Automation is the new way ahead. As you know, artificial intelligence (AI) has already taken the world by storm. Any update in technology will transform how organizations work.
Of the many tech innovations, one technology that is rapidly growing is cloud computing. According to a report, the global cloud computing market will cross one trillion dollars by 2028.
Over 90% of companies are using at least one public cloud. Cloud computing gives users easy access (on-demand) to computing resources like databases, storage, and software.
In fact, most companies are turning to the cloud for workstream optimizations and AI development. However, to design your cloud – you must create an architecture for your business model to scale.
Cloud architecture is a combination of event-driven architecture and service-driven architecture. If you want to learn how cloud architecture works and how you can design it, you are on the right page. This post will help you create your cloud architecture, so continue reading below.
The Architecture of the Cloud
Cloud architecture does not work on a single concept – as some resources and services respond through:
1. Front end
The front side is the client side of the cloud computing system. This platform implies that it contains apps and user interfaces that the client will use.
Typically, front-end technology includes mobile devices, web servers, and tablets. In the front-end mechanism, you can establish a web portal through a browser, which enables users to log in, monitor the availability of components, and perform different user-side tasks.
2. Back end
The back end side is the service provider side of a cloud computing system. The provider manages all the resources you may require for cloud computing services.
In fact, all the services and resources are hosted at the back end. The technology works on the server side, where the provider creates and operates the tech infrastructure.
The provider runs storage, servers, app management, and virtualization framework at the back end. Besides, this may include huge storage capacity, traffic control mechanisms, and deployment models.
3. Middleware
Now that you know about the front and back end, you must learn about middleware. The front end and back end are connected to middleware.
The technology translates the frond-end request into a back-end task and back-end action into front end response. Ideally, providers use one or more app programming interfaces as middleware. Here, you can use API as a secure mode of interaction.
4. Network
Network or networking is the key aspect of cloud architecture. The front end accesses middleware through the network, and the back end involves the internet or vast area network.
Even though cloud architecture can operate with low bandwidth and low latency – greater bandwidth is vital for more intensive tasks. For Example, if you want to move a file from a local data center to a storage resource, you may need a greater bandwidth.
Further, there are three main layers of the Cloud Architecture Model
1. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a popular cloud computing model that provides users access to specific frameworks. It features tool sets that offer in-depth capabilities directly from the cloud.
To use the framework – you do not need to install or maintain it. For Example, software developers use DevOps with Platform as a Service (PaaS) to manage complete workflow with a comprehensive tool set.
Examples: Magento Commerce Cloud and Windows Azure.
2. Infrastructure as a Service
You might be aware of this famous cloud computing model. It is flexible and accessible – also the most preferred one. In this model, users provide specific resources and services to design a computing environment that supports major cloud-deployed apps. This implies you can control the architecture with (IaaS) infrastructure as a service.
Examples: Cisco Metapod and Amazon Web Services.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is the most adopted model and is often the first choice for a reputable software development company. Through this, providers deliver software apps through the internet.
You can expect access to specific apps managed and maintained by the provider. For example, a company may use accounting or human resource (SaaS software), not necessarily purchased or installed on the system. The SaaS apps run directly through web browsers, and you may not be required to install these apps on your system.
Examples: Google Apps, Hubspot & Sales Force Dropbox.
Components of Cloud Architecture:
1. Infrastructure
Do you know that infrastructure is the main component of cloud architecture? Infact, the foremost part of the front-end component. It contains user interfaces and applications you will require to access the cloud platform. In most cases – it provides (GUI) a graphic interface for cloud interaction.
2. Service
The back end has three main service types – (SaaS) software as a service, platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Through these, users can manage service types.
3. Application
You can access applications as a part of components or software in the development process. Also, it provides services based on your requirements.
4. Storage
With storage, you can expect flexible storage service at the back end. Besides storage, it manages the updated data.
5. Management
With back end management, you can manage back end components such as storage, infrastructure, application, security, etc.
6. Runtime Cloud
Now, in the execution part, the runtime cloud provides execution and runtime to the virtual machine.
7. Database
The database is structured at the back end like SQL and NoSQL databases. For Example, Google Cloud SQL.
8. Networking
Nothing can work without networking, as it is the most essential part of cloud architecture. In back end services, networking provides an infrastructure for cloud apps such as virtual private networks, load balancing, and DNS.
9. Security
Security – is the key component because of system vulnerabilities. However, at the back end, it refers to secure cloud resources, infra to end users and system files.
10. Analytics
At the back end, this component provides analytics capabilities for cloud data – such as machine learning and business intelligence.
11. Internet
Cloud computing needs a stable internet connection as it acts as a bridge between the back and front end. Ideally, it establishes a communication between front-end and back-end technology.
How can you design? (Best Practices)
Though there is no specified cloud architecture design approach, you can use best practices that can help you drive the effort.
1. Plan
In a cloud architecture environment, you cannot define the plan on paper. Ideally, you will have to test and experiment a lot. The cloud architecture should utilize full capacity and performance, providing services and resources to accommodate maximum resources or handle project scaling needs. Also, this can avoid bottlenecks in the designing process.
2. Execution
Let’s move to the execution or continuation part. Here, your plan should make provisions for protections, such as scalability, backup, and restoration. In addition, adding management components will play a vital role in your effort.
3. Security
As mentioned above, security is the main component of the cloud. When designing cloud architecture, you can consider data security and workload at different levels. This may include data encryption, extensive patches, updates, zero trust access, etc. With these features, security should also include response, reporting, and remediation at all levels.
4. Performance
Monitoring and management are key aspects of cloud architecture. Your designing part should include instrumentation, which is essential to monitor the performance. By doing so, you can rapidly remediate when the performance goes off track.
5. Designing
Most developers consider the cost part, but you should concentrate on the designing part for results. Ideally, you can control cost through automation, as value is more important than cost in cloud architecture.
Benefits of Cloud Architecture
Cloud architecture needs to be planned and well-defined. However, with strategic planning, you should know about the benefits.
- If you concentrate on the performance part, then well-planned cloud architecture can deliver the best performance. Different elements like VM components, storage, and monitoring ensure optimal performance.
- With cloud architecture, you can deploy formal projects much faster. In addition, you don’t have to struggle with optimization and experimentation to find the correct project elements.
- An already-established cloud architecture provides businesses – with predictable deployment costs because services, apps, and resources are understood.
- With formalized cloud architecture, you can plan security and access control measures such as IAM, strengthening workload security.
- You can expect complete uniformity to create a baseline cloud architecture. With each deployment, a business will know the working part. Also, this is better for regularity compliance and governance.
- Cloud architecture gives better results in disaster recovery and user accessibility. Additionally, it can reduce the IT operating costs.
- With cloud architecture, you can expect high reliability and scalability. Infact, it improves data processing requirements. You can make cloud computing simple with the process.
Wrapping Up
Designing a cloud computing architecture will provide you with a structural framework for designing, deploying, and managing cloud-based solutions. Besides scalability, the platform can provide cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
After defining your project requirements, you can apply design principles and plan for a backup. Moreover, utilize the best practices such as continuous deployment (CD) and continuous integration (CI). Use serverless architecture for application parts.
You can build reliable apps with cloud architecture but don’t forget to optimize them for performance. Lastly, if you create a multi-cloud strategy, pay attention to the security part.