Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Components of Cloud Anatomy
2.1.
Application
2.2.
Platform
2.3.
Virtualised Infrastructure
2.4.
Visualization
2.5.
Server/Storage/Datacentre
3.
Layers of the anatomy of cloud computing
3.1.
Service Catalog
3.2.
Cloud Life cycle Management Layer (CLM)
3.3.
Provisioning and Configuration Module
3.4.
Monitoring and Optimization
3.5.
Metering and Chargeback
3.6.
Orchestration
3.7.
Configuration Management Database (CMDB)
4.
Frequently Asked Questions
4.1.
What is the limitation of Configuration Management Database (CMDB) in the anatomy of cloud computing?
4.2.
What are some limitations of virtualization in cloud computing?
4.3.
What is meant by orchestration in the anatomy of cloud computing?
4.4.
What is the difference between a server and a data center according to the anatomy of cloud computing?
4.5.
What is the platform in the anatomy of cloud computing?
5.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 4, 2025

Anatomy of Cloud Computing

Author SAURABH ANAND
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Introduction

The anatomy of cloud computing can be defined as the structure of the cloud. The anatomy of cloud computing cannot be considered the same as cloud architecture. It may not include any dependency on which the technology works, whereas architecture defines and describes the technology over which it is working. Thus, the anatomy of cloud computing can be considered a part of the architecture of the cloud.

 

Cloud storage architectures include a front end that exposes an API for accessing storage. This API represents the Small Computer Systems Interface(SCSI) protocol in traditional storage systems; however, these protocols are changing in the cloud. This could be an internal protocol for implementing specific features or a standard back end for physical discs.

The storage logic is a layer of middleware that sits behind the frontend. Over typical data-placement techniques, this layer incorporates a range of characteristics, such as replication and data reduction, over the traditional data-placement algorithms. Finally, the backend implements data storage on a physical level. 

Components of Cloud Anatomy

 

Components of cloud anatomy

 

Application

The uppermost layer is the application layer. In this layer, any application can be executed.

Platform

This component comprises platforms that are in charge of the application's execution. This platform bridges the gap between infrastructure and application.

Virtualised Infrastructure

The infrastructure is made up of resources that the other components operate on. This allows the user to perform computations.

Visualization

Virtualization is the process of overlaying logical resource components on top of physical resources. The infrastructure is made up of discrete and autonomous logical components.

Server/Storage/Datacentre

This is the physical component of the cloud provided by servers and storage units.


Now we will discuss layers of the anatomy of cloud computing. Some of them are discussed below.

Layers of the anatomy of cloud computing

Several layers are responsible for carrying out cloud processes smoothly. Some of them are discussed below.

Service Catalog

The service catalog is critical to the definition of the cloud since it specifies the types of services that the cloud can provide and what they cost to the end-user. Architecture is the first thing that is drafted before a cloud. Before processing each request for a new resource, the service management layer consults the service catalog.

Cloud Life cycle Management Layer (CLM)

The CLM layer handles the coordination of all other layers in the cloud. All internal and external queries are directed to the CLM layer initially. Internally, CLM may send requests and actions to different layers for processing.

Provisioning and Configuration Module

It's the lowest cloud level, usually found on bare hardware (as firmware) or on top of the hypervisor layer. Its purpose is to hide the underlying hardware and provide a standard mechanism for spawning virtual machine instances on demand. It also manages the virtual machine's operating systems and applications post-configuration.

Monitoring and Optimization

This layer is in charge of cloud monitoring for all services, storage, networking, and application components. It could conduct routine activities based on the statistics to optimize the behavior of the infrastructure components and offer essential data to the cloud administrator so that the setup could be further optimized for optimal usage and performance.

Metering and Chargeback

This layer contains utilities for calculating cloud resource utilization. The metering module gathers all use data per domain and use. This module provides the cloud administrator with adequate information to regularly track ongoing resource usage and generate bills based on that usage.

Orchestration

Cloud operations rely heavily on orchestration. Requests from the service management layer, monitoring, and chargeback modules are converted to appropriate action items, then forwarded to the provisioning and configuration module for final closure. In the process of orchestration, the CMDB is updated.

Configuration Management Database (CMDB)

It is a central configuration repository that stores and updates all metadata and configuration for various modules and resources in real-time. Third-party software and integration components can then access the repository using standard protocols like SOAP. As requests are processed in the cloud, all updates in the CMDB happen in real-time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the limitation of Configuration Management Database (CMDB) in the anatomy of cloud computing?

Due to the linked dependencies and relationships in CMDB, deleting any configuration item (CI) is practically impossible.

What are some limitations of virtualization in cloud computing?

Some limitations of virtualization in cloud computing are that data can be at risk, learning new infrastructure, high initial investment, etc.

What is meant by orchestration in the anatomy of cloud computing?

The process of automating the procedures required to manage connections and operations of workloads on private and public clouds is known as cloud orchestration.

What is the difference between a server and a data center according to the anatomy of cloud computing?

The significant difference between the server and data center is that server runs on a single node with internalized data stores. In contrast, the data center runs on several nodes with externalized data stores.

What is the platform in the anatomy of cloud computing?

A server's operating system and hardware in an Internet-based data center are referred to as a cloud platform. It enables remote and large-scale coexistence of software and hardware devices.

Conclusion

In this article, we have extensively discussed the concepts of the anatomy of cloud computing. We started with introducing the anatomy of cloud computing; then, we explained the components of the anatomy of cloud computing then concluded with layers of the anatomy of cloud computing.

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