Certified - CompTIA IT Fundamentals+

In this episode, we are going to explore three essential cloud deployment models: on-premises, cloud, and hybrid. These terms describe where technology resources live and who controls them, which directly impacts how IT systems are structured and maintained. Our goal today is to help you understand how each deployment model operates, how they compare, and why this distinction matters in the context of modern information technology. Whether services are installed in-house, delivered over the internet, or split across environments, the model in use shapes responsibilities, risks, and flexibility. As we walk through each option, we will highlight the core features of ownership, control, and location so you can recognize which model best fits different business needs or exam scenarios.
This episode aligns with Domain Two of the IT Fundamentals+ certification, specifically the section that discusses cloud and virtualization technologies. Deployment models are a frequently tested concept, and questions may describe scenarios requiring you to identify whether an organization is using on-premises, cloud, or hybrid setups. The exam does not require hands-on experience with these models, but it does expect you to understand how resources are owned and managed, where they reside, and what distinguishes one type of environment from another. Definitions, use cases, and comparisons are all fair game on the test, so mastering this foundational knowledge will strengthen your exam readiness and give you a clearer picture of how modern IT infrastructures are structured.
When we refer to a deployment model, we are talking about the method used to host and manage an organization’s technology resources. This includes the hardware, software, and network systems needed to store data, run applications, and deliver services. A deployment model determines whether these resources are located on-site or off-site, whether they are owned by the organization or provided by a third party, and how they are accessed. In the IT Fundamentals+ exam, you will focus on three major deployment models: on-premises, cloud, and hybrid. Each model has distinct advantages and trade-offs depending on the goals, budget, and security needs of the organization.
Let us begin with the on-premises model, often shortened to on-prem. In an on-premises deployment, all the required hardware and software are physically located at the organization’s office, data center, or facility. The company owns and operates its servers, networking equipment, and application infrastructure. No third-party service provider is involved in delivering or hosting these core resources. Instead, the organization relies entirely on its internal team to maintain, update, and support the environment. While this model can offer more control, it also demands more responsibility.
Some of the defining traits of on-premises environments include full administrative control, physical access to equipment, and complete ownership over data security policies. The internal IT department is responsible for every aspect of infrastructure upkeep, from performing system updates to replacing failing components. This approach allows for customization and in-house decision-making, but it comes at the cost of significant investments in space, power, cooling, and skilled personnel. Physical safeguards and staffing must also be in place to ensure operational continuity.
The cloud deployment model stands in contrast to the on-premises approach. With cloud computing, information technology services are delivered remotely over the internet. These services are hosted and managed by third-party cloud providers, which means the organization does not have to purchase or maintain physical infrastructure. Instead, companies use virtual computing resources such as cloud storage, hosted applications, or scalable processing power. This model is especially popular for startups, remote teams, and businesses seeking agility and cost control.
Key advantages of cloud environments include reduced dependence on physical equipment, simplified remote access, and pricing models based on subscription or actual usage. Organizations can quickly deploy new services without setting up physical hardware or managing complex installations. Many cloud providers offer service-level agreements, redundancy, and backup options that enhance availability and disaster recovery readiness. Because cloud services are delivered online, they support access from any location with an internet connection, making them a natural fit for flexible work arrangements.
Within cloud computing, it is important to understand the distinction between public and private cloud options. A public cloud uses shared infrastructure to serve multiple clients. This is the most common model and offers economies of scale by spreading resources across a large user base. In contrast, a private cloud is dedicated to a single organization. It can be hosted internally or externally, but it always involves isolated infrastructure reserved for one entity. Both models deliver services using cloud technologies, but they differ in ownership, privacy, and compliance capabilities.
Hybrid deployment brings together the best elements of cloud and on-premises environments. In a hybrid model, some services or applications are hosted in-house, while others operate in the cloud. This allows organizations to move workloads between environments as needed. For instance, a business might run its customer database on-premises for security while using cloud services for email, storage, or analytics. Hybrid deployments offer flexibility in managing workloads, cost, and security requirements, especially during transitions between IT strategies.
There are several reasons why an organization might choose a hybrid deployment model. One common scenario involves maintaining legacy systems that are not compatible with cloud technologies, while gradually adopting new cloud-based services. Another reason may be the need to meet specific compliance or regulatory standards that require certain data to remain onsite. Organizations might also use the cloud for handling increased demand or backups, while relying on their on-prem infrastructure for critical, tightly controlled operations. The hybrid model helps them strike a balance between innovation and control.
On the IT Fundamentals+ exam, you may be asked to compare on-premises, cloud, and hybrid models directly. On-prem means full control and full responsibility, since everything is owned and managed in-house. Cloud models shift management to the service provider, relieving the organization of maintenance duties but reducing control. Hybrid models introduce shared responsibilities and integration challenges, as some services are managed internally and others externally. Understanding who owns the resources, where they are hosted, and how they are accessed will help you answer these comparison questions correctly.
