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As the corporates all across the globe are neck-deep in cloud technology, a majority of them are still in the dark about how the cloud works and what comprises the cloud architecture. It is important for them to get well acquainted with the cloud environment and the resources that are essential for cloud deployment. The components of cloud architecture are engineered to use the potential of cloud resources to deal with business problems. Every component and capability is connected to deliver an online platform where applications run. A solid cloud architecture is pivotal as it acts as the foundation for all the cloud initiatives that an organization takes. In the context of cloud architecture, there have been a lot of points that need to be focused upon from edge computing, to containers, artificial intelligence, multi and hybrid cloud, security and compliance issues. This blog will talk about the major cloud architecture concerns that need to be addressed by every business that is aspiring to achieve most of the cloud-first approach.
Some of the important cloud architecture concerns that you Should focus upon
Edge Computing – Edge computing offers a plethora of benefits to corporates where the biggest advantage is placing data processing nearer to the source of the data. It can be cumbersome to manage the division of data and processes between cloud and edge. Edge systems require a lot of maintenance along with constant monitoring, updatations, and configurations. Before getting started on edge computing, CEOs need to focus on the selection of the right framework, assessment of cybersecurity risks, and ongoing support and maintenance that an edge computing environment requires. Edge computing will help businesses with efficient, effective and robust network architecture solutions that are capable of enabling ultra-low latency applications along with the benefits of scalability, reliability, robustness, latency and internal communication.
Containers and Containerization of Legacy Applications – It is important for businesses to stay cautious on why and when should they use containers and what are the possible complexities that can arise while using containers to push applications to the cloud. Cloud architects and migration teams should assess which applications are the perfect fit for containers and cloud. For instance, legacy applications that require huge time and efforts to refactor or rewrite for containers are not the right choice and should be dealt accordingly. Containers have become pivotal to achieve automation, scalability, portability and higher performance. It might be a possibility where corporations are unable to get the expected value from a few applications moved through containers to the cloud as there are a few cloud applications that are the best fit for monolithic.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – The involvement of Artificial Intelligence in the cloud helps businesses to transform the IT infrastructure, monitor core workflows, achieve seamless data access, fast-track security automation, experience better decision making and various analytics advantages. Machine learning models help businesses in managing large datasets that are stored in the cloud and AI methodologies help in managing large data repositories. Businesses can transform their information architecture through AI to get a competitive advantage in the hybrid and multi-cloud environments along with the right set of tools and concrete strategies. However, it is important to note that businesses should refactor the applications to use the power and potential of machine learning. With AI-SaaS Integration, AI tools act as a component of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms to provide business value. Cloud computing when coupled with AI solutions are capable of transforming business functions to the core.
Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud – Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance and need of multiple public clouds and a combination of both private and public clouds. From freedom of choice to avoiding vendor lock-in situations and improved security posture to business continuity and agility, the deployment of multi-cloud and hybrid cloud is gaining momentum. Multi-cloud or hybrid cloud architecture can get complicated at times in terms of handling the workload, managing the coordination or eliminating security loopholes. Businesses try to provision multi-cloud with Kubernetes, however, no organization can resist adopting a multi-cloud architecture as it helps businesses in avoiding vendor lock-in situations, and enhances operational efficiency.
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Security and Compliance Issues – Cloud security begins with strong and secured cloud architecture. Businesses should use virtual firewalls, anti-virus software, data loss prevention tools, and focus on Denial-of-Service protection and implement a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). Businesses that use containers should focus on the security of containers in the cloud to avoid hackers exploiting the system vulnerabilities. It is also to be considered that IaaS, PaaS and SaaS cloud models require additional security features. IaaS requires network segmentation, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual network-based firewalls, etc., PaaS requires strong IP protocols, Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), API gateways, etc., and SaaS requires API gateways, IP restrictions, logging, etc.
Cloud architecture concerns should be a focal point for your cloud strategy
Cloud architecture is extremely crucial as it explains all about individual technologies that are integrated together to ultimately develop clouds. To sum up, businesses that develop cloud-native applications with DevOps and microservices architectures need to examine security architecture and continuous security methods for cloud-native applications. Strong security measures are paramount amongst every component of cloud architecture i.e., on-premise resources, cloud resources, middleware, software components and services, along with securing applications, hardware, and software that form a cloud environment.
Artificial intelligence will improve data management, and inject automation in the operational workflow. AI capabilities will make businesses more strategic, Agile, and insight-driven. CIOs will focus more on edge computing and containers whereas multi and hybrid cloud structures will get more momentum in 2020 and beyond. Solid cloud architecture is extremely important for an organization as it is aimed at providing an on-demand Agile network and seamless access to data or applications keeping network security under consideration.
