What Is Cloud Native Architecture?
Thinking about harnessing the power of the cloud for your organization? The right cloud architecture can help. Read on for a full explanation of what is cloud native architecture and how it can benefit your organization. We’ll also look at the things you need to pay attention to when choosing cloud architecture.
Cloud Native Architecture Explained
Cloud native architecture enables developers to build and run applications that use the distributed resources of cloud computing. A design methodology that is increasingly appealing for developers, it can free you from the costs and inflexibility of using a large application infrastructure. Instead, it enables you to tap into the flexibility and scalability of cloud-based microservices to create, run, and update software that works in the cloud.
Cloud native architecture apps are deployed in the cloud instead of on-premise physical servers. This frees these apps from the problems that legacy systems often face, such as the lack of integration with new systems and technologies.
Two key aspects of cloud native architecture are microservices and containers. You can think of microservices as small, self-sufficient programs that perform a specific function. Containers, on the other hand, make it possible to deploy microservices on any type of cloud platform, whether it’s public or private.
By taking advantage of microservices and containers, cloud native architecture allows developers to create and deploy applications in the cloud one functional component at a time.
Advantages of Cloud Native Architecture
So, what are some of the best reasons to use cloud native architecture?
- Adapt technology to your needs – With cloud native architecture you can choose the system, programming languages, and frameworks you want to use for each specific project. You’re not tied to a tech stack that may come with limiting requirements.
- Deploy digital services faster – Developers don’t have to replicate a whole system before updating it—instead, they focus on individual microservices. What’s more, multiple teams of developers can work on different microservices at the same time. The result is significantly faster deployment times compared to legacy systems. And less risk for errors and problems during updates.
- Faster fixes – Checking containers and microservices for bugs and other technical problems is faster and easier than breaking down a large app.
- Boost efficiency – Cloud native architecture takes advantage of container orchestrators to allocate resources intelligently based on demand. The result is optimal performance with less waste.
- Better user experience – Developers can update and enhance individual microservices without the need for downtime—the other microservices can continue to work as normal. To boot, developers can optimize microservices individually to create the best possible user experience.
- Portability – Microservices in containers are very portable. You can move them from one cloud provider to another. This reduces reliance on a single cloud provider, making the architecture very flexible.
- Shorten development lifecycles – With microservices, developers can add new features dynamically. You won’t have to wait until all the features have been developed and the whole software deployed before you can start using it.
- Automation – Automation plays a key role in cloud native architecture development and maintenance, reducing the risk of human errors.
What to Pay Attention to When Embracing Cloud Native Architecture
Cloud native architecture is very powerful, but only when it’s used properly. For this, your team needs to follow a strategy that is compatible with it. This calls for planning and adjustments. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
- Plan the transition – Moving from a legacy system to cloud native architecture may give rise to issues related to functionality and interdependencies. It calls for planning and technical assistance. It’s not something that you can do overnight.
- Create a DevOps pipeline – This refers to a set of practices that your development and operations teams will follow to build and deploy software. It includes automated processes and tools, and requires continuous integration, delivery, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
- Manage security risks – Scaling containers can create security vulnerabilities if you don’t monitor the process.
In the end, cloud native architecture is a powerful design methodology that can help you and your team tap into the flexibility, scalability, and power of the cloud. It’s a great way to boost the efficiency and productivity of your IT and operations teams. But you need to do it right to avoid issues.
Cloud Native Architecture – Additional Resources
- IBM Cloud Native Principals – Learn about the basic principles for developing cloud-native applications.
- Google Cloud Native Development – Build, run, and operate cloud-native apps with Google Cloud
- Azure Cloud Native Architecture – Develop applications designed for the cloud on an open and flexible platform.
