A huge amount of modern computing is conducted with the help of the cloud. ‘The cloud’ is a rather generic term. It refers to any kind of computing which is hosted remotely from the end-user. Most individual users will be familiar with cloud storage – remote servers that allow information to be stored and accessed over the internet. Cloud computing, however, is much broader than a storage solution. Applications usually ran as software can now be used over the cloud using platforms like Amazon Web Services. Essentially, any computing function delivered over the internet can be considered cloud computing.
A whole industry has sprung up around cloud computing, and some completely unique new jobs have emerged. This article takes a look at one of the most important cloud computing roles out there: the cloud architect, also sometimes known as a cloud solutions architect.
How Do You Become a Cloud Architect?
You can’t just jump into a job as a cloud architect. Specialist training, like the AWS solution architect learning path offered by A Cloud Guru, can help you gain specialist knowledge, but you’ll need to back this knowledge up with some verifiable experience as a developer or software architect.
Suppose you have experience as a network engineer or in dealing with network architecture. In that case, you’ll be a perfect fit for working as a cloud architect after you complete some training or shadow a senior architect.
Everything is Connected
Like a traditional architect, the key to cloud architecture is the understanding of how everything fits together. A cloud network is not a monolithic thing. Instead, it is composed of a great many interacting components that work together in a networked way. It is a cloud architect’s job to ensure that a network is cohesive and easy to understand. They have to have the ability to step back and take a look at the big picture while still keeping an eye on the details. Generally speaking, there are four kinds of cloud architecture:
Public Cloud Architecture
Public cloud networks are owned by a private company and then accessed by members of the public that pay a fee. This is a tenancy-style operation. Public cloud networks need to be designed to be accessible by individuals that may not be familiar with computing.
Private Cloud Architecture
A cloud developed and used by one organization exclusively. These cloud networks are most commonly used by governmental organizations and public bodies. Increased security is the main benefit of a private network that is inaccessible by people outside of an organization.
Hybrid Cloud Architecture
Hybrid clouds combine the transparency of a public cloud with the security of a private one. Hybrid cloud systems are difficult to develop architecturally because the positives of one kind of cloud often counteract the positives of another – i.e., in security.
Multi-Cloud Architecture
Multiple clouds work together to form a network – an architectural symbiosis. This is useful for large organizations unwilling to entrust their data to one fallible cloud computing company.