9 Components Of Cloud Computing Architecture You Should Know About

All kinds of businesses, let it be small scale large-scale, are shifting to cloud-based services. The adoption of both public and private clouds have increased in the past few years. The reason behind this shift is lower operating costs and increased flexibility. Cloud computing technology utilizes remote servers to store, manage, and access data on the internet rather than have a local infrastructure. 

Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition.

Why Cloud Computing?

In cloud computing, we can develop new applications and services, store and backup our data, host blogs, and websites, analyze the data, and stream audio and video. There is no need for large and complex cloud computing infrastructure as the storage and processing are done on remote servers called cloud servers.

As the software platform and databases are hosted remotely, the individual computers are free from the storage and computing tasks. Cloud computing offers a wide range of benefits, including high efficiency, cost reduction, data security, scalability, mobility, disaster recovery, and complete control over the data.

Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in Cloud Computing

The Components 

The cloud computing architecture consists of two parts front end and the back end, the front end part is the one that is used by the user, and the back end part is managed by the host. Both ends are connected to each other via the internet. The frontend includes applications and interfaces that help the user access the cloud services. The company offering cloud services manages the back end and has data storage facilities, virtual machines, security systems, and servers.

Here is a List of Components of Cloud Computing Architecture-

1. Client Infrastructure

The client infrastructure component is the part of the frontend which provides a graphic user interface for the user to interact with the cloud. 

Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in DevOps

2. Application

An application is any platform like an app or software offered by a company by which the clients access the cloud.

3. Service

A cloud service manages the kind of service that a client needs to use according to his requirement. There are three types of services in cloud computing. 

-Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS-based services are known as cloud application services. They run directly through a web browser eliminating the need for any download or installation of the applications—for example, slack Hubspot and Google apps. 

-Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS services are similar to SaaS. However, PaaS services provide a platform for users to build, edit, and launch the software. For example, Magneto commerce cloud and Windows Azure. 

-Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): IaaS manages application data runtime environments and middleware. It provides virtual services that eliminate the need for physical computing resources such as RAM, CPU, and data centres. In IaaS, the companies run virtual servers, networks, and storage on the cloud on a paid basis. For example, Google Compute Engine (GCE), Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

upGrad’s Exclusive Software and Tech Webinar for you –

SAAS Business – What is So Different?

4. Runtime Cloud

The runtime cloud provides the execution and runtime environment to the virtual machines. 

5. Storage

The storage component of cloud computing provides the storage capacity in the cloud for storing and managing data. In cloud storage, the data can be accessible to multiple clients simultaneously. Cloud storage is generally in the form of three basic configurations: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud.

6. Infrastructure

The infrastructure provides services on the host level, application level, and network level. It includes the software and hardware components such as the storage network devices server and any other storage resource required to support the cloud computing model. 

7. Management

Management is used for managing the components such as storage services, applications, runtime cloud infrastructure, and security issues in the backend and for establishing coordination. 

8. Security

Security is the backend component of cloud computing, which insurance the security of data in the cloud. The security system in the cloud includes a broad set of policies, technologies, applications, and controls that are used for protecting the IP’s, data, applications, infrastructure, and the services offered in cloud computing.

9. Internet

Internet is the medium using which the frontend and backend components communicate and interact with each other.

By using a cloud-based solution, companies can work on lower budgets and eliminate on-premises infrastructure. Cloud computing is being extensively adopted due to its infinite advantages that positively impact creation, innovation, collaboration, security, ease of use, and sales.

Also Read: Cloud Computing Project Ideas

Understanding Cloud Architecture  

Cloud architecture describes how technology components interact to create a cloud wherein resources are pooled and distributed across a network using virtualization technologies. A cloud architecture includes the following components: 

 A front-end technology (the client or tool that accesses the cloud). 

• A back-end platform (servers, databases) 
• A cloud-based delivery system. 
• A network 

Collectively, these components of cloud computing architecture on which programs can operate enable end users to harness the potential of cloud resources.

Benefits of Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud architecture is more than a technical foundation; it gives enterprises an organizational advantage. Let me take you through some of the primary benefits it enables: 

• Cost Optimization: The times of large upfront hardware investments are over. The cloud design enables you to make payments only for the resources you utilize, adjusting them up and down as required. This results in substantial cost savings and removes the strain of handling unused resources.
• Increased Agility: The cloud’s on-demand feature allows you to implement new applications and resources swiftly. No need to wait months for hardware acquisition and installation. This improved agility lets you adapt to market developments and develop faster.
• Increased Security: Cloud providers spend extensively on robust safety precautions to safeguard your data and apps from cyber attacks. Furthermore, centralized management makes it easier to comply with data protection rules.
• Increased Reliability and Accessibility: Since cloud infrastructure is globally scattered, localized interruptions are less likely to occur. This leads to increased uptime and enhanced recovery from emergency capabilities, ensuring your apps are always available.

Best Practices for Cloud Architecture

A well-architected cloud platform serves as more than just a technological requirement; it lowers operating costs, delivers high-performance applications, and ensures customer satisfaction. Organizations can ensure that their cloud deployments provide actual business value and secure their IT infrastructure by adhering to cloud computing architecture and its components and best practices.   

• Upfront planning: When developing a cloud architecture, make sure that you comprehend its storage requirements. As enterprises develop their architecture, they should regularly test efficiency to avoid unforeseen production issues.   
• Security first: Protect clouds against hackers and unauthorized access by encrypting data, managing modifications, and enforcing strict standards across all layers of the cloud infrastructure. Adopt zero-trust security approaches to ensure the highest level of protection throughout a hybrid, multi-cloud company.   
• Ensure disaster recovery: Streamline recovery operations to avoid expensive downtime and ensure quick recovery from disruptions in service. Managing capacity and employing redundant infrastructure can also help to ensure high availability.  
• Maximize performance: By leveraging and managing the appropriate computer resources while regularly evaluating company needs and technological needs.   

At upGrad, we offer the Advanced Certification in Cloud Computing program. It lasts only for 13 months and is completely online so you can complete it without interrupting your job.

Our course will teach you the basic and advanced concepts of cloud computing along with the applications of these concepts. You will learn from industry experts through videos, live lectures, and assignments. Moreover, you’ll get access to upGrad’s exclusive career preparation, resume feedback, and many other advantages. Be sure to check it out.

Learn Online Software Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career.

Conclusion

Cloud computing has become integral to modern business operations, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. By comprehending the architecture behind it, professionals can harness its full potential to drive innovation and optimize performance. From infrastructure components like servers and storage to networking and security measures, each element plays a crucial role in shaping a robust cloud environment.

Embracing best practices such as redundancy, scalability, and automation further enhances the reliability and agility of cloud systems. As we continue to witness rapid advancements in cloud technology, staying informed about its architecture empowers professionals to make informed decisions, drive business growth, and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape. By mastering these nine components, professionals can leverage cloud computing to its fullest, unlocking endless possibilities for success in the digital age.