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Cloud Computing Tutorial: Architecture Basics

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Cloud computing is a concept where multiple customers across different locations share internet-based applications, often at minimal or no cost. These applications become utilities, shared by many users. A good example is the Google API, which allows developers to create web-based applications that are user-friendly and customizable for beginners. These applications are easy to create and configure, and they can be tailored to specific needs. Many applications can run using this model, such as free email, web conferencing, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems.

The network or internet that provides the service to users is referred to as the “cloud.” It includes both private and public networks like LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network). The manipulation, configuration, and access of various online applications define cloud computing.

It provides data storage using configured email accounts (e.g., Dropbox or Google Drive), infrastructure usage (e.g., using costly equipment remotely on a lease basis), and the applications themselves. The major benefit of cloud computing is that users don’t need to install any software or operating systems. They can access services provided by cloud computing from anywhere in a cost-effective and convenient way.

There are several key architectural models and components within cloud computing, as described below.

Deployment and Service Models

To effectively use cloud computing based on application needs and resource requirements, it’s divided into two broad categories of models: deployment models and service models. The deployment type defines how systems and services are used by distributed users. Based on this, there are four models: public, private, community, and hybrid clouds. Service models include IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service). Beyond these, there’s also XaaS, representing “Anything as a Service.”

cloud computing models

Deployment Models

  • Public Cloud: This model is designed for the general public to utilize cloud computing services. Services are provided by companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon over the basic internet infrastructure.

  • Private Cloud: This model is intended for communities within an organization. It provides a greater level of privacy and security for businesses.

  • Hybrid Cloud: This model combines both private and public cloud models, leveraging the benefits of both.

  • Community Cloud: This model allows a group of business establishments to access services or systems.

Service Models

  • IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): This allows the use of common infrastructure resources, including physical systems, virtual storage and machines, load balancing, virtual LANs, IP addresses, and more.

  • PaaS (Platform as a Service): This provides an online runtime environment for the development and deployment of various applications using APIs.

  • SaaS (Software as a Service): This allows end customers or users to utilize software applications. Typical applications under SaaS include customer relationship management, billing and invoicing, and human resource management solutions.

Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud computing architecture refers to the structure and design of various components, services, and protocol layers that make up a cloud computing environment.

cloud computing architecture

As shown in the diagram, cloud computing architecture consists of two parts: front end and back end.

  • Front End: This refers to client-side components such as web browsers, FTP clients, or TELNET applications.

  • Back End: This houses the cloud components that clients use as shared resources. It includes data storage devices, virtual systems, networks, security systems, applications, infrastructure, and communication mechanisms to enable the delivery of cloud services to users.

Both the front end and back end parts are connected via the internet. Cloud infrastructure houses management software, deployment software, servers, network devices, a hypervisor (a low-level language referred to as firmware), and storage resources.

Benefits

  • Easy access to thousands of applications online.
  • Manipulation and configuration of online applications as needed.
  • No installation required on the client side, providing a platform-independent service.
  • No cost or minimal cost for using resources.
  • Private clouds keep business communities secure.
  • Public clouds provide a way for the general public to share their knowledge, products, and business updates.
  • Offers load balancing.
  • Supports multitenant solutions.

Conclusion

Overall, cloud computing architecture provides a flexible, cost-effective, and scalable approach to IT infrastructure and services. This allows businesses to focus on innovation and growth to achieve their objectives.