Understanding and making the most of cloud architectures
The right cloud architecture is key to using IT resources efficiently, reducing costs and responding flexibly to change. But what exactly makes a cloud architecture successful?
This guide will help you understand the basics of cloud computing architecture and show you how to optimise it and use it to best advantage for your business. We explain:
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The different cloud models (public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud)
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How to choose the right cloud model
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What are the advantages and disadvantages
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How to decide on the right variant
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Useful decision-making aids
As your business grows, your IT infrastructure should ideally grow with it in a straightforward manner. But instead of investing in new servers, it is often better to opt for a scalable option that can be flexibly adapted to your needs. With our structured approach, you will find it easier to find the tailor-made solution for your business.
What is cloud architecture?
Cloud architectures form the basis for the development of modern, cloud-based solutions. They define the structure and interaction of all components and technologies required for cloud computing. These include servers, storage, virtual resources, software solutions and network systems, which together form the cloud computing environment.
Compared to traditional on-premise systems, moving to the cloud offers numerous advantages, including increased flexibility, improved scalability and optimised cost structures.
Many companies often begin their transition with a ‘lift-and-shift’ approach. This method involves moving existing applications to the cloud with only minimal adjustments.
In the long term, however, it makes more sense to design and optimise applications so that they meet the specific requirements of cloud environments. Cloud architecture plays a key role in this. It defines how the various elements are integrated in order to efficiently provide resources via a network, share them and scale them as needed.
The architecture serves as a blueprint for implementing and operating applications in a cloud-based environment. It thus ensures effective and powerful cloud computing. A central component of modern cloud architectures is the cloud-native approach, which is specifically designed for use in cloud environments. You can find out more about this in our Cloud Native Guide.
What are cloud architecture layers?
Cloud architectures can be thought of as a multi-layered system in which each layer performs a specific task. Each layer has a clearly defined task, such as managing data, providing computing power or ensuring security. The interaction between these layers creates an overall system that is flexible, scalable and efficient. There are various ways to design cloud architecture:
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Hardware: This layer contains the physical components such as servers, storage solutions, network devices and other hardware elements that form the basis for operating the cloud.
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Virtualisation: At this level, physical resources are abstracted and converted into virtual instances. This abstraction makes it possible to run multiple applications or users on the same physical resources, which increases efficiency and flexibility.
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Applications and services: This layer manages the coordination and processing of requests received via the frontend user interface. Depending on the respective cloud service model, different functions are provided here, such as the allocation of resources, development tools or cloud-based applications.
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Together, these levels form a powerful, flexible system that enables the operation of modern cloud platforms.
What components make up a cloud architecture?
In this section, we will look at the basic components of a cloud architecture. We will briefly discuss the characteristics of each component to provide an understanding of how the individual building blocks work together.
The components virtualisation, networks, services and interfaces, security mechanisms management and monitoring tools are essential for setting up a functioning and powerful cloud environment:
1. Virtualisation
Virtualisation is at the heart of every cloud architecture. It allows physical resources such as servers, storage and networks to be divided into virtual units and managed flexibly. With the help of hypervisors, which sit between the hardware and the virtual machines (VMs), multiple VMs can be run on the same physical hardware.
Advantages of virtualisation:
- Efficiency: Consolidating multiple virtual machines on a single physical server makes optimal use of hardware.
- Flexibility: New VMs can be deployed within minutes, accelerating development and testing processes.
- Isolation: Each VM is independent of others, ensuring high security and stability.
2. Network
The network is the lifeline of the cloud. Without a robust and well-planned network infrastructure, it would be impossible to deliver cloud resources efficiently and securely. The network infrastructure in a cloud environment includes both physical and virtual components.
Key components:
- Software-defined networking (SDN): Enables dynamic management of network resources through software, promoting agility and automation.
- Load balancers: Distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers to ensure availability and performance.
- VPNs and gateways: Establish secure connections between the cloud and local data centres or end devices.
A well-designed network takes into account aspects such as latency, bandwidth, redundancy and security. Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments in particular require sophisticated network solutions to enable seamless interaction between different cloud platforms.
3. Services and interfaces
The cloud is more than just infrastructure. Its true strength lies in the wide range of services it provides. These can be divided into three main categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS), which we will discuss in more detail in the next section.
Interfaces, especially Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), are crucial for enabling communication between different services. Modern cloud platforms offer APIs that make it easier for developers to integrate and automate cloud services into their applications.
4. Security mechanisms
Security is a key aspect of any cloud architecture. Since cloud resources are accessible via the Internet, they must be protected against unauthorised access, data loss and attacks.
