One of the benefits most talked about in cloud computing is scalability. But what is cloud scalability and how does it benefit businesses?
We'll talk about the difference between scalability and elasticity, as well as how scalability works in cloud computing.
Scalability vs Elasticity in Cloud Computing
Before we go any further, we should define elasticity and scalability in cloud computing.
Cloud scalability refers to the ability to increase or decrease IT resources to meet changing demand. Scalability is a pillar of cloud computing and one of the most popular benefits of the service.
The true benefit of cloud scalability is that it can be down quickly and easily with little to no downtime.
Cloud Elasticity refers to a system's ability to grow or shrink dynamically in response to workload demands. An example of this would be the ability to handle a sudden spike in web traffic. This is different from scalability as it refers to responding in real-time, while scalability refers to growth in a pre-planned manner such as a higher need due to an expanding team.
While both cloud elasticity and cloud scalability are important features, most businesses need to prioritize one over the other. Which they choose is based on their specific needs and whether their business has predictable or variable workloads.
Types of Scalability in Cloud Computing
There are three general ways cloud scalability works:
- Vertical Scaling refers to adding more resources to your existing server. These resources can include things such as RAM or processing power without code alterations since only additional expansion units are added. Performance may be affected since the server's size and capacity limits growth.
- Horizontal Scaling refers to adding servers to the original cloud infrastructure. Horizontal scaling allows businesses to grow infinitely, but this kind of scaling is more complex than vertical scaling since additional servers are involved.
- Diagonal Scaling refers to a combination of vertical and horizontal scaling in which organizations grow vertically until they need to add additional servers.
Just like anything in the IT world, there is no "best option" for all organizations. Instead, it is important to work with a strategic provider to make the right choices for your organization.
Benefits of Cloud Scalability
While the type of scalability will vary by business, the cloud scalability benefits are pretty standard.
- Ease. As indicated above, cloud scalability is easy and often requires little to no downtime.
- Speed. Again, cloud scalability is quick and efficient.
- Cost. You pay for what you use, so there's no need to pay for obsolete or redundant equipment.
- Reliability. Scalability allows for infrastructure to meet increases or decreases in demand.
How Anteris Can Help
There isn't one cookie cutter set up that will work for every organization. As a strategic provider, Anteris works with our Clients to find the best solution for their situations.
We offer our Clients private and hybrid cloud management services. Clients can access enterprise-level hardware and security through our data center for a predictable monthly fee.
If you're looking for a private cloud solution, we're here to help. We have our own dedicated private cloud infrastructure.
We offer our Clients private and hybrid cloud management services with access to our enterprise-level hardware and security through a predictable monthly fee.
In addition, we can combine hardware with data management to create greater resilience. We can do this in various ways, such as linking onsite servers to our data center or installing multiple servers on the same site so if one fails, others remain online. These solutions could easily cost up to $100,000, putting a significant strain on your bottom line. At Anteris, we've already made these investments, so you can reap the benefits.
Let us make your technology freeing, not frustrating.
