Cloud-native has a plethora of definitions. In the most basic sense, when people discuss cloud-native, they’re talking about having a cloud-based operation for making applications strictly in a cloud environment.
What is cloud-native?
While being cloud-native doesn’t necessarily mean your applications are born in a cloud environment, there are still a few things to consider.
As you can imagine, a cloud-based system allows for flexibility and convenience. In larger apps and server configurations, platforms like Kubernetes help organize sections of code. Cloud-native applications that use extensive container environments like a Kubernetes distribution often require unique storage solutions, such as this one.
Running off a cloud-based infrastructure now enables businesses to simplify their management process of cloud-based applications and allows businesses to create and develop new applications directly in a cloud environment.
What is the goal of being cloud-native?
Application development in a cloud-native environment allows businesses to save money on all fronts. Not just for app development, but many on-site infrastructure problems cloud solutions have solved.
Businesses that rely strictly on sight infrastructure suffer from high IT costs, server maintenance, upgrade costs, and server costs. Embracing the cloud-native infrastructure allows companies to mitigate these inconveniences.
The value of being cloud-native comes from the overall speed and flexibility when creating an application. Naturally, businesses are constantly evolving and changing, so it would only make sure to have an infrastructure that could reflect and keep up with that ever-changing environment.
What are the benefits to business?
Here are the benefits of cloud-native operation for businesses.
Faster delivery
Cloud-based applications now have naturally faster development time because developers can take advantage of cloud processes. The benefit of developing applications over a cloud environment is that it cuts fatal flaws of most applications.
Applications on the cloud don’t rely on strict operating-system configurations. These apps also run into a few fundamental errors that increase the development time. Hardware capabilities are no longer a concern when developing or running these applications. Finally, developers are no longer tied to a physical location to work on applications and services. When you work on the cloud, you can work from anywhere.
Updated applications
Direct application updates to software-based applications allow for little downtime for consumers and employees. With cloud-native applications, it becomes easier to make additional changes to applications. Since these changes don’t take too much time, consumers can expect regular updates to these applications without inconveniencing them.
Reduced IT costs
Cloud-native applications require some semblance of maintenance, but it doesn’t require as much upkeep as physical hardware and on-site infrastructure. This lack of supervision comes from automated tasks.
Automated tasks allow business owners and employees to focus on innovative ways to stabilize and automate even more tasks or actively use their time to grow the business in a meaningful way.
Microservices and stability
The design strategy behind cloud-native applications is known as microservices. Microservices break down applications into smaller bite-sized parts, making it easier for individuals to build sustainable and stable software.
This structure ensures that any cloud-native application doesn’t fall victim to egregious downtime. Consumers will be pleased to know that your services will always be readily available to them.
What are the downsides to a cloud-native operation?
There are a few downsides that you should consider regarding cloud-native operation.
Cybersecurity
Being cloud-native does have some inherent downsides. The first and most concerning to business owners is cyberattacks. With the threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity companies are rising as more operations embrace a digital infrastructure.
Having a cloud-native infrastructure means you’re particularly delicate in the case of cyber-attacks, so your business would want to help a reliable security company. Teach your employees to practice safety, such as using proxies to eliminate security concerns. While operating and developing cloud services will also prove vital to your operation.
Being subject to DoS attacks remains a severe issue for website and server-based applications.
Transitioning
After hearing the benefits, it’s reasonable to want to transition to a cloud-native infrastructure, but how complicated can the transition process become? Unfortunately, depending on your business’s applications, storage, and physical presence, the transition may be time-consuming and sometimes even dangerous.
Data loss is a common concern when businesses migrate to a cloud-based operation. Fortunately, some companies specialize in data transfer operations, such as Backblaze cloud storage. Having your sensitive data backed up on the cloud will prove vital to maintaining a functional process.
Building an entire application again from the ground up to support the cloud will prove beneficial in the long term. Still, the upfront costs of dismantling applications and rebuilding them may deter some businesses.
Conclusion
The benefits of a fully cloud-native application come from its agility and flexibility in a business environment. Modern-day applications being developed strictly on the cloud have allowed for new and innovative ways for businesses to deliver to consumers and cut their costs.
While businesses are trying to transition to a cloud-based environment, the transition period will always be the main hurdle for a cloud-native company.