What is the native Cloud ?
THE native (Or native cloud) is a software development approach which consists of creating, deploying and managing applications designed from the start for use on the cloud. This results in evolving, flexible and resilient applications, which exploit all the possibilities offered by Cloud Computing.
What is a native Cloud application ?
A Native Cloud application can be defined as software made up of a number of small interdependent services: microservices. Thus, the features are divided into several layers, operate independently and consume fewer IT resources, which makes the software much more agile.
This vision is opposed to traditional applications, designed according to less flexible methods, composed of a single block containing all the required features. An approach that only slows down deployment, while complicating possible updates.
A native Cloud application, conversely, can be easily focused on different platforms, thanks to a collaborative approach. Furthermore, Many design, test and deployment procedures can be fully automatedfor a substantial saving of time. As for microservices, they can be configured or duplicated in the blink of an eye, which is not the case with conventional software.
The characteristics of a native cloud application
The microservices, which we have already mentioned, are one of the major characteristics of a native cloud application. Indeed, these different “bricks” “exist independently of each other and are only very little linked to each other.
These are Application programming interfaces (API) Who ensure communication between these microservices, giving users the impression of using a single software. The services are even designed to be duplicated or combined, so as to be easily integrated into another application if necessary.
Furthermore, the Native Cloud Development is distinguished by its high level of automation: therefore, the behavior of applications is largely predictable.
Unlike traditional software in on-premise mode, Native Cloud Applications precisely adapt their performance according to the need. To increase this performance, it is possible to upgrade the various services independently, all this automatically thanks to predefined triggers.
Finally, a Native Cloud Environment Allows developers to deploy updates in real time, without causing an interruption of the service concerned. Thus, users directly have changes or new features, as soon as the code is entered. In addition, specific recovery mechanisms ensure that users are not restricted when updating.
What are the advantages of the native cloud ?
Compared to traditional applications, The development of native Cloud software offers many advantages For organizations.
Accelerated innovation
Thanks to microservices, smaller and weakly linked, teams can work independently. Therefore, theE native Cloud increases the productivity and speed of developerswhich allows them to innovate more easily.
In addition, this type of architecture allows Create, test new services quicklybut also to modify existing services in a jiffy. Enough to market products and services more quickly, while reducing the risks linked to deployments.
Reduction of costs
With the native cloud, companies do not have to invest in the acquisition and maintenance of very expensive physical infrastructure. This results in long -term savings in operational expenses.
Moreover, Native cloud applications offer the possibility of sharing resources and consuming on demandwhich considerably reduces operating costs. For example, if user traffic increases only during certain periods of the year, the organization will only pay additional costs for the periods concerned.
High availability
THE Cloud Native Computing Allows the creation of resilient and highly available applications. For what ? Because it decreases operational complexity and facilitates modifications and configuration, while allowing autoscaling and self -repair.
Thus, updates and the addition of new features do not cause stop time. Finally, It is possible to increase the resources of the application during peak periodsin order to offer an optimal user experience.
Reinforced security
Cloud native services allow Reduce the risks of cyber attackbut also detect Safety flaws faster. In addition, this type of application is much easier to correct and update, which only improves security.
Increased performance
THE Native Cloud Architectures Base on the automation of the infrastructure, which eliminates arrest times due to human errors. It is therefore possible to balance the load according to demand, which makes it possible to optimize performance.
In addition, the native Cloud development incorporates agile practices such as DevOps and the CI/CD. The result is a culture of modern design, allowing Quickly create qualitative and scalable applications.
Maximum portability
The creation and deployment of an application in the cloud guarantee the consistency and reliability of the operating environment. Developers therefore do not have to worry about problems of material incompatibility. In addition, native cloud applications are designed to operate almost everywhere. They can be transferred from one environment to another without having to modify the entire application.
The challenges of the native Cloud
Despite its many advantages, The native Cloud is a major change for organizations and its implementation has certain difficulties. Among the challenges to be met, we can notably cite:
- The lack of skills and appropriate tools to integrate more complex technologies and manage this environment.
- The reluctance of the change of culture inherent in the native cloud, which requires the adoption of new practices (such as DevOps).
- The difficulty in promoting the advantages of the native Cloud with decision -makers with a non -technical profile.