What Is Cloud Computing Architecture: Benefits, Components & More

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to services like storage, databases, software, analytics, and other platforms that are accessible via the internet. It is any service that can be delivered without being physically close to the hardware. For example, Netflix uses cloud computing for its video streaming services. Another example is G Suite, which runs entirely on the cloud.

Simply put, Cloud Computing refers to the delivery of on-demand resources (such as a  server, database, software, etc.) over the internet. It also gives the ability to build, design, and manage applications on the cloud platform.

Note: Companies offering these computing services are referred to as cloud providers.

Cloud Computing 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

Now, that we know the basics of cloud computing, let’s move on and learn about cloud computing architecture.

Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud Computing Architecture is divided into two parts, i.e., front-end and back-end. Front-end and back-end communicate via a network or internet. A diagrammatic representation of cloud computing architecture is shown below:

Cloud Computing Architecture

Front-End 

• It provides applications and the interfaces that are required for the cloud-based service.
• It consists of client’s side applications, which are web browsers such as Google Chrome and Internet Explorer.
• Cloud infrastructure is the only component of the front-end. Let's understand it in detail.

Front-end - Cloud Computing Architecture

• Cloud infrastructure consists of hardware and software components such as data storage, server, virtualization software, etc.
• It also provides a Graphical User Interface to the end-users to perform respective tasks.

Moving ahead, let’s understand what the back-end is.

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Back-End 

It is responsible for monitoring all the programs that run the application on the front-end

It has a large number of data storage systems and servers. The back-end is an important and huge part of the whole cloud computing architecture, as shown below:

Back-end - Cloud Computing Architecture

The components of the back-end cloud architecture are mentioned below. Let's understand them in detail one by one. 

Application 

• It can either be a software or a platform 
• Depending upon the client requirement, the application provides the result to the end-user (with resources) in the back end

Service 

• Service is an essential component in cloud architecture
• Its responsibility is to provide utility in the architecture
• In a Cloud, few widely used services among the end-users are storage application development environments and web services

Storage

• It stores and maintains data like files, videos, documents, etc. over the internet
• Some of the popular examples of storage services are below:
• Amazon S3
• Oracle Cloud-Storage 
• Microsoft Azure Storage
• Its capacity varies depending upon the service providers available in the market

Management

• Its task is to allot specific resources to a specific task, it simultaneously performs various functions of the cloud environment
• It helps in the management of components like application, task, service, security, data storage, and cloud infrastructure
• In simple terms, it establishes coordination among the cloud resources

Security

• Security is an integral part of back-end cloud infrastructure
• It provides secure cloud resources, systems, files, and infrastructure to end-users
• Also, it implements security management to the cloud server with virtual firewalls which results in preventing data loss

Now, that we know the architecture of cloud computing, let’s move on and learn about the benefits of the architecture.

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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’s have a look at the components of cloud computing architecture.

Cloud Computing Architecture Components

Some of the important components of Cloud Computing architecture that we will be looking into are as follows:

• Hypervisor
• Management Software
• Deployment Software
• Network
• Cloud Server
• Cloud Storage

Components of Cloud architecture

Hypervisor

• It is a virtual machine monitor which provides Virtual Operating Platforms to every user 
• It also manages guest operating systems in the cloud 
• It runs a separate virtual machine on the back end which consists of software and hardware
• Its main objective is to divide and allocate resources

Management Software 

• Its responsibility is to manage and monitor cloud operations with various strategies to increase the performance of the cloud
• Some of the operations performed by the management software are: 
• compliance auditing
• management of overseeing disaster
• contingency plans

Deployment Software

• It consists of all the mandatory installations and configurations required to run a cloud service
• Every deployment of cloud services are performed using a deployment software
• The three different models which can be deployed are the following:

• SaaS - Software as a service hosts and manages applications of the end-user.

Example: Gmail

Image_Name: PaaS

• PaaS - Platform as a service helps developers to build, create, and manage applications.

Example: Microsoft Azure

• IaaS - Infrastructure as a service provides services on a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

Network

• It connects the front-end and back-end. Also, allows every user to access cloud resources
• It helps users to connect and customize the route and protocol
• It is a virtual server which is hosted on the cloud computing platform
• It is highly flexible, secure, and cost-effective

Cloud Storage

• Here, every bit of data is stored and accessed by a user from anywhere over the internet
• It is scalable at run-time and is automatically accessed
• Data can be modified and retrieved from cloud storage over the web

Choose The Right Cloud Computing Program

This table compares various cloud computing programs offered by Simplilearn, based on several key features and details. The table provides an overview of the Cloud Computing Courses' duration, skills you will learn, additional benefits, among other important factors, to help you make an informed decision about which course best suits your needs.

Program Name	AWS Solutions Architect	Cloud Architect Masters Program	Caltech Cloud Computing Bootcamp
Geo	All	All	US
University	Simplilearn	Simplilearn	Caltech
Course Duration	Self Paced	11 Months	6 Months
Coding Experience Required	Basic Knowledge	Basic Knowledge	Basic Knowledge
Skills You Will Learn	10+ Skills Including AWS Solution Planning, AWS Cost Estimation, AWS Data IO, etc.	30+ Skills Including EC2, ECS, Lambda, CloudFormation, ELB, etc.	10+ Skills Including Application Migration, Autoscaling, MultiCloud Deployment, etc.
Additional Benefits	16+ Live Demos of AWS Services Real-Time Industry Projects Simulation Exams	Masters Certificate Capstone Projects Exam Voucher Included	Caltech's Academic Excellence Live Classes by Experts Career Services
Cost	$	$$	$$$$
	Explore Program	Explore Program	Explore Program

Conclusion

Cloud computing architecture gives an environment where organizations can securely build applications and use cloud services based on the client requirement. So, with this, we got a complete run-down on what Cloud Computing Architecture is. In this article, we learned what cloud computing is, the benefits of Cloud Computing architecture, the architecture of cloud computing, and components of cloud computing architecture.

So now, addressing the elephant in the room, how can Simplilearn help you? 

Even a Cloud Architect who wants to understand Amazon Web Services in-depth can enroll in our Simplilearn Cloud Architect Master's program. It is custom-made to help in the mastering of AWS Cloud Architect techniques and strategies. 

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to put it in the comments section of this article; our experts will get back to you at the earliest.

FAQs

1. What is cloud computing architecture, and how does it differ from traditional IT infrastructure?

Cloud computing architecture refers to the design and structure of cloud-based systems that deliver computing services over the internet. Unlike traditional IT infrastructure, where resources are hosted on-premises, cloud architecture leverages remote servers and virtualization to provide scalable, on-demand access to computing resources such as storage, networking, and processing power.

2. What are the key benefits of adopting cloud computing architecture for businesses of all sizes?

Adopting cloud computing architecture offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, and improved efficiency. Businesses can reduce capital expenditures on hardware and infrastructure, scale resources up or down based on demand, access a wide range of services and applications, and benefit from automated management and updates provided by cloud service providers.

3. What are the essential components of cloud computing architecture, and how do they work together to deliver services?

The essential components of cloud computing architecture include the front end, back end, cloud infrastructure, and cloud services. The front end consists of the user interface and client devices, while the back end comprises servers, storage, and databases. The cloud infrastructure includes the network, servers, and storage resources, while cloud services encompass the various software applications and services delivered over the internet.

4. How does cloud computing architecture ensure scalability, flexibility, and reliability for organizations?

Cloud computing architecture enables scalability by allowing organizations to easily increase or decrease their use of resources in response to changing needs. It offers flexibility through the ability to access services from anywhere with an internet connection and support for various programming languages and operating systems. Cloud providers also ensure reliability by employing redundant infrastructure, data backups, and disaster recovery mechanisms to minimize downtime and ensure continuous service availability.

5. What security measures are in place within cloud computing architecture to protect data and mitigate potential risks?

Cloud computing architecture incorporates a range of security measures to protect data, including encryption, authentication, access control, and monitoring. Cloud service providers implement robust security protocols, compliance standards, and certifications to safeguard data against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cybersecurity threats. Additionally, organizations can implement their own security measures and policies to further enhance data protection within the cloud environment.