Which type of cloud can be accessed by the general public?

A public cloud is a type of cloud computing environment that is available to the general public or a large industry group. It is owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers who offer computing resources and services over the internet. Users access these resources through a web browser or other client interface, allowing for scalable and flexible use of resources such as storage, applications, and computing power.

The public cloud is characterized by its shared infrastructure, where multiple clients share the same resources while maintaining data isolation and security. This model offers numerous benefits, including cost-effectiveness, because users only pay for what they use without the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and software.

In contrast, community clouds are designed for a specific group of users with shared concerns, such as security requirements or compliance issues. Private clouds are used exclusively by one organization, providing greater control over data and resources. Hybrid clouds combine elements of both public and private clouds, allowing organizations to mix and match resources based on their needs.