Virtual private cloud (VPC) services utilize shared computing resources to create a virtualized private cloud within a larger public cloud network. Companies use these services to abstract networks from public cloud environments without purchasing or managing their own private cloud infrastructure. VPCs are highly elastic and typically charge by the hour, providing companies with greater control over their spending and resource allocation. The isolated environment created through VPC configuration also gives companies increased security capabilities and authentication control. VPC services differ from true private cloud services because they exist in an isolated, virtual state within the public cloud. Virtual private servers differ from these as well; VPSes segment physical servers to create smaller, virtualized servers. VPC solutions, on the other hand, pool resources to power and manage large numbers of virtual machines.
To qualify for inclusion in the Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) category, a product must:
Configure public cloud resources to isolate a private network
Abstract the private cloud through private IP addressing, subnets, or virtual networks
Allow administrators remote access to computing resources