AWS is the most popular cloud service provider in the world, offering users virtual machines and servers and providing a wide range of cloud management tools such as Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Simple Storage (S3), and Amazon CloudWatch. Also, the vendor provides a proprietary AWS Well-Architected Framework to streamline AWS-based solution creation.
Cloud infrastructure services, components & leading platforms
Cloud infrastructure market state
enterprise spending on cloud infrastructure services in Q2 2022
Synergy Research Group
CAGR of the global cloud infrastructure market from 2021-2030
Emergen Research
of the cloud infrastructure services market was controlled by AWS in Q4 2022
Statista
IaaS market segment growth in 2023
Statista
Cloud infrastructure components
There are four key components making up a typical full-scale cloud infrastructure:
Network
A cloud network is a collection of computing devices to communicate and exchange data through special communication protocols. Physical and virtual tools such as routers, load balancers, and switches provide the connection between individual network elements, and cloud providers build their abstractions around physical elements to provide more robust, unified, and secure connectivity.
Storage
Cloud storage is a network file resource that allows an enterprise to securely store large amounts of data on a remote server in the form of files, tables, objects, or blocks and transfer it to other cloud destinations. Moreover, they can ensure data safety in case of system downtimes by distributing it across data centers in different regions. Since setup and maintenance are the responsibilities of a cloud provider, cloud storages are easy to implement. Post-deployment, an enterprise gets access to convenient interfaces and automation tools using generally accepted and standardized protocols to easily manage their cloud without the need for complex app and system configuration.
Computation
A server is a device (physical server) or a computer program (virtual server) that processes requests from various network nodes. An integral part of cloud infrastructure, a server can perform various tasks, and allocating computing resources, hosting containers, and empowering cloud-managed service solutions are some of them. Coupled with additional software components, servers act as an intermediate computational layer between hardware resources and the cloud service itself, providing users with virtual versions of hardware resources.
Security
The cloud infrastructure also includes security mechanisms that help encrypt data in storage and transit, detect malware, and authenticate and authorize users. In addition, when using the cloud, enterprises can define service roles to provide employees and clients with granular access to data, further enhancing data security.
Need a more robust and cost-effective cloud infrastructure?
Cloud infrastructure options
Depending on business requirements, enterprises can choose various types of cloud infrastructures based on different deployment models.
By cloud deployment model
An infrastructure can be deployed in a private, public, or hybrid cloud.
Private cloud
A private cloud is hosted and used by one enterprise only, which has security benefits but can be challenging and costly to manage.
Public cloud
As for the public cloud, enterprises get computing power from vendors on demand, which limits their control over corporate infrastructures but also helps reduce IT costs.
Hybrid cloud
A hybrid cloud is a mixed environment consisting of private and public clouds that takes the best of both worlds to provide enterprises with increased flexibility and security. However, hybrid clouds remain the most expensive and difficult-to-implement cloud model.
By cloud delivery model
There are five main cloud delivery models, each differing in purpose, complexity, and cost.
IaaS
PaaS
SaaS
CaaS
FaaS
Cloud provider’s responsibility
Cloud provider’s responsibility
Infrastructure (hardware, virtualization, network)
Infrastructure and platform
Infrastructure, platform, and software
Infrastructure and software for developing container applications
Infrastructure and a physical or virtual server to host and execute a piece of code
Company’s responsibility
Company’s responsibility
Platform (middleware, OS, runtime) and software
Software
End-user doesn’t need to manage anything and can just use the software
Development, running and management of applications
Building and deploying the code
Infrastructure as a service
Within the IaaS model, enterprises rent computing powers from a vendor who provides necessary virtual servers, networks, and storage services. Given that businesses don’t have to configure and maintain hardware, the IaaS model allows for rapid deployment and scaling of cloud infrastructures.
IaaS is typically used for:
- Resource-intensive operations with high utilization workloads and strict hardware requirements
- Support for legacy and infrastructure topology dependent solution
- Flexible, easily customizable, and disposable workloads
Platform as a service
Within the PaaS model, a vendor provides an enterprise with a ready-made platform pre-configured for performing certain business tasks. In particular, enterprises’ IT specialists can use PaaS products to build and deploy cloud-based apps.
PaaS is typically used for:
- Web and mobile application development and deployment
- Scalable solutions with focus on business logic only
- Rapid integrations with database, storage, and analytics services following continuous delivery practices
Software as a service
In this model, an enterprise implements a ready-made cloud solution that performs specific and narrow business functions like file storing, cloud data management, or website creation. Businesses do not need to install or manage their own infrastructures, which helps keep maintenance costs low.
SaaS is typically used for:
- Enterprises with limited IT expertise and resources
- Specialized software (content management, CRM, HRM, business automation tools)
- Simplified business processes with limited customization
Containers as a Service
The CaaS cloud delivery model allows companies to access container-related solutions, computing resources, and tools on demand. Using CaaS, enterprises can run and manage containers without creating and maintaining their own environments for deploying containerized applications.
