Cloud architecture describes combining technology components to build a cloud in which resources are bundled using virtualization technology and shared in a network. The components of a cloud architecture include the following:
- A front-end platform (client or device used for cloud access)
- A back-end platform (server and storage)
- A cloud-based delivery model
- A network
Together, these technologies form a cloud computing architecture for running applications. This allows users to take advantage of cloud resources.
Cloud architecture defines how individual technologies are integrated when creating clouds. Clouds are IT environments where scalable resources are abstracted, pooled, and distributed in a network. The cloud architecture also defines how all components and functions required to create a cloud are connected to form an online platform on which applications can run.
What advantages does cloud architecture offer?
With a cloud computing architecture, companies can reduce or eliminate their dependency on the on-premises-based server, storage, and networking infrastructures.
Organizations with a cloud architecture often move IT resources to the public cloud, eliminating the need for on-premises servers and storage. They’re also reducing their need for space, cooling, and power in IT data centers, instead bundling everything into monthly IT spending. This shift from capital to operational costs is one of the main reasons for the popularity of cloud computing.
The main secret is to find a reliable vendor of cloud architecture services.
There are three main cloud architecture models that organizations are using to migrate to the cloud. Each of these offers its own advantages and important functions.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS architecture providers make applications and software available to companies over the Internet and are also responsible for maintenance. This means that users no longer have to provide their software locally. SaaS applications are typically consumed through a web interface available for various devices and operating systems.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): In this cloud model, service providers provide a computing platform and complete solution (often with middleware) as a service. Businesses can build on this platform to build applications or services. Cloud service providers provide networks, servers, and storage to host applications, while users deal with software deployment and configuration settings.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This model embodies the cloud in its simplest form. Third-party providers provide the necessary infrastructure, eliminating the need for companies to purchase servers, networks, or storage devices. They manage their software and applications and only pay for their needed capacity.
What are the best practices regarding cloud architectures?
Cloud architectures can vary greatly depending on the requirements and services being run. Basically, they consist of hardware resources, virtualization layers, software functions, applications, and network services. Organizationally, the cloud architecture can be divided into the delivery models public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud. In a cloud architecture, scalable resources and services are abstracted from the hardware layer, pooled and accessible over a public or private network.
The cloud architecture frees you from conventional dedicated and on-premises storage and server resources. It ensures high flexibility and shifts the focus from one-time investment costs to monthly operating expenses billed based on use. Large cloud architectures often include thousands of individual physical components and systems operated in many different cloud data centers. Cloud edge computing architectures shift the delivery of services and resources to the edge of a cloud.
A well-designed framework for the cloud is more than just a technical necessity—it’s the key to lower operational costs, powerful applications, and happy users. By following cloud architecture principles and best practices, organizations can derive real business value from their cloud investments and future-proof their IT environment.