A cloud infrastructure is a collection of hardware and software components such as servers, cloud management software, platform virtualization, and storage devices that are needed to enable cloud computing. Typically, virtual resources will mirror the physical infrastructure.
With scalability, security, and tailored performance as the base, cloud infrastructures are taking over and replacing physical servers. Each of the following components plays a role in helping businesses establish and deliver applications and creating your cloud infrastructure.
Though the cloud is practically virtual there is a variety of physical hardware located in multiple locations that make up the cloud network. Hardware can include routers, firewalls, backup devices, and servers.
This process separates IT services and functions from hardware. Software named hypervisor (virtual machine monitor) sits on physical hardware and pulls the machine’s resources such as memory and computing power.
The process to backup, date, and update files regularly is usually managed through massive storage data centers. When turned into a cloud resource, you can add, remove, repurpose, backup, and respond automatically.
Physical networks are composed of physical wires, switches, router, and servers. A typical cloud network is composed of multiple sub-networks that permits the creation of local area networks (VLANS).
These components are needed to create a cloud infrastructure. Using these, there are four different methods of cloud infrastructure that vary in security, control and ease of management.
This method is managed and maintained off-site via the internet. Public clouds are available to the general public while data is created off-premises. This cloud infrastructure has less security but requires no need to buy or manage software and maintain company efficiency.
Referred to as the internal or corporate model, this cloud is managed in-house and can be accessed by a single company. The model is similar to a public cloud. Private, on the other hand, is able to address and handle security and privacy concerns more effectively.
This method can support multiple businesses by sharing resources as a part of a community. While this resembles the private model, this method is capable of supporting an abundant number of users who share in the costs.
True to its name, this model is a mix of the three previously stated cloud methods. Combining the efficiency of public, the support of community and the security of private, hybrids offer the best of all three methods.
Finally, let’s touch on the three types of delivery models for a cloud infrastructure within the SPI model. The SPI acronym represents the three common cloud service solutions: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure of Service (IaaS).
A cloud service provider delivers an application through a web-based portal. This model eliminates the need to buy hardware and software licenses while having your provider manage and store data. Some advantages of SaaS are vendor responsibility and a pay as you go model.
The cloud service provider delivers the full cloud infrastructure along with a software platform that allows clients to develop, run and manage business applications without the headaches of building and maintaining the infrastructure. Advantages include increased application testing/deployment and reduced internal infrastructure requirements.
The cloud service provider delivers networking, data storage, servers, and virtualization capabilities while allowing the client to access more data storage and computing power. Advantages include the ability to extend your data storage capabilities and offering disaster recovery.
Cloud infrastructures bring many key features to your business. Those features include. but are not limited to, resource pooling, easy maintenance, dependable security, cost control, the ability to handle intensive workloads, and the ability to store large amounts of data.
Cloud Server Infrastructure is a critical part of meeting technological advancements for everyday business needs.
