A good cloud architecture can have many benefits for businesses, from reducing costs to improving workflow efficiency and flexibility. However, it may be useful to hire a professional cloud architect to take care of the integration.
What is a Cloud architecture?
For a long time now, the use of the Cloud has not only been commonplace in the private sector. On the contrary, many companies rely heavily on Cloud computing to access programs, hardware or other storage capacity which, in other circumstances, would involve significant costs and other considerable resource requirements.
The offer is very broad, and the precise needs as well as the adapted solutions must therefore be defined before implementation, even if they can also be determined afterwards. The objective is therefore to create a Cloud architecture that brings together different components in the form of an optimally harmonized whole.
Cloud architecture defines how hardware, software, and different services work in relation to each other within a single network. On the one hand, it is about enabling the smoothest possible use of all components. On the other hand, only functionalities that are of real importance for the respective company and its work processes should be considered. If the project is successful, the company then has a personalized environment to meet its own requirements. At the same time, the infrastructure that results from such a process is normally very flexible, making it easy to adapt in the event of new developments. Creating a Cloud architecture is therefore very demanding, but know that all this work is worth it.
What are the constituent elements of a Cloud architecture?
Cloud architectures are solutions custom designed to meet the needs of a business, but they generally have several elements. Like any Cloud environment, they need a frontend level and a backend level. The frontend side is used for a client or device allowing users to access the Cloud architecture. The servers or storage capacities are located more on the backend side. This is also complemented by a network (usually the Internet or intranet) and a cloud-based deployment model.
What features does the Cloud architecture offer?
A complete Cloud architecture offers many features. In other configurations, these could cause a considerable increase in costs and resource consumption for a business. You will find some examples below:
- Infrastructure : The larger a company is or the more important requirements it must meet, the higher the costs and resource consumption, as a general rule. A Cloud solution helps avoid such a situation and makes servers, hardware and storage spaces available. These tools can be used flexibly and in response to specific needs, and therefore offer more freedom to end users and consumers.
- Virtualization : virtualization therefore plays an essential role in any efficient Cloud architecture. It is also possible to virtualize servers and storage spaces, as well as entire networks. Virtualization provides more availability, but it also allows resources to be used more efficiently.
- Management and monitoring : By using appropriate tools, members of the IT department can monitor the Cloud infrastructure, and thus quickly identify and correct bugs or other vulnerabilities. Cloud security can be ensured through several measures and programs, so that data is always protected as best as possible within the network.
- Middleware : Middleware guarantees communication between all levels. They relate not only to individual devices, but also to applications, servers and databases.
- Automating : the various automation solutions make it possible to simplify many services considerably, and therefore reduce the workload. Automation also plays an important role when it comes to making the various system resources available.
What services are available?
A Cloud architecture can be used to make different services available. Here, we are mainly talking about the three models below:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) : With infrastructure as a service (IaaS), users can benefit from virtualized resources through the Cloud. Depending on their needs and model, these resources may include server structures, storage, and networks. Virtualization and the provision of computer hardware are also possible.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) : a platform as a service (PaaS) includes development and execution environments that can be used via the Cloud, without the need for any additional hardware or software.
- Software as a Service (SaaS) : If applications are required, choosing software as a service (SaaS) may be wise. The software is then offered via the Cloud and it is possible to extract it, if necessary. It is therefore not necessary to make it available locally, and the provider also takes care of the maintenance of the programs.
The different levels can also be brought together within the same Cloud architecture.
What are the most common cloud architecture models?
There are different models for cloud architecture, and each of them can meet different needs for businesses. The most common models are shown below:
Private Cloud
In the private Cloud, the entire infrastructure is made available toone and only company. It relies on a local data center located within the company, or on the server sites of another provider. Thus, only the company can access its own content. However, it is often she who is responsible for the maintenance and management of the Cloud.
Public cloud
The public Cloud model is the opposite of the private Cloud. In this context, a supplier makes available to different clients the same resources, most often via the Internet. The accesses are protected from each other, but cases of reciprocal interaction can nevertheless be observed. The provider is responsible for maintaining and managing the public Cloud; this model can therefore reduce the workload considerably within a Cloud architecture. Check out our digital guide if you’re interested in our comparison between private cloud and public cloud.
Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid Cloud flexibly combines the public Cloud and the private Cloud. Features can be managed in both environments, but also migrated from one to the other. A hybrid Cloud aims to combine the ease of availability and excellent scalability of the public Cloud with stricter security measures, characteristic of the private Cloud. By applying this model in a relevant way within the Cloud architecture, users can benefit from particularly flexible working conditions.
Multi-Cloud
Multi-Cloud consists of a combination of several Clouds. These may be two or more private Clouds, several public Clouds or a combination of these different models. This model also aims to provide significantly more flexibility, reduce any dependence on possible suppliers and optimize the personalization of the company’s strategy.
What benefits does Cloud architecture offer businesses?
A well-designed cloud architecture offers many benefits for businesses. Below you will find the most important of them.
- Efficiency : When the Cloud architecture is customized as best as possible for a company, it is possible to significantly improve many work processes. The different adaptation possibilities also make it possible to quickly comply with any new requirements.
- Flexibility : a good Cloud architecture also increases the flexibility of the company concerned. Structures that are too rigid are removed, and services can be added or suspended as needed.
- Automating : with a suitable Cloud architecture, it is possible to automate many processes. Workflow can then be improved, and automation helps free up some capacity.
- Cost reduction : Cloud computing solutions generally provide significant savings. The more the Cloud architecture is adapted to the specific needs of the company concerned, the more attractive these savings can be.
- Reduced resource requirements : cost is not the only important aspect. Space is in fact often considered a major argument in favor of Cloud computing. It extends the lifespan of the servers and computers used, as well as the associated cooling and power supply elements. Cloud architecture also reduces the workload on the IT team, and it offers components that might not be available or integrated into a traditional method.
- Security : If the Cloud architecture is well designed, it also has security advantages. It can indeed make it possible to optimally respect security and compliance requirements. Depending on the model, the supplier may also be responsible for maintenance.
Who can help companies create their Cloud architecture?
Preparing, implementing and continuously monitoring a successful Cloud architecture requires a lot of experience; the person in charge must also be comfortable with a number of different IT solutions. It may therefore be wise to call on a Cloud architect. This begins by determining the needs of your business before creating a portfolio that suits it. He then takes care of the integration, trains the company’s staff and ensures the optimal functioning of the Cloud architecture, through regular monitoring. If the situation evolves or your business requirements change, the Cloud Architect can adapt your infrastructure to your new needs.
