What characterizes a ‘private cloud’?

A private cloud is characterized by its exclusive use by a single organization. This setup provides a tailored environment that allows for greater control over resources, security, and compliance. Organizations often choose private clouds to meet specific performance requirements and to maintain privacy in their data management. Since the infrastructure is dedicated solely to one organization, it permits customization according to the unique needs and preferences of that organization, fostering a better alignment with its operational goals.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of cloud configurations. A cloud used by multiple organizations typically refers to a public cloud environment, which is designed to serve various clients with shared resources. A public cloud supporting shared resources further emphasizes the shared nature of its infrastructure among different users. Lastly, a decentralized system with no single owner describes characteristics more aligned with distributed architectures rather than a specific cloud model, which usually operates under defined ownership and management structures.