A Generic Cloud Architecture Design

Design Goals of Cloud Platform

1. Scalability – Easily add or remove resources.
2. Virtualization – Allows sharing and better use of hardware.
3. Efficiency – Uses minimal resources to give maximum output.
4. Reliability – Cloud keeps working even if parts fail.

Enabling Technologies

• High-speed internet (broadband)
• Cheaper storage and powerful CPUs
• Virtualization (VMs)
• Web 2.0, SOA (Service Oriented Architecture)
• Auto billing, licensing tools

Generic Cloud Architecture

• Consists of many servers (physical/virtual)
• User requests go through a provisioning tool
• Cloud includes:
  • Storage (SANs, databases)
  • Software (security, firewalls)
  • Monitoring Tools (track usage, performance)
• Operated by third-party providers (Ex: AWS, Azure)
• Data centers located where electricity/cooling is cheap