Cloud Architecture Comparison Guide: Which Approach Is Right For You? Find out the relative costs and advantages of these different cloud infrastructure approaches. Traditional 3-tier A platform where compute, storage and networking components are independent and loosely integrated. Hyperconverged Infrastructure A software-defined approach to infrastructure based on general-purpose hardware tightly-integrated with software. Public Cloud Cloud services running on a shared hardware and software infrastructure owned and managed by a third-party. VMware Cloud A VMware-managed Software Defined Data Center (SDDC) delivered as-a-service via public cloud providers or VMware Cloud Provider Program partners. Each cloud infrastructure has its own set of advantages: The disadvantages of each cloud infrastructure: How much do these cloud infrastructures cost? 1 A hybrid solution for long-term architecture To maximize the value of your infrastructure investment, choose a seamlessly integrated hybrid cloud that lets you select the right environment for the right workload, with consistent infrastructure and consistent operations. For a full breakdown of the results and recommendations, read the 2019 Taneja Group report. Easy to modify for specific requirements Possible to replace and modify individual tiers Fine-tuned to unique application requirements High upfront costs Environment needs to be upgraded regularly Limited integration, automation and management capabilities Automated, simplified and rapid setup Integrated management of servers from a single pane Simplified IaaS deployment and operations similar to a public cloud Difficulty catering for workloads with specific compute needs Needs compute versus storage sizing Avoid initial costs by shifting from CapEx to OpEx model Added value of cloud-native services On-demand capacity with consumption- based economics Significant time, effort and cost in refactoring apps for public cloud Specific apps may need to comply with data residency requirements No portability of apps to other infrastructure No need for application rework or refactoring No IT retraining required Faster and seamless workload migration Easy deployment Doesn’t scale in as fine-grain increments as public cloud Specific apps may need to comply with data residency requirements Infrastructure cost: $3,217,512 3-year operating cost: $1,819,035 $5,027,547 $3,609,048 Infrastructure cost: $2,439,925 3-year operating cost: $1,169,122 $4,270,239 Workload refactoring costs: $996,912 3-year cloud subscription cost: $3,273,327 $3,062,248 3-year cloud subscription cost: $3,062,248 Workload refactoring costs: NA TCO over three years: AWS AWS 28% 15% 39% Savings compared to traditional 3-tier approach 1 Costs based on under 1000 VMs