For more cyber related content and books, please check out cyber author dot me. Also, there are other prep casts on Cybersecurity and more at Bare Metal Cyber dot com.
When comparing deployment models, one of the key distinctions involves how resources are accessed and where they are located. In an on-premises model, access is typically limited to internal networks, meaning users must be connected to the organization’s private infrastructure to reach systems and data. This local access model can provide tight control but may hinder remote work. In contrast, cloud deployment offers access through the internet, allowing users to connect from virtually anywhere with proper authentication. Hybrid models use a combination of both, requiring users to understand which systems are internal and which are external. Often, organizations configure secure access points or virtual private networks to manage this split.
Management responsibilities also vary significantly between the different deployment models. In on-premises environments, the organization is responsible for configuring, maintaining, and updating all systems. Internal IT staff handle tasks such as operating system patches, software upgrades, network monitoring, and security enforcement. In a cloud environment, much of this responsibility is shifted to the service provider. The provider handles updates, infrastructure uptime, and often backup processes. With a hybrid model, the organization must manage both areas. This requires clear coordination and visibility across systems, ensuring that on-prem resources and cloud services remain synchronized and secure.
Scalability is another important factor that differentiates these models. Cloud deployment allows organizations to scale resources up or down quickly in response to changing demand. This is often done with a few configuration changes through a web interface or management console. It avoids the need to purchase and install new physical equipment. On-premises scaling is much more limited, requiring new servers, additional storage, or other hardware investments, often with associated lead times. Hybrid models can provide a strategic middle ground, enabling organizations to keep core systems in-house while offloading peak workloads or expansion to the cloud.
Cost is always a central consideration when selecting a deployment model. On-premises environments require a high initial investment in hardware, software, facilities, and skilled personnel. These are capital expenditures, or CapEx, and typically involve budgeting large amounts up front. Cloud services, on the other hand, are usually billed as operating expenses, or OpEx, with recurring monthly or annual payments. This reduces the need for large up-front investments but results in ongoing costs. Hybrid environments blend these two approaches. Organizations might invest in essential internal infrastructure while subscribing to cloud services for specific functions, resulting in a mixed financial model.
Data storage and backup practices also differ across the deployment models. In on-premises environments, data is stored on physical devices within the organization’s facility. This allows for local backups and full data ownership, but it also places the burden of disaster recovery and redundancy on the organization. In a cloud deployment, data is stored remotely, often in geographically distributed data centers managed by the provider. These providers usually offer built-in backup, snapshot, and recovery options. A hybrid model might include local storage for active data and cloud-based backups for disaster recovery or archiving. Syncing or replicating data across these environments is common in hybrid strategies.
Connectivity plays a major role in how deployment models function. On-premises systems are typically self-contained and operate within the organization’s internal network. This can lead to high performance and low latency but limits external accessibility. Cloud systems require stable and reliable internet connections to function properly. Without access to the internet, users may not be able to reach essential cloud resources. Hybrid deployments often use secure tunnels, virtual private networks, or direct connections to link on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. Ensuring high availability and secure data flow across these connections is a key design requirement in hybrid environments.
The IT Fundamentals+ exam may include scenario-based questions that test your ability to recognize which deployment model is being used. For example, if a description mentions that all systems are physically located in the office and maintained by in-house staff, the correct model is on-premises. If a company accesses its services through a web portal and does not maintain its own servers, then cloud is the correct answer. A hybrid model would be described through a mix of the two, such as using in-house databases for customer data while hosting a public-facing website in the cloud. Practice recognizing these patterns to improve your exam accuracy.
It is also helpful to understand what the IT Fundamentals+ exam does not cover when it comes to deployment models. You will not be expected to configure, deploy, or manage any of these environments yourself. The exam does not ask about advanced cloud pricing, vendor selection, or detailed security implementations. Instead, your focus should remain on understanding the basic definitions, ownership models, and functional differences between on-premises, cloud, and hybrid systems. This foundational knowledge supports your ability to move into more advanced certifications or job roles later in your IT career.
Finally, recognizing deployment models is valuable across many information technology roles, not just those related to networking or cloud architecture. Support technicians may need to understand whether an application is hosted locally or remotely to diagnose issues. System administrators must determine where resources reside before applying updates or monitoring performance. Even IT strategists and project managers benefit from knowing how services are delivered, as it affects timelines, budgets, and vendor interactions. Deployment models are a universal concept in IT, making them essential knowledge for both the IT Fundamentals+ exam and future professional development.
To wrap up this topic, remember that on-premises, cloud, and hybrid are three foundational ways to deploy and manage IT resources. On-premises means everything is owned and operated locally by the organization. Cloud models shift infrastructure and application delivery to third-party providers, accessible over the internet. Hybrid models combine both, offering flexibility, scalability, and control when balanced effectively. By mastering the definitions and understanding how each model operates, you will be well prepared to answer exam questions and engage in basic infrastructure conversations across any IT environment.