In the previous introduction blog I have shared different cloud concepts and drivers. Cloud computing is a complex environment. In this blog we will focus on core Architecture building blocks and scenarios in a simple and visual way.
Visual model for NIST 800-145 definition:
NIST 800-145 describes different components involved in essential characteristics, service Models and deployment as below
Cloud computing architecture:
Cloud computing architecture is a defined by aggregated model of SOA(Service-oriented architecture) and EDA(Event-driven architecture) . Cloud computing architecture is divided into two parts as below:
- Front End : Client-side interfaces and applications that are necessary to access the cloud computing platforms. It is used by client.
- Back End : It manages all the resources necessary to provide cloud-based services, including a huge volume of data storage and security mechanisms, virtual machines, deploying models, servers, traffic control mechanisms, etc. Service provider uses back end.
*The front end and back end are connected to others over a network, typically using the Internet connection.
Service Model definitions(Cloud Computing Layers):
Cloud Computing boundaries are offered in 3 service models as below:
I. Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS) : IAAS vendors give low-level abstractions of physical devices. IaaS differs from a regular server in that it offers two key characteristics of cloud technology: virtualization and scalability.
2.Platform as a Service (PAAS): PAAS providers offer managed services like Nodejs, Django etc. Eg:AWS Elastic bean, Google App Engine. These are the environments where developers are able to easily develop advanced software.
3.Software as a Service (SaaS): The third and final service model of the cloud comes with a complete software solution. Here, organizations lease the use of a SaaS application, and users connect to it via the Internet. In simple terms, an Abstraction access from clients to data.
Now we will see "don't worry" part for all the layers in below pyramid image :):
Cloud Computing conceptual reference architecture:
Cloud Computing reference architecture is an abstract model that characterizes and normalizes a cloud computing ecosystem by dividing it into layers of abstraction and cross-layer activites. This model depicts the major actors, their activities and functions as below:
It represent presents an overview of the NIST(National Institute of Standards and Technology) cloud reference architecture.
Actors in Cloud Computing:
Now let's dive into different Actors in Cloud Computing
Source:NIST
Following sample services available to Cloud Consumer:
Cloud Computing Scenarios:
Scenario for Cloud Brokers interaction:
1.The cloud customer interacts with the cloud broker as opposed to communicating directly with a cloud provider.
2.Cloud Broker can create a new service (mashup) by combining different services or improving an existing service.
3.Actual cloud providers are invisible/hidden to the cloud consumer.
Scenario for Cloud Providers interaction:
1.Cloud carriers are the intermediary that provides connectivity and transport of cloud services from cloud providers to cloud consumers.
2.The Cloud Provider involves in to two distinct Service Level Agreements (SLA), one with a cloud carrier (e.g.SLA2) and the other with a cloud consumer (e.g.SLA1).
3.The cloud provider may request cloud carrier to deliver dedicated and encrypted connections to ensure the cloud services (SLA's).
Scenario for Cloud Auditor interaction:
1.Independent assessments for the operation and security of the cloud service are conducted by Cloud Auditor.
2.Auditing can involve interactions between the Cloud Consumer and the Cloud Provider.
Cloud Computing deployment modes:
PUBLIC CLOUD
The public cloud includes a whole host of services and companies. The most common names are AWS and Microsoft Azure, among others. However, you may also hear software as a service, such as Microsoft Office 365, included in the definition.
PRIVATE CLOUD
A private cloud is usually defined as anything behind the walls of an organization. These types of systems function well in a company's local data centers, even though some organizations prefer to use colos(colocated) data center facilities.
HYBRID CLOUD
A hybrid cloud typically describes a situation in which company is operating both public and private cloud. In general, hybrid cloud environment both the private and public services are integrated with one another.
Now a days, companies are following a multi-cloud strategy, which is the one that leverages any mix of private, public, and hybrid clouds. A multi-cloud strategy is an approach that operates any combination of private, public and hybrid clouds. An Organization may have multiple public and private clouds or multiple hybrid clouds, all either connected together or not.
That's it with basic cloud computing terminology and introduction to Cloud. In next blog, we will start cloud security concepts.
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