Important security components:
- Identity and access management (IAM): Defines which users and systems have access to which resources.
- Encryption: Protects data during transmission and at rest.
- Firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS): Control data traffic and detect potential attacks.
- Compliance and auditing: Ensure that regulatory requirements are met and that complete traceability is provided.
In addition, many companies are implementing zero trust architectures, in which no user or system is considered trustworthy by default. Zero trust is based on the principle of ‘trust no one, verify everything’ and requires that every access request be strictly authenticated, authorised and continuously monitored, regardless of whether it originates from the internal network or from external sources.
5. Management and monitoring tools
Robust management and monitoring tools are required to operate a cloud architecture efficiently. These tools help optimise performance, identify problems and keep costs under control.
Examples of tools:
- Monitoring tools: These tools are used to monitor the status and performance of cloud resources in real time. They collect and analyse metrics, events and logs to identify and resolve bottlenecks, failures or performance issues at an early stage. Monitoring is crucial for ensuring the availability and reliability of services while also guaranteeing efficient resource utilisation.
- Management dashboards: Provide an overview of all resources, costs and usage patterns.
- Automation tools: These are used to automate the initial setup of resources by making configurations and deployment processes efficient and reproducible.
These tools play a key role in ensuring that the cloud environment is used optimally and runs smoothly.
Together, we will find the cloud solution that suits your requirements.
How do the components of a cloud architecture interact?
In a cloud architecture, the various components work together to provide a platform that gives users access to resources and services as needed.
The backend comprises all resources, services, data storage and applications provided by a cloud provider.The frontend and backend elements of the cloud architecture are connected via a network so that data can be exchanged between them.
When users make requests via an interface, these are transmitted to the backend using middleware. The service model influences how and where the underlying logic, services or applications that respond to the requests are provided.
The available services depend on the selected provisioning or service model. In cloud computing, there are three main service models:
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
This model provides infrastructure components such as servers, storage and networks on demand. This eliminates the need to procure, operate or maintain local infrastructure.
Example
IaaS is particularly suitable for companies that require scalable IT resources, e.g. for hosting websites, databases or virtual machines (VMs). A typical use case is during peak loads, such as those experienced by e-commerce shops during the Christmas season.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):
This is a platform that provides all the necessary infrastructure and software tools to develop, operate and manage applications.
Example
PaaS is often used by developers to create software applications more efficiently without having to worry about the underlying hardware or operating systems. One use case is the development and testing of web apps or APIs.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS):
This model delivers applications directly from the cloud, which are fully hosted and managed by the provider. Users do not need to install or maintain any software locally.
Example
SaaS is typically used for applications that end users need on a daily basis, such as email services, office software or customer management systems. One use case is the deployment of tools such as CRM software for managing customer contacts and processes.
The choice of service model depends largely on your individual requirements and the desired area of application.
What types of cloud architecture are there?
The introduction of the cloud requires careful planning, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to choose the type of cloud that best suits your existing technology investments, specific business requirements and long-term goals. There are three main types of cloud models available: public, private and hybrid.
Public cloud
In a public cloud, the required resources and underlying physical infrastructure are provided and managed by an external cloud provider. This model allows resources to be scaled easily without the need to purchase your own hardware or software. A public cloud also allows multi-tenant architectures to be used, where multiple customers share the same resources at the same time.
Private Cloud
A private cloud is a cloud computing environment that is used exclusively by a single company or organization and thus offers increased security, data protection and tailored IT resources.
Hybrid-Cloud
The hybrid cloud combines the advantages of public and private clouds to provide a flexible mix of cloud services. This model allows workloads to be moved between environments and the most suitable services to be used for specific requirements. Companies benefit from the ability to store sensitive data in the private cloud while using the public cloud for less critical tasks.
Multi-cloud architecture is also becoming increasingly important. With this approach, organisations use cloud services from multiple providers. This offers greater flexibility and allows specific applications or workloads to be tailored to the provider offering the best performance or features. In addition, a multi-cloud environment avoids dependencies on a single provider, opening up more design options.
is also becoming increasingly important. With this approach, organisations use cloud services from multiple providers. This offers greater flexibility and allows specific applications or workloads to be tailored to the provider offering the best performance or features. In addition, a multi-cloud environment avoids dependencies on a single provider, opening up more design options.Advantages and disadvantages of different cloud architectures
Learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of multi-cloud strategies and the three main models of cloud architectures. We will show you the advantages and challenges of the different models and what you need to bear in mind. You will also see specific examples of the industries and companies that benefit most from each approach.
