The Cloud Computing Architecture concept was first introduced in 2006, yet it has gained a lot of traction since then. This technology is changing the way people access services and resources. Even though it is a relatively simple concept, many still have doubts about it.
Cloud Computing is an advancing technology which is constantly in demand. The internet is changing the way businesses work today, how people access data and resources, and how remote locations are not left without information. The Internet is the backbone of this technology.
In this article, you will learn about cloud, cloud computing, its architecture, different components of cloud computing architecture, and its benefits.
What Is Cloud Computing?
You must first understand what a cloud is. As a floating cloud doesn’t belong anywhere, a cloud is a free network with a remote location that doesn’t belong to anyone. Cloud computing is the Internet; networks can be defined as clouds.
Cloud computing refers to a combination of hardware, software, and other cloud computing components which coordinate with each other to provide services like infrastructure, storage, platforms, etc., via the internet.
These services or resources can be requested by anyone with internet access by paying according to usage. In addition, they are used for developing, managing and testing software applications. They can be downloaded and used without installing them on your PC.
Cloud Computing Architecture
To offer these services, a large system works in the background. The different components collaborate and thus provide such large-scale services. The way these components collaborate and work is called cloud computing architecture.
Cloud computing Architecture has two parts- a front end and a back end.
Front End
It refers to the architecture which the users access. It includes interfaces and applications which are required to access the services offered on cloud. The front-end components collectively call client infrastructure, such as computers, mobile, internet connection, browser, etc. Front end devices are accessed via a Graphical User Interface through which clients perform different functions.
Back End
It refers to the cloud which the service provider uses. Security and resources are located there. This includes storage, applications, virtual machines, traffic control mechanisms, etc. The following are explained:
Service- It refers to the different services provided by the cloud, such as SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, CaaS, etc.
Storage- The storage of a cloud is huge. It offers flexible and on-demand storage to the clients. The stored data is also managed here.
Application- It is the application that caters to the client’s needs. It is a service or a platform that the client accesses.
Management- It refers to the back-end management of all the resources. It includes allotting tasks, managing service, storage, data, infrastructure, etc.
Infrastructure- The infrastructure in the back-end refers to all the hardware and software which makes the cloud computing services possible.
Security- It refers to all the security measures put in place to secure cloud resources and data. Providing the secure infrastructure to end users, files, systems, etc., is accomplished here.
Internet- It is the backbone of the cloud computing architecture as it is the bridge between a cloud and a user to access the desired services.
Cloud Deployment Models
Deployment models refer to the way in which you access the cloud. There are four types of cloud models which are explained below-
Public Cloud
A public cloud is accessible by the general public. These are designed by IT specialists and are not owned by anyone, i.e., anyone from the public can access them and use them for free (in most cases).
Private Cloud
To facilitate an organization or a close-knit community where confidentiality is the key, a private cloud is built by the IT team of the organization to transmit data more effectively and quickly. It saves time because data is stored in the Cloud, and anyone authorized to access it can access it there. Access is restricted to authorized users only.
Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud is self-explanatory from its name itself. It refers to a mixture of private and public clouds. For example, an organization can get a private cloud created by its IT team for confidential data, and at the same time, it can use a public cloud for less sensitive information. In short, it has features of both private and public clouds.
Community Cloud
The purpose of a community cloud is to serve a particular class of users with similar interests. For example, a cloud for all government agencies or members of a particular industry is a community cloud. It is accessible only to those who belong to the community. This is a hybrid cloud.
How can one avail Cloud Computing Services?
The demand for cloud computing services is increasing rapidly. There are several major players in the market that offer these services. The list includes:
- Google Cloud
- Alibaba Cloud
- IBM Cloud
- Microsoft Azure
- SAP
- Oracle
- VMWare
- Amazon Web Services
- SalesForce
These are some big names that offer cloud-based services.
Benefits of Cloud Computing Architecture
If you are wondering whether cloud computing is for your organization or not, you must look at the benefits that accrue from cloud computing.
Accessibility
There are numerous kinds of tools and software available on the cloud. An organization cannot afford to buy all the applications and software. And if it’s a small organization, it is a dream. But you can access any software or application from the cloud without even installing it. Thus, it provides greater accessibility.
Reduce IT Operating Cost
Implementing cloud architecture within the organization can be very costly as it requires a whole bunch of IT staff to manage and maintain it. Using a cloud-based service reduces IT cost to a great extent.
Scalability
It is a complete wastage of resources if you buy them, but they are not fully utilized. With cloud architecture, you can use only the required amount of resources and increase them. Plus, the cost is based on usage. Pay only for what you need.
Automatic Updates
You need not worry about system updates and managing the resources. It is undertaken by the service provider, so you can focus on business.
Increased Collaboration
Team members from distant locations can work together as it allows them to access, download, upload, and share files from anywhere.re.
Increase Savings
When you are able to pay for hardware and software based on usage, you don’t need to freeze your capital. It boosts small and growing businesses by allowing them to significantly lower their costs.
Better Disaster Recovery
If your data and backups are stored on a hard disk, and it gets lost or is stolen, you are doomed. You never know in whose hands your information will land. But cloud-based storage is not the same, as you can access them anytime, even if their hardware or software is encountering a problem.
Speed
Physical servers become slow when they become overloaded with data; otherwise, they must be upgraded. Cloud-based solutions, however, alleviate the latency issue. Cloud solutions are faster under any circumstance.
Business And Cloud Computing
If you are a business owner, the question may arise in your mind as to whether a cloud is good for business or not. To answer this question, you must look at your needs and whether your IT team is contributing towards its growth or not? What is the current IT cost along with the implementation of the IT system? Is it enough? Are you spending a large amount of resources on IT services?
It comes with many benefits as well. Check out the deployment models and choose the right one for your company. To make the right decisions, you must be well-equipped with the related knowledge. In this guide, you will learn everything there is to know about cloud architecture and will be able to make an informed decision.