The Advantages of Cloud-Native Architecture: What It Is and Why It Matters

Utilizing and leveraging cloud-native architecture isn’t a new concept. With the ongoing risks of digital disruptions, more organizations realize that moving to the cloud is good for business. Cloud-native architecture is leveraging cloud resources to improve capabilities and services while maintaining scalability and security.

By moving to the cloud organizations are able to accelerate their potential growth. Teams are able to build, deploy and operate applications directly in the cloud environment. The technologies used in a cloud environment include containers, microservices, APIs, and service meshes. The benefit is the elimination of maintenance of infrastructure. While the application has to be maintained and managed, once it moves to the cloud you’ve transferred infrastructure maintenance to your cloud provider. The result is lower overall IT costs.

What is Cloud-Native Architecture?

Cloud-native architecture uses services and containers to design, build and deliver software and resources. Unlike monolithic applications, cloud-native architecture allows for greater agility and faster innovation. There are several resources available on cloud platforms, but the four most common are microservices, containers, hardware, and software and DevOps.

• Microservices are an architectural style that builds an application as a collection of services that can be deployed independently. It enables a business to deliver complex applications quickly and reliably. In order to stay competitive, companies must move quickly, be agile, and do more with less which is one of the benefits of microservices.
• Containers are software that are composed of all the elements an application needs to run in any environment. Simply put, containers create a virtual operating system that allows the application to run anywhere from data centers to a developer’s laptop. Containerization lets teams move quickly while deploying software at scale. Applications become extremely efficient and development becomes more flexible.
• Cloud hardware and softwarerefers to the components that include hardware resources, storage, and network solutions. These resources give you the tools you need to host services and applications. Cloud computing architecture options benefit companies because of lower costs, greater flexibility, and scalability. There is also a single software platform for integrated hardware and software management.
• DevOps, is a set of policies, procedures, and frameworks used to simplify processes between developers and IT teams. The emphasis is on communication, collaboration, and automation. The traditional software development structure separated developers and operations. The result was a siloed process that was limited in scope. With DevOps, teams are a single continuous process.

Why Does it Matter?

There are a host of benefits when it comes to cloud-native architecture. For example, migrating Android apps to the cloud allows better performance and backend development. Updates and new functionality can be pushed on-demand without interruption or slowed performance. Scaling up or down is fast and can also be automated, Resources are better utilized and customers’ needs can be understood and managed in real time.

When a problem occurs it’s fixed much quicker which minimizes service downtime. Cloud-based applications are cost-efficient and allow organizations to have a competitive edge. More specifically, the benefits can include, a reduced time to market, reduced product rollout, and faster software development.

Cloud applications are easier to manage and when using serverless architecture there is no need for on-site networking, storage, or provisioning of cloud instances. Infrastructure setup is shortened and requires fewer staff and less IT change management. With the rising costs of IT budgets, investing in a cloud-native solution offers organizations a better approach to infrastructure and greatly reduces costs.

Cloud solutions are more reliable and downtime is greatly reduced. Cyber security is enhanced and organizations are better prepared to manage cyber threats. By running your application in separate containers if there is a cyber attack only individual containers are affected and not the entire application. The attack surface area is spread out providing greater protection and reduced damage and recovery. We can also shift the infrastructure to an alternate environment within the cloud keeping your system up and running.

Another consideration is the ability to move to a different vendor if your requirements or hosting policies change. You are not locked into a specific platform and can utilize other vendors’ services and solutions.

There is great scalability and flexibility in cloud-native architecture which allows changes and updates to take place in real-time. Your application can respond to customer needs as use and demand increases.

It’s not surprising that customer service is improved and organizations can make changes that evolve and grow with their customers. Cloud-native tools allow for continuous delivery of software and developers can add and make changes in shorter development cycles.

Moving to the cloud can help accelerate the software development process. We can shift our focus to other areas like quality, customer service, consistency, and innovation. Developers are able to be agile while building new technologies. Efficiency is improved and teams can focus on architecture, security, and software improvements. Modifications are quick and easy which helps organizations of all sizes leverage the benefits of cloud services.

Conclusion

No matter the cloud-native services or technologies you use or whether you’re public, private or a hybrid business, you might consider moving away from a monolithic architecture. Running applications virtually in the cloud offers greater flexibility and scale. Cloud-native ecosystems allow you to leverage microservices and containers which give you more growth potential. Many companies who have shifted to virtual environments, such as online streaming and enterprise retailers have seen unprecedented growth and success.

Cloud-native applications can be provisioned quickly and there is no need for hardware and software configuration. Hosting costs are lower because of simplified licensing, open source software and cheaper storage.

Moving to a cloud-native architecture offers business value to organizations that are growing and trying to manage costs while improving legacy software. With the growing need for security and remote collaboration. Cloud migrations provide a strong foundation with reliable support. Keeping your business up and running during disruptions is key across the ever changing digital landscape. Being able to continue operations during disruption can be the difference between success and failure. Speed, agility, reliability and growth are the foundations of any modern business. Add to that the ability to innovate while saving costs and you’re on your way to an amazing digital transformation.