CaaS is typically used for:
- Building and deploying distributed systems and microservices architectures
- Orchestration management and automatic scaling
- Optimizing DevOps costs
Function as a Service
FaaS enables developers to execute and run even small pieces of their code in the cloud without having to manage their own servers. This way, teams can focus on coding and feature development instead of IT infrastructure maintenance.
FaaS is typically used for:
- Faster creation and launch of new features, since developers can simply upload their code to a dedicated cloud platform
- Projects with limited financial resources
- Applications requiring rapid deployment of new features
Our cloud infrastructure services
Itransition offers a full range of cloud infrastructure services, including professional advisory, cloud migration, and integration.
Consulting
We help enterprises comprehensively assess their existing infrastructures, determine their cloud readiness, and create an actionable cloud adoption strategy.
Migration
We develop detailed cloud migration strategies, determine the right migration tools and technologies, and help validate migration success after the project ends.
Integration
We integrate cloud solutions with other on-premises or cloud applications to create more efficient infrastructures and enable seamless data exchange.
Case studies
70%
faster time-to-market
Cloud BI for a vehicle manufacturer
We built a microservices-based cloud architecture to help an automotive BI software vendor revamp its proprietary software solution.
A cross-platform
web app
Cloud-based software for a nuclear power plant
We modernized a legacy risk assessment and management system into a cross-platform web application to help the client manage their nuclear power plant more safely and efficiently.
AWS-based
infrastructure
SaaS claim management software
We delivered a microservices-based pay-per-use SaaS solution that automates and streamlines the management of insurance policies and claims.
30% cost savings
for hardware and maintenance costs
Cloud migration for a finance platform provider
We helped the client reduce their infrastructure’s total cost of ownership by migrating Jira and Confluence server instances to the cloud.
70%
faster time-to-market
Cloud BI for a vehicle manufacturer
We built a microservices-based cloud architecture to help an automotive BI software vendor revamp its proprietary software solution.
A cross-platform
web app
Cloud-based software for a nuclear power plant
We modernized a legacy risk assessment and management system into a cross-platform web application to help the client manage their nuclear power plant more safely and efficiently.
AWS-based
infrastructure
SaaS claim management software
We delivered a microservices-based pay-per-use SaaS solution that automates and streamlines the management of insurance policies and claims.
30% cost savings
for hardware and maintenance costs
Cloud migration for a finance platform provider
We helped the client reduce their infrastructure’s total cost of ownership by migrating Jira and Confluence server instances to the cloud.
70%
faster time-to-market
Cloud BI for a vehicle manufacturer
We built a microservices-based cloud architecture to help an automotive BI software vendor revamp its proprietary software solution.
A cross-platform
web app
Cloud-based software for a nuclear power plant
We modernized a legacy risk assessment and management system into a cross-platform web application to help the client manage their nuclear power plant more safely and efficiently.
AWS-based
infrastructure
SaaS claim management software
We delivered a microservices-based pay-per-use SaaS solution that automates and streamlines the management of insurance policies and claims.
30% cost savings
for hardware and maintenance costs
Cloud migration for a finance platform provider
We helped the client reduce their infrastructure’s total cost of ownership by migrating Jira and Confluence server instances to the cloud.
Top cloud infrastructure platforms
The top five cloud computing platforms companies can use to empower their cloud infrastructure include:
Features
- Machine learning enablement
- Built-in data encryption
- Serverless cloud functionalities
- IoT-based development
Best for
- Enterprises that aim to implement emerging technologies such as ML and IoT
- Enterprises that require support for multiple programming languages and operating systems
Free trial
- Available
Google Cloud
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers a wide range of tools for developers and businesses, including Google Cloud Storage, Compute Engine, and Cloud SDK. The world’s top enterprises, such as Verizon, LinkedIn, and Facebook, are among the millions of successful GCP users.
Features
- Access control
- Configuration management
- Hybrid and multi-cloud management
- Container-based software support
Best for
- Enterprises that need a fully managed staging environment for containerized applications
- Enterprises that aim to establish hybrid infrastructures, based on mix of cloud and on-premise
Free trial
- Available
The Microsoft Azure platform covers more than 500 web services that help enterprises implement cloud infrastructures of any scale and complexity. Also, the vendor offers the Azure Migration and Modernization Program to help enterprises accelerate and simplify cloud adoption.
Features
- Business continuity and disaster recovery integration
- Advanced analytics
- Capacity management
- Integrated delivery pipeline
Best for
- Enterprises that opt for developing powerful and large-scale analytics or data visualization solutions
- Enterprises that aim to improve security by encrypting their virtual machines
Free trial
- Available
IBM Cloud
The IBM Cloud Platform offers high-performing cloud servers that support thousands of cloud infrastructures across the globe. More than 170 of IBM’s services provide various capabilities required for cloud development, data storing, and network management.
