Cloud Computing

Prepared and Compiled by: Ms. Sarita Neupane

Kathford International College of Engineering and Management
Unit-2: Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud Computing, which is one of the demanding technology of the current time and which is
giving a new shape to every organization by providing on demand-virtualized services/resources.
Cloud computing architecture is simple; it clearly states the components and subcomponents
embedded in it.

Cloud Service Providers

A few of the most popular cloud computing service providers include:

 Microsoft Azure
 Amazon Web Services (AWS)
 Google Cloud
 Alibaba Cloud
 IBM Cloud
 Oracle
 Salesforce
 SAP
 Rackspace Cloud
 VMWare

Cloud Computing Architecture:

The cloud computing architecture is divided into 2 parts i.e.

1. Frontend
2. Backend

The below figure represents an internal architectural view of cloud computing.

Architecture of cloud computing is the combination of both SOA (Service Oriented Architecture)
and EDA (Event Driven Architecture). Client infrastructure, application, service, runtime cloud,
storage, infrastructure, management and security all these are the components of cloud
computing architecture.
1. Frontend :
Frontend of the cloud architecture refers to the client side of cloud computing system. Means it
contains all the user interfaces and applications, which are used by the client to access the
cloud computing services/resources. For example, use of a web browser to access the cloud
platform.

 Client Infrastructure – Client Infrastructure is a part of the frontend component. It

contains the applications and user interfaces which are required to access the cloud platform.
 In other words, it provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to interact with the cloud.

2. Backend :

Backend refers to the cloud itself, which is used by the service provider. It contains the
resources as well as manages the resources and provides security mechanisms. Along with this,
it includes huge storage, virtual applications, virtual machines, traffic control mechanisms,
deployment models, etc.

1. Application

Application in backend refers to a software or platform to which client accesses. Means it

provides the service in backend as per the client requirement.

2. Service
Service in backend refers to the major three types of cloud-based services like SaaS, PaaS and
IaaS. Also manages which type of service the user accesses.

3. Runtime Cloud
Runtime cloud in backend provides the execution and Runtime platform/environment to the
Virtual machine.

4. Storage –
Storage in backend provides flexible and scalable storage service and management of stored
data.

Some of the popular Storage services are:

 Amazon S3
 Oracle Cloud-Storage
 Microsoft Azure Storage

5. Infrastructure
Cloud Infrastructure in backend refers to the hardware and software components of cloud like
it includes servers, storage, network devices, virtualization software etc.

6. Management
Management in backend refers to management of backend components like application,
service, runtime cloud, storage, infrastructure, and other security mechanisms etc.

7. Security
Security in backend refers to implementation of different security mechanisms in the backend
for secure cloud resources, systems, files, and infrastructure to end-users.

8. Internet
Internet connection acts as the medium or a bridge between frontend and backend and
establishes the interaction and communication between frontend and backend.

9. Database

Database in backend refers to provide database for storing structured data, such as SQL and
NOSQL databases. Example of Databases services include Amazon RDS, Microsoft Azure SQL
database and Google CLoud SQL.

10. Networking

Networking in backend services that provide networking infrastructure for application in the
cloud, such as load balancing, DNS and virtual private networks.

11. Analytics

Analytics in backend service that provides analytics capabillities for data in the cloud, such as
warehousing, bussness intellegence and machine learning.

Benefits of Cloud Computing Architecture

The cloud computing architecture is designed in such a way that:

 It solves latency issues and improves data processing requirements

 It reduces IT operating costs and gives good accessibility to access data and digital tools
 It helps businesses to easily scale up and scale down their cloud resources
 It has a flexibility feature which gives businesses a competitive advantage
 It results in better disaster recovery and provides high security
 It automatically updates its services
 It encourages remote working and promotes team collaboration

Going ahead, let us have a look at the components of cloud computing architecture.

Cloud Computing Reference Model

The cloud computing reference model is an abstract model that divides a cloud computing
environment into abstraction layers and cross-layer functions to characterize and standardize its
functions.
There is various type of cloud computing reference model used based on different requirements
of the consumers. The most important type of cloud computing reference model is the cloud
reference model in cloud computing. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
is an organization designed by the US government (USG) agency for the adoption and
development of cloud computing standards.

Cloud Computing reference model is divided into 3 major service models:

1. Software as a Service (SaaS)

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud Computing Reference Model Overview

IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS are the three most prevalent cloud delivery models, and together they have
been widely adopted and formalized. A cloud delivery service model is a specific, preconfigured
combination of IT resources made available by a cloud service provider. But the functionality
and degree of administrative control each of these three delivery types offer cloud users varies.

These abstraction layers can also be considered a tiered architecture, where services from one
layer can be combined with services from another, for example, SaaS can supply infrastructure
to create services from a higher layer. Let us have a look at the layers of cloud computing
reference model.
Software as a Service (SaaS)

Delivers software applications over the internet, typically accessed through web browsers,
without the need for installation or maintenance.

The cloud delivery model's top layer is where applications are located. End customers get access
to the services this tier offers via web portals. Because online software services provide the same
functionality as locally installed computer programs, consumers (users) are rapidly switching
from them. Today, ILMS and other application software can be accessed via the web as a service.

In terms of data access, collaboration, editing, storage, and document sharing, SaaS is
unquestionably a crucial service. Email service in a web browser is the most well known and
widely used example of SaaS, but SaaS applications are becoming more cooperative and
advanced.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Offers a platform with development tools, libraries, and services for users to build and deploy
applications.