Cloud architecture | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Public cloud | Low entry costs, no own hardware required | Less control over data and security |
High scalability | Dependence on third-party providers | |
Easy access to new technologies such as AI or big data analytics | Challenges due to compliance requirements | |
| Private Cloud | Maximum control over data and infrastructure | High costs for setup and maintenance |
Improved security, ideal for sensitive data | Requires specialised IT knowledge | |
Infrastructure can be customised to specific company requirements | Limited scalability compared to public clouds | |
| Hybrid-Cloud | Combination of control (private cloud) and flexibility (public cloud) | Greater technical effort required to integrate the systems |
Improve resilience by distributing workloads | Can be more expensive and more complex than a purely public or private solution | |
Option to store sensitive data locally | ||
| Multi-Cloud | Avoidance of dependencies on one provider | Greater administrative complexity due to multiple providers |
Access to specialised services from different providers | Possible incompatibilities in the services used | |
Increased reliability, as services can be distributed across several providers | Cost transparency can be more difficult |
Examples of suitable industries and companies
While public clouds are ideal for companies that need to scale quickly, private clouds offer maximum security and control.
Hybrid and multi-cloud approaches offer a balanced mix of flexibility and specialisation, but are particularly suitable for companies with complex requirements.
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Public cloud:
- Start-ups or small companies with rapid or fluctuating growth, e.g. e-commerce start-ups
- Companies that need to scale quickly, e.g. streaming services
- Educational institutions that use cloud services for online courses
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Private cloud:
- Financial service providers and banks with strict compliance requirements
- Authorities and government institutions with sensitive citizen data
- Healthcare, e.g. hospitals with data protection and IT security requirements
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Hybrid cloud
- Companies with mixed workloads, e.g. automotive industry (product development and customer data)
- Retailers that keep sensitive customer data locally but want to access cloud scaling
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Multi-cloud:
- Large enterprises
- Technology companies that use cloud services for various projects
- Pharmaceutical companies that conduct international research and development
How do I decide on a cloud architecture?
Choosing the right cloud architecture requires careful analysis of your business requirements. What factors are crucial to your decision? How do you assess your current workloads and existing IT requirements? You should consider the following points:
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Workload types: What type of workloads are processed (e.g. computing power, storage requirements)?
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Security requirements: Industry-specific requirements, e.g. data protection in the healthcare industry.
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Scalability: The need to adapt resources quickly and flexibly to increasing requirements.
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Budget: Available resources and long-term cost efficiency.
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Integration: How well can existing systems be integrated into the new architecture?
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Existing knowledge: Do you have the necessary expertise to operate a database independently – and do you even want to take on this task? Or would you prefer to rely on a ready-made service? It is, of course, worth comparing the prices of the various options.
To choose the right cloud solution for your individual requirements, you should conduct a comprehensive analysis of your current workloads. Several components can be used for this purpose:
- Monitoring tools: Analyse utilisation and identify peak load times.
- Application requirements: Evaluate which applications require the most resources.
- Capacity planning: Determine future requirements based on business growth and trends.
Depending on your company's requirements and goals, the deployment models described above – IaaS, PaaS or SaaS – are the most suitable options.
How do I manage the costs of the cloud?
Efficient cloud cost management is crucial to utilising the full potential of the cloud without breaking the budget. Here we explain how you can calculate and optimise the costs of different cloud models. We introduce you to tools and methods that help you avoid unnecessary expenditure. You will also learn how to recognise and control additional costs.
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Resource utilisation: Costs for computing power, storage and network.
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Licence fees: Software licences, which may be more expensive in the cloud.
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Transfer fees: Costs for transferring data between different clouds or on-premise environments.
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Maintenance costs: Costs for maintenance and support.
What tools and methods help to control costs?
There are a variety of tools and methods available for controlling costs within the cloud:
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Cloud cost calculator: AWS, Azure and Google offer special tools to calculate usage and costs.
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Automatic scaling: Automatic adjustment of resources to actual demand. It is important to set clear limits for scaling in order to avoid uncontrolled growth.
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Monitoring tools: Monitor usage data to identify unnecessary resources.
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Cost limitation: Setting budget limits and warnings to avoid excessive expenditure.
What other costs can arise when using the cloud?
The cloud offers the advantage of precise billing, whereby users only pay for the services they actually use (pay-as-you-go). This means that companies can flexibly adapt costs to their actual needs.
However, using cloud services can incur additional costs that often exceed the subscription fees alone. More performance also means higher expenses, as the following examples show:
Data transfer charges
Costs for uploading or downloading data may apply, especially for large amounts of data or frequent access.