Features
- Real-time monitoring
- Activity dashboards
- Plenty of customization capabilities
- Flexible pricing policy
Best for
- Enterprises that require a more tailored and flexible pricing model
- Enterprises that intend to rent physical servers on a subscription basis
Free trial
- Available
Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud is a distributed cloud computing service that offers businesses a wide range of PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS solutions. By using Oracle’s tools, enterprises can effectively build and deploy various types of apps, including cloud-native, mobile, and open-source.
Features
- Multi-language development support
- Automated resource scaling
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) support
- Flex infrastructure
Best for
- Enterprises that opt for migrating legacy applications without major code changes
- Enterprises that aim to automate resource scaling, updating, and sensitive data encryption
Free trial
- Available
We can help you create a scalable cloud infrastructure
Essential qualities of a cloud infrastructure
An effective and reliable cloud infrastructure must have the following characteristics:
Resilient
Cloud infrastructure should ensure round-the-clock availability of cloud computing resources for the enterprise because the continuity of operations depends on it. To prevent potential downtime, enterprises can distribute workloads among several providers and set up regular data backups.
Secure
While cloud hosting is often considered more secure than an on-premise approach, still no cloud infrastructure is secure by default. To guarantee the security of corporate and user data, enterprises should regularly audit their cloud infrastructure, regardless of a specific platform provider.
Easy to maintain
Although maintaining cloud resources is not easy, it should not be a burden for businesses. To facilitate cloud management, enterprises can adopt various automation tools that help create test environments, install patches, and perform other tasks without human involvement.
Cloud infrastructure benefits
By shifting to a cloud infrastructure, enterprises can achieve the following business advantages:
Advanced scalability
Enterprises can smoothly scale their cloud infrastructures on demand, increasing or decreasing usage of computing resources like storage, computing power, or networking capabilities.
Decreased IT costs
By moving workloads to the cloud, businesses can naturally reduce the costs of purchasing and maintaining physical data centers, servers, and other hardware.
Accelerated innovation
With a cloud infrastructure in place, an enterprise can easily adopt emerging technologies, be it artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, or robotic process automation, as physical infrastructure’s capabilities no longer limit it.
Improved performance
Working with a cloud infrastructure, employees and clients can access corporate data and systems from anywhere, anytime, which fosters collaboration and leads to improved business performance.
Cloud infrastructure considerations
To access the benefits of cloud computing, enterprises should take into account a number of challenging aspects.
Challenge
Solution
Managing cloud costs
As an enterprise uses increasingly more cloud solutions and services, the total cost of cloud usage can rise significantly.
Enterprises can analyze services pricing and optimize cloud usage spending continuously by using frameworks like FinOps, which is a management practice and a set of AWS tools for documenting and analyzing cloud operations and identifying and optimizing cloud costs.
Running multi-cloud environments
Using computing services from multiple providers can make the infrastructure highly complex, costly, and unmanageable.
An enterprise can initiate a series of training sessions to teach its IT staff to manage the multi-cloud infrastructure more effectively; in addition, an enterprise can resort to third-party managed IT services and delegate maintenance tasks to professionals.
Allocating the right talent
Creating and maintaining a large-scale cloud-based infrastructure requires a wide range of skills and qualifications, from cloud architectures and project managers to DevOps and database engineers.
To close the skill gap, an enterprise can hire a cloud consultant and augment its workforce with third-party professionals.
Ensuring cloud security
Although enterprises can delegate this task to a vendor, managing cloud security still remains a shared responsibility in a private or hybrid cloud model.
Enterprises should regularly audit their cloud infrastructures to identify potential loopholes, fix them, and tailor corporate cloud security policies.
FAQs
Who uses cloud infrastructure?
Many businesses around the world successfully manage their own cloud IT infrastructures, with Apple, Netflix, and Coca-Cola as the most prominent examples.
What is cloud infrastructure monitoring?
Monitoring refers to the tracking of the health and condition of a cloud infrastructure, which helps enterprises find and fix various issues in their cloud environments in a timely manner.
Service
Cloud services & solutions
Itransition offers professional cloud services and delivers cloud-based solutions easy to manage and maintain. Certified cloud consultants and developers.
Service
AWS consulting services
Explore our AWS consulting services to ensure your project success, be it AWS migration, IaC setup, or AWS-based microservices adoption.
Service
Azure consulting
Experienced in implementing software based on the Microsoft stack, Itransition delivers services at all levels of the Azure deployment and customization.
Service
SaaS consulting & development services
We provide comprehensive SaaS application development services to deliver scalable and secure SaaS solutions tailored to your industry and business needs.
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