What is cloud architecture?

The cloud architecture forms the backbone of every cloud environment. It comprises the entire layout and networking of all components and technologies required for cloud computing - from computing power and storage to networks and cloud services. Migration to cloud environments - whether in the form of pure, hybrid or multi-cloud strategies - offers clear advantages over traditional on-premise systems, such as increased agility, almost unlimited scalability and cost savings thanks to usage-based billing. The cloud architecture defines how these components are integrated in order to provide, allocate or scale resources via a network. It acts as a detailed blueprint for the secure operation and provision of applications in the cloud.

STACKIT positions itself as a powerful European cloud option for companies that want to operate independently of non-European providers. As part of the Schwarz Group, STACKIT attaches great importance to strict data protection, data sovereignty and maximum IT security. The entire infrastructure is operated in certified data centers in Germany and Austria, so that all data remains exclusively in the EU and is processed in full compliance with the GDPR. STACKIT combines security with strong performance and compliance, ideal for sustainable cloud strategies. Find out everything you need to know about cloud architecture with STACKIT in this article.

• Cloud architectures: Describe the structural design and interaction of components in a cloud environment such as servers, databases and applications in order to provide scalable IT services.
• Public cloud: Cloud infrastructure that is shared by external providers via the internet and provided for multiple customers (e.g. Amazon Web Services, Azure, Google Cloud), which offers high scalability and low energy costs.
• Private cloud: Segregated cloud infrastructure used exclusively by one company, often in its own data centers - for maximum control and security.
• Hybrid cloud: Combines public and private cloud. Data and workloads can be moved flexibly between the two environments.
• Multi-cloud: Use of cloud services from several providers simultaneously to avoid dependencies and for greater reliability, flexibility and optimization.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtual infrastructure such as servers, storage and networks on-demand without the user having to manage the hardware.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Platform for the development, testing and provision of applications.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-made applications in the cloud, such as email or CRM solutions, which are usually accessed via a browser (or app). Operation, updates and maintenance are the responsibility of the provider.
• Containers: Lightweight, standardized units that bundle applications together with their code, all runtime environments, libraries and dependencies. They run independently of the host system and are easy to port.
• Orchestration: Automated management of containers or workloads, for example with Kubernetes - including provisioning, scaling and reliability.
  Microservices: Architectural principle in which applications are broken down into loosely coupled, small services that can be developed, tested, deployed and scaled independently.
• API (Application Programming Interface): Standardized interface for communication between software components or cloud services.
  Load balancer: Distributes incoming network traffic to several servers in order to avoid overloads and increase availability.
• Auto Scaling: Automatic adjustment of resources (e.g. number of servers) based on the current workload - for optimum performance with variable loads.
  High Availability (HA): Architecture and strategy concepts that compensate for failures of individual components and ensure that applications and services remain seamlessly available even in the event of failures.
• Disaster Recovery (DR): Strategies and plans for the rapid recovery of IT systems, data and applications to minimize data loss and downtime.
  Cloud storage: Scalable storage solutions (e.g. object, block or file storage) in the cloud for data, backups or databases - flexible for various use cases.

The use of a cloud is now a central component of modern IT infrastructure - both in the private and business environment. More and more companies are turning to cloud computing on a large scale to flexibly access applications, computing power and storage resources that could only be provided locally with considerable investment and resource consumption. Given the wide range of cloud offerings available, it is essential to clearly define actual needs and constantly review solutions both before and after implementation. The goal is a cloud architecture that integrates all components into a powerful, scalable and cost-efficient overall system.

A cloud architecture describes the technical and organizational interaction of hardware, software and cloud services within a network. It defines how these elements interact with each other in order to provide an efficient, secure and stable system landscape. Only those functions that are actually important for a company and its business processes are taken into account. The aim is therefore to enable an infrastructure that is optimally tailored to individual needs and at the same time offers sufficient flexibility to seamlessly integrate future adaptations and expansions.

There are various cloud architecture models that can be selected and combined depending on a company's requirements and strategies. The following models are among the most common:

Private cloud: Here, the entire cloud infrastructure is available exclusively to a single company. It can either be operated in the company's own data center or hosted by an external service provider. Only the company has access, which enables a high level of data security and control. However, the responsibility for maintaining and managing the cloud usually lies with the company itself.

The public cloud is the opposite model to the private cloud. Here, IT resources such as computing power, storage and applications are provided by a cloud provider via the internet and shared by several customers. Although the data is separated from each other, the users share the same physical infrastructure. The maintenance, scaling, security and management of the public cloud are handled by the service provider, which significantly reduces the company's own administrative workload.

The hybrid cloud combines elements of the private and public cloud in a common architecture. With the hybrid cloud, functions are managed in both environments and companies can move workloads flexibly between the two environments. This allows the scalability and cost efficiency of public cloud services to be optimally combined with the control and security of private environments. A well thought-out hybrid architecture enables companies to work in a particularly resource-efficient and agile manner.

The multi-cloud is a combination of several clouds. This can include two or more private clouds, several public clouds or a mixture of the different models. The aim of a multi-cloud is a high degree of flexibility, less dependence on one provider and optimal adaptation to individual business requirements.

• Record requirements precisely: Before architecture planning, the required workloads, data volumes and performance requirements should be analyzed in detail. An efficient, scalable cloud architecture can only be designed through a careful definition of requirements.
• Data encryption: All data, both at rest and in transit, should be encrypted to ensure permanent integrity and confidentiality.
• Regular testing: Continuously evaluate resource usage for optimal cost control.
  Continuously monitor systems, applications and security components: This assists in quickly detecting malfunctions or performance bottlenecks.

How does a cloud architecture differ from management systems?

Cloud architecture describes the structural design of a cloud environment. It defines how computing resources, networks, storage and applications are interlinked in order to provide scalable and efficient services. Management systems, on the other hand, ensure that this architecture is implemented and monitored during operation.

How can a cloud architecture be created with partners?

Partners such as cloud providers (e.g. STACKIT) offer tools, platforms and expertise to plan architectures, carry out data discovery processes and develop them together. They provide support in selecting suitable services, integrating existing systems and setting up secure, high-performance structures.

What is the difference between cloud infrastructure and cloud architecture?

The cloud architecture is the conceptual design of a cloud-based application, the blueprint so to speak. It defines how technologies such as microservices, APIs and containers work together so that applications remain flexible, scalable and maintainable. Cloud infrastructure, on the other hand, comprises the actual technical resources, i.e. servers, networks, storage solutions and software.