Lately, many software companies are promoting cloud-based services and cloud-native platforms. Sometimes both these terms are used alternatively when they both are different.
In this article, we have discussed cloud-native platforms in detail, while differentiating cloud-based services and cloud-native platforms.
Cloud-Based Technology
When we consider traditional hosting services, our minds directly go towards hardware servers and huge data centers. This process right from purchasing the server and hosting it involved a lot of time and cost.
But with the advent of cloud computing, everything has transformed. With cloud computing, a need to buy physical hardware is eliminated. Instead, you rent it according to your requirements.
To put it concisely, we can refer to cloud computing as the ability to host web servers on a virtual medium called cloud. It provides services like servers, domains, etc. on the internet rather than storing on hard devices.
Now that we have revised cloud-based computing, let us understand Cloud Native Platform.
What is Cloud-Native?
Cloud-Native is an approach towards building and running applications to take advantage of distributed computing offered by the cloud. Rather than focusing on where the applications were created and deployed, it focuses on how. Cloud-Native platforms help companies to address the needs and demands of customers at a faster rate. They have elastic scalability, therefore, eliminating the need to contact the vendor to increase the storage or capability.
If you are thinking about your old legacy systems, then calm down! Most of the old legacy systems can run in the cloud.
Why does the Cloud-Native platform stand out?
These platforms exhibit many attributes like high availability and greater agility which are much better than the traditionally developed applications.
Some key features of cloud-native platforms are:
- IT enterprises can gain a competitive edge by switching to cloud-native platforms as it will enable them to build applications and respond quickly to customers’ needs.
- An enterprise will have to suffer in case of failed infrastructure. But cloud-native platforms can help developers and architects to focus on resilience by enabling them to design sustainable models.
- These platforms provide greater flexibility by allowing the team to build applications that can be integrated with any cloud-native solution.
- These platforms align operations with business priorities. Thus, leading to the elimination of manual admin tasks.
Cloud-Native Architecture
Cloud-Native architecture is concerned with the design of applications that were made to exist in the cloud. Microservices and serverless functions are the core of cloud-native architecture. Microservices architecture breaks an application into smaller and independent services, wherein each serves a specific function.
Cloud-Native Services
Cloud-Native services are a key to advancing analytics, mobile apps, and chatbots.
Example: Kubernetes, Docker, APIs, and Kafka
Key points to remember while considering cloud-native applications
- It is not required to convert every application to cloud-native. Business professionals and developers should figure out and prioritize workloads unanimously.
- Do not get carried away by modern technology and patterns for every app, rather focus on innovative software.
- Decide whether to DIY (do-it-yourself) a platform or buy it. Remember, a DIY platform requires maintenance whereas an integrated platform allows the team to focus on building applications as it is less preoccupied with ops and infrastructure.
Conclusion
No matter at what scale a business is operating, it can grow and expand by maximizing its potential by adopting cloud-native infrastructure. Cloud-Native platforms allow your business to take full advantage of cloud computing by running cloud-native applications that are reliable and responsive.
