Introduction
In this article, we will learn about elasticity and scalability in Cloud Computing. Let's start with the elasticity in cloud computing.
Elasticity in Cloