About Cloud Computing Architecture

The term ‘Cloud computing’ is used for anything involving the delivery of hosted services on the web or the internet. The cloud symbol that represents the internet in diagrams and flowcharts has inspired the name of cloud computing. Cloud computing system involves a considerable shift of workload as the user’s software and hardware requirements decrease. The computer of the user should simply be able to run the interface software of the cloud computing company and the rest is taken care of by the cloud’s network. Cloud Computing Architecture is the system’s structure comprising of the cloud and on-premise resources, services, software components, and middleware; their properties that are visible externally; their geo-location; and their mutual relationships.

Cloud Computing Architecture is divided into two sectors- the front end & the back end. Both the sections are connected through a network, which is usually the Internet. The computer or the computer network of the client, and the application that is needed for accessing the cloud computing system comprise the front end. It is not necessary that the user interface used by every cloud computing system be the same. Some systems can have unique applications for providing network access to the clients, while others like email programs use the available web browsers.

The system’s back end consists of the computers, data storage systems and servers that make up the computing services’ cloud. The system is administered by a central server. It monitors the traffic and the clients’ demands ensuring smooth flow of the system. The server follows some pre-set rules known as protocols, and uses middleware that is a special software that facilitates the communication between the networked computers. Cloud computing companies with several clients face a heavy demand for storage space. A cloud computing system should have a minimum of double the storage devices that it needs to store the information of its clients. The reason for it is that the system might break down occasionally. To save the data from becoming inaccessible in such a situation, the system must keep a backup of all the information of the clients. Making backup copies of the data is known as redundancy and these copies are stored on other devices.

The right Cloud Computing Architecture can set up an efficient cloud computing system that has limitless applications. The benefit the system offers to the users is that it reduces the client’s hardware and software costs. The client can access more computer applications and that too, anytime and from anywhere. The user also saves on the required administrative effort and IT support costs.