Example: Transferring data between different regions or clouds may incur additional costs.
Memory growth
Storing large amounts of data over long periods of time can lead to unexpectedly high storage costs.
Example: Many companies often underestimate the volume of unused data that continues to be stored.
Costs for additional services
Cloud providers charge separate fees for additional services such as security features, backup solutions or advanced data analysis.
Example: Adding tools for monitoring or data encryption may incur additional costs.
Scaling and resource utilisation
Automatic scaling allows you to expand computing resources as needed, but uncontrolled growth can dramatically increase monthly bills.
Example: An unexpectedly high web traffic load can cause additional servers to be activated, driving up costs.
Costs for latency and performance optimisation
To improve performance or reduce latency issues, additional or specialised cloud resources often need to be provisioned.
Example: A large car manufacturer decides to use more powerful cloud instances to reduce response times, but this comes at a higher cost.
Compliance and certification costs
Certain industry requirements demand special compliance solutions in the cloud, which can incur additional costs.
Example: A company must obtain special data protection or security certifications in order to comply with legal requirements.
Costs for migration and integration
The costs for the initial migration to the cloud, the integration of existing systems and the optimisation of workloads can be higher than expected.
Example: Old systems usually need to be adapted or completely rewritten in order to function efficiently in the cloud.
Costs due to incorrect configuration
Misconfigurations, such as failing to shut down unused services or granting inappropriate permissions, can lead to additional costs.
Example: A test environment is accidentally left running even though it is no longer needed, resulting in unnecessary costs.
We show you how to keep your cloud costs under control.
We will show you which tools you need and help you with any other questions you may have about the cloud and cloud architecture. Arrange a free initial consultation with our cloud experts.
Cloud architecture – conclusion
A well-designed cloud architecture helps you ensure flexibility, scalability and security. The choice between public, private, hybrid or multi-cloud depends heavily on the individual requirements of your company.
It is important to consider industry-specific requirements, costs and security aspects. In addition, the architecture should be designed to support future technological developments and grow with them.
By taking these factors into account, you can optimally leverage the benefits of the cloud and be well positioned for future developments.
Cloud Architecture – FAQ
1. What is cloud architecture?
Cloud architecture describes the structure and interaction of all components and technologies required for cloud computing, such as servers, storage, networks and virtual resources. It serves as a blueprint for operating applications in the cloud.
2. Why is good cloud architecture important?
An efficient cloud architecture ensures flexibility, scalability and cost optimisation. It enables IT resources to be dynamically adapted to requirements, thereby ensuring long-term efficiency.
3. What are the different layers in a cloud architecture?
The layers of a cloud architecture are:
- Applications and services: Functions and tools provided via the user interface.
- Hardware: Physical resources such as servers and storage.
- Virtualisation: Abstraction of physical resources into virtual instances.
4. What are the most important components of a cloud architecture?
- Virtualisation: Management of resources as virtual units.
- Network: Provision of connections and data transmission.
- Services and interfaces (APIs): Use and integration of cloud services.
- Security mechanisms: Protection against unauthorised access and attacks.
- Management and monitoring tools: Optimisation and monitoring of the cloud environment.
5. What cloud service models are available?
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provision of infrastructure such as servers and storage. Example: AWS EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): Platform for developing and managing applications. Example: Heroku, Google App Engine.
- SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use applications directly from the cloud. Example: Microsoft 365, Salesforce.
6. What types of cloud architectures are there?
- Public cloud: Resources are provided by an external provider.
- Private cloud: Used exclusively by one organisation.
- Hybrid cloud: Combination of public and private cloud.
- Multi-cloud: Use of multiple cloud providers for maximum flexibility.
7. How do I choose the right cloud model?
Consider factors such as scalability, data protection requirements, budget and the type of workloads. Hybrid and multi-cloud approaches often offer the greatest flexibility.
8. How can I minimise security risks in the cloud?
- Identity and access management (IAM): Controls who can access which resources.
- Encryption: Protects data during transmission and storage.
- Firewalls and IDS: Monitoring and protection against attacks.
- Compliance: Ensures that legal requirements are met.
Maximilian Schaugg has been working on cloud projects at MaibornWolff since July 2018. He specialises in the design, implementation and operation of cloud and container solutions in existing and new IT infrastructures. An important part of his work is focusing on the needs of his customers and taking a holistic approach to successfully completing projects from start to finish. In recent years, he has focused particularly on cloud migration, cloud consulting and cloud platform development, where he has been able to apply and further deepen his in-depth knowledge, especially in the critical areas of security, cost efficiency and governance.