Which type of cloud is characterized by limited access, specifically not available to the general public?

A private cloud is specifically designed for individual organizations and is characterized by limited access, meaning it is not available to the general public. This type of cloud infrastructure provides enhanced security and privacy, as it is dedicated solely to a single organization or entity.

Organizations often choose private clouds when they have specific regulatory or compliance requirements, or when they require a higher level of control over their data and resources. This cloud model allows for customization of the cloud environment to suit the business's particular needs, and it typically involves deploying the cloud on-premises or using a private hosting provider.

In contrast, a public cloud is available to anyone who wants to use it, creating a shared environment where resources are distributed among multiple users. A hybrid cloud combines both public and private clouds to provide flexibility, while a community cloud is shared among several organizations with similar interests or needs and still has more openness than a private cloud.