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.
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.
Cloud architectures enable the provision of different service models. A distinction is made between three main models:
There are also extended service models such as Function as a Service (FaaS), Database as a Service (DBaaS) or Container as a Service (CaaS), which are tailored to specific use cases.
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.
Every hardware and software component of a cloud architecture contributes to the provision of virtual resources and the efficient execution of workloads in the cloud. Cloud services abstract various technical levels of cloud computing and enable the flexible and scalable use of computing, network and storage resources. The following core components form the basis of modern cloud infrastructures:
High-performance computers operated by cloud providers in globally distributed data centers. Each server has several processor cores and plenty of memory to ensure high computing power and availability. Connected in cluster structures, servers enable the provision of a wide range of cloud computing services.
Ensures communication between data centers, servers and individual cloud services. Routers, switches, firewalls and load balancers control all data traffic, distribute loads dynamically and optimize performance and security.
Serves as a persistent, scalable data room within the cloud architecture. It is accessible via the internet from any location and can be flexibly adapted to growing workloads.
This layer includes hypervisors, container orchestration systems (e.g. Kubernetes) as well as management tools and APIs via which users and administrators access the virtualized resources.
