Cloud architecture refers to the design and configuration of computing resources and services delivered over the internet. It’s fundamentally different from traditional on-premises IT, offering increased scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Concepts
Here are some core concepts you should understand:
- Cloud Service Models: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
- Deployment Models: Public, Private, Hybrid, and Multi-Cloud.
- Virtualization: The foundation of cloud computing.
- Containers & Orchestration: Docker and Kubernetes are often used.
- Serverless Computing: Executing code without managing servers.
IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
Let's break down these service models:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): You control the servers, storage, and networking. Examples: AWS EC2, Azure Virtual Machines.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): You manage applications, and the provider handles the underlying infrastructure. Examples: Google App Engine, Heroku.
- SaaS (Software as a Service): You use a complete software application over the internet. Examples: Salesforce, Google Workspace.
Scaling and Cost Optimization
One of the biggest advantages of cloud architecture is the ability to easily scale resources up or down based on demand. This also allows for cost optimization through pay-as-you-go pricing models.
Learn more about cloud scaling strategies.