The 26 Features of Cloud Infrastructure
posted by Anna Mar, December 05, 2012Beware of the cloud washers — vendors that sell traditional infrastructure as cloud.
The 26 cloud features below will help you separate cloud leaders from cloud washers:
Core
1. Computing ScaleThe ability to scale up computing, network and memory on the fly.
2. Data Storage
A data storage service — ability to scale data storage in real-time.
3. Auto Scaling and Scaling APIs
The ability to scale based on rules or programmatically through an API.
4. Regional Replication
The ability to replicate computing instances and data to multiple regions.
5. Global Content Delivery
A cloud framework for static content such as images, audio, video, presentations. Content should be served from the closest point-of-presence (PoP) to the requester.
6. IP Addresses
Static IP addresses that can be dynamically assigned to instances within the cloud.
7. Load Balancing
Distributes traffic across multiple instances.
Tools
8. Deployment ToolsTools to manage the deployment of code and data to the cloud.
9. Management Console
A website that allows you to manage your cloud instances.
10. Open Management API
A management API allows third parties to develop management consoles for the platform. This also allows you to build custom management tools or interfaces.
11. Resource Monitoring
Tools for monitoring cloud resources and taking action based on predefined rules.
12. Notification Service
Sends notifications based on events in the cloud.
13. Real Time Billing
Many cloud providers allow customers to see their up-to-the-hour billing.
Services
14. DNS ServiceMost cloud providers offer a managed DNS service.
15. Email Service
On-demand and/or bulk email services.
16. Database Service
A RDMS or simple database service.
17. Payments Service
Tools for charging customers for products and services.
18. SaaS
Software built from the ground up for cloud deployment. Available on-demand for a service fee.
19. PaaS
A framework for the design, development, testing, and cloud deployment of applications.
20. App Marketplace
A marketplace for third party applications developed for a PaaS.
Security
21. FirewallThe ability to deploy firewalls in the cloud as protection from security threats.
22. Virtual Private Cloud
The ability to build a virtual network topology that closely resembles a private data center. This includes the definition of subnets, route tables and gateways.
23. VPN
A software or hardware based VPN connection to cloud infrastructure. Usually used to connect to a virtual private cloud.
24. Private Connection
A physical private connection to cloud infrastructure (e.g. dedicated Ethernet line).
25. IDS
The ability to deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) in the cloud to detect and mitigate security threats.
Audit
26. SAS 70 ComplianceA standard related to the internal controls of a service organization.
Summary
This is the second in a 12-part series of posts called How to Win at Cloud.
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