offering components you can expect to pay for. 

Editorial comments: With IBM, you are definitely in trusted hands when embarking on your community cloud adoption journey. Developers, students, and entrepreneurs can quickly get started with the IBM LinuxONE Community Cloud for free, gaining from the solution’s containerization support and learning materials. Government organizations looking to adopt a community cloud environment should consider IBM FCC, particularly for its keen private cloud focus and AI capabilities. 

Also Read: Top 10 Cloud Computing Service Provider Companies in 2021 

5. Microsoft

Overview: Microsoft is among the leading names in the community cloud segment owing to its Government Community Cloud (GCC) solution. Microsoft GCC is available as a separate version of Office 365, hosted in a community cloud environment, meant specifically for the U.S. government. This includes federal, state, local, and tribal governments and contractors or agencies processing data on their behalf. Microsoft’s community cloud is accredited by FedRAMP, and there are strict security checks in place to control Microsoft’s staff access to assets hosted on GCC. At the front-end, users receive a nearly identical experience to Microsoft Office 365 for general consumption, streamlining the learning curve. 

Key features: The key features of Microsoft’s community cloud offering include: 

• Screening of Microsoft personnel before being assigned an administrator role 
• FastTrack Center onboarding assistance to provide support for tenant configuration, integration with Azure Active Directory, and data and service migration
• Azure Government ExpressRoute to enable private connections with Office 365 services instead of using the public internet 
• Access to the full suite of Office 365 products, including voice, productivity, and business intelligence 
• Extensive reports on cloud usage, compliance, and security 
• Active Directory Federation Services to keep the data flow between interconnected systems restricted within U.S. borders 

USP: Microsoft GCC is the standard community cloud solution for governments and government agencies looking to move their productivity processes to the cloud. It boasts of a highly streamlined implementation roadmap, with plenty of tutorials, learning resources, and training support from Microsoft to help get started. The company has exhaustive documentation on Microsoft GCC, and service plans are easily available. 

Pricing: Office 365 Government Community Cloud is available in four variants — Government G1, Government G3, Government G5, and Government F3, with the more expensive versions bundling a greater variety of reports and analytics. Implementation for each tier will be priced according to scale. 

Editorial comments: Microsoft Government Community Cloud is an excellent option for government agencies and contractors in the U.S., given its incredible variety of features and flexibility of implementation. You could choose to deploy the complete Office 365 value proposition in a community cloud environment. Or, you could implement a limited tier edition and add the specific features you need for an extra fee. In addition to the productivity tools that make Microsoft a market leader, you can also access PowerShell for advanced controls, identity and access management tools, and cybersecurity features. 

Takeaway

While public and private clouds have traditionally been the two dominant deployment models, demand for community cloud is also growing. According to Research and Markets, the global community cloud market is expected to grow at a 29.02% rate between 2018 and 2023, reaching nearly $6 billion. By partnering with the right provider, you can unlock key benefits like greater compliance, security, and business connectivity while also gaining from a shared infrastructure. 

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