PaaS is another category of cloud computing reference model. Paas provides an environment for
building, testing, and deploying software applications. The goal of PaaS is to help create an
application as quickly as possible without having a focus on managing the underlying
infrastructure. PaaS models deliver scalable and elastic runtime environments on demand and
host execution of applications. These services are backed by a core middleware platform that is
responsible for creating an abstract environment where applications are deployed/executed.
Responsibility of service providers is to provide the scalability and manage fault tolerance
whereas use focus on the logical part of application development which leverage the use of APIs
and libraries provided by PaaS. For Example We want to process data on spark engine For this
We don’t have to install Spark environment and Scala environment if we are writing code in
Scala language. Service providers already do this for users. We will be using cloud-computing
services as a platform.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

Provides virtualized computing resources, such as virtual machines, storage, and networks, on-
demand to users.

Iaas is the most basic category of cloud computing services. With Iaas, we can rent IT
infrastructure servers, and virtual machines (VMs), storage, networks and operating systems
from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis. It’s an instant computing infrastructure,
provisioned and managed over the internet. Virtual hardware is provided on demand in the form
of virtual machines instances. Pricing can be hourly basis. Virtual storage is either raw disk space
or an object store, which is the higher level of abstraction entities rather than file.

NIST Cloud computing also has 4 deployment models, which are as follows:

1. Public

This is the model where cloud infrastructure and resources are given to the public via a public
network. These models are generally owned by companies that sell cloud services.

The public cloud makes it possible for anybody to access systems and services. The public cloud
may be less secure as it is open to everyone. The public cloud is one in which cloud infrastructure
services are provided over the internet to the general people or major industry groups. The
infrastructure in this cloud model is owned by the entity that delivers the cloud services, not by
the consumer. It is a type of cloud hosting that allows customers and users to easily access
systems and services. This form of cloud computing is an excellent example of cloud hosting, in
which service providers supply services to a variety of customers. In this arrangement, storage
backup and retrieval services are given for free, as a subscription, or on a per-user basis. For
example, Google App Engine etc.

Advantages of the Public Cloud Model

 Minimal Investment: Because it is a pay-per-use service, there is no substantial upfront

fee, making it excellent for enterprises that require immediate access to resources.
 No setup cost: The entire infrastructure is fully subsidized by the cloud service
providers, thus there is no need to set up any hardware.
 Infrastructure Management is not required: Using the public cloud does not
necessitate infrastructure management.
 No maintenance: The maintenance work is done by the service provider (not users).
 Dynamic Scalability: To fulfill your company’s needs, on-demand resources are
accessible.

Disadvantages of the Public Cloud Model

 Less secure: Public cloud is less secure as resources are public so there is no guarantee
of high-level security.
 Low customization: It is accessed by many public so it can’t be customized according to
personal requirements.

3. Private

This is the model where cloud infrastructure and resources are only accessible by the cloud
consumer. These models are generally owned by cloud consumers themselves or a third party.
The private cloud deployment model is the exact opposite of the public cloud deployment model.
It’s a one-on-one environment for a single user (customer). There is no need to share your
hardware with anyone else. The distinction between private and public clouds is in how you
handle all of the hardware. It is also called the “internal cloud” & it refers to the ability to access
systems and services within a given border or organization. The cloud platform is implemented
in a cloud-based secure environment that is protected by powerful firewalls and under the
supervision of an organization’s IT department. The private cloud gives greater flexibility of
control over cloud resources.

Advantages of the Private Cloud Model

 Better Control: You are the sole owner of the property. You gain complete command
over service integration, IT operations, policies, and user behavior.
 Data Security and Privacy: It’s suitable for storing corporate information to which only
authorized staff have access. By segmenting resources within the same infrastructure,
improved access and security can be achieved.
 Customization: Unlike a public cloud deployment, a private cloud allows a company to
tailor its solution to meet its specific needs.

Disadvantages of the Private Cloud Model

 Less scalable: Private clouds are scaled within a certain range as there is less number of
clients.
 Costly: Private clouds are more costly as they provide personalized facilities.

4. Community
This is the model where a group of cloud consumers might share their cloud infrastructure and
resources as they may have the same goal and policies to be achieved. These models are owned
by organizations or third party.

It allows systems and services to be accessible by a group of organizations. It is a distributed

system that is created by integrating the services of different clouds to address the specific needs
of a community, industry, or business. The infrastructure of the community could be shared
between the organization which has shared concerns or tasks. It is generally managed by a third
party or by the combination of one or more organizations in the community.

4. Hybrid

This model consists of a mixture of different deployment models like public, private, or
community. This helps in the exchange of data or applications between various models.

By bridging the public and private worlds with a layer of proprietary software, hybrid cloud
computing gives the best of both worlds. With a hybrid solution, you may host the app in a safe
environment while taking advantage of the public cloud’s cost savings. Organizations can move
data and applications between different clouds using a combination of two or more cloud
deployment methods, depending on their needs.

Advantages of the Hybrid Cloud Model

 Flexibility and control: Businesses with more flexibility can design personalized
solutions that meet their particular needs.
 Cost: Because public clouds provide scalability, you’ll only be responsible for paying for
the extra capacity if you require it.
  Security: Because data is properly separated, the chances of data theft by attackers are
considerably reduced.

Disadvantages of the Hybrid Cloud Model

 Difficult to manage: Hybrid clouds are difficult to manage as it is a combination of both

public and private cloud. So, it is complex.
 Slow data transmission: Data transmission in the hybrid cloud takes place through the
public cloud so latency occurs.