- NIST SP 800-145 defines cloud computing with five essential characteristics, three service models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), and four deployment models (private, community, public, and hybrid)
- A cloud architecture is split into a front end, which is the client side users interact with, and a back end of servers, storage, and networks run by the provider.
Cloud computing is the method of using a network of remote services hosted on the internet to store, manage, or process data. The growing need for technology and its rapid advancements have made cloud computing a driving force for businesses.
It has impacted various aspects of information technology, including data analysis, information security, and project management. With the vast opportunities available after a cloud computing certification, it is needless to say that this career has immense scope in India.
Cloud computing architecture is a combination of service-oriented architecture and event-driven architecture. It not only encompasses all elements of the cloud environment but is also extremely user-friendly. Candidates aspiring to enter this field can pursue various degrees and certification programs offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
What Is Cloud Computing Architecture?
Cloud computing architecture is the arrangement of components and subcomponents that together deliver cloud services. It combines a front end that users interact with, a back end of servers and storage run by the provider, a cloud-based delivery model, and a network such as the internet, intranet, or inter-cloud connecting them.
Cloud computing architecture refers to the various components and sub-components that are required for cloud computing. The basic components that combined make up the cloud computing architecture are:
- A front end platform (including fat client, thin client, mobile device)
- A back end platform (like servers, storage)
- A cloud-based delivery model
- A network (internet, intranet, inter-cloud)
Other than these, there are other parts of cloud architecture as well, including middleware, cloud resources, and more.
Computer Courses ListRead →What Is Front End Cloud Computing?
The front end is the side visible to the user, client, or customer. It uses the user interface and the client's computer or network to access the cloud system. Different cloud systems use different interfaces, so users can choose web browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox; Google Docs and Salesforce each present their own interface.
The side that is visible to the user, client, or customer is called the front end. The front end uses the user interface and the client's computer system or network to access the cloud system. Different cloud computing systems tend to use different user interfaces; the user is free to choose from a variety of web browser options like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. The Google Docs user interface, though, is different from that of Salesforce.
Computer EngineeringRead →What Is Back End Cloud Computing?
The back end is the side used by the service provider. It brings together the servers, computers, data storage systems, virtual machines, and programs that constitute the cloud's computing services. The back end also handles security mechanisms, traffic control, and the protocols that connect networked computers, performing the computing that happens behind the scenes.
The pieces that are used on the side of the service provider make up the back end of cloud computing. Various aspects together constitute the cloud of computing services. These aspects are:
- Servers, computers
- Data storage systems
- Virtual machines
- Programs
This side, used by the service provider, is also responsible for providing security mechanisms and traffic control. In addition to that, it also designs protocols that connect networked computers for communication. In simple words, the front end is the part the user sees, and the back end is the computing that happens behind the scenes.
Career Objective for Resume for Fresher in Computer ScienceRead →What Are the Cloud-Based Delivery Models?
A cloud-based delivery model defines the capabilities offered to users and the applications that support them. The three core models, as defined by NIST, are Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Infrastructure as a Service. If you use Office 365 or Google Drive, you are already a cloud computing user.
A cloud-based delivery is a model that defines the capabilities offered to the users and the applications that support the same. Using Office 365 or Google Drive at home or work? Then you are a cloud computing user.
There are different basic cloud-based delivery models:
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service is a type of model that involves the cloud provider installing and maintaining software in the cloud (back end) and users running the software from the cloud over the internet or intranet (front end).
Since the cloud applications run in the cloud, there is no need for the user to install any application-specific software. Unlike in the past, where each customer had to purchase and load their own copy of the application onto each of their servers, they do not need to do that anymore. With SaaS, system administrators can load the applications on several servers without individual installation.
It has four primary approaches:
- Single instance
- Multi-instance
- Multi-tenant
- Flex tenancy
Data as a Service (DaaS)
Data as a Service is a specialized subset of Software as a Service (SaaS). It is a web-based design construct where data can be accessed through a defined API layer. It is a web-based, community-shared toolset that is equivalent to locally installed development tools in the traditional (non-cloud computing) delivery of development tools.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
As an equivalent to middleware in the traditional (non-cloud computing) delivery of application platforms and databases, PaaS is a cloud computing service that provides users with application platforms and databases.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
To take out the physical hardware and become completely virtual is what IaaS is all about. As an equivalent to infrastructure and hardware in the traditional method, IaaS in the cloud mitigates the need for a data center, heating, cooling, and maintaining hardware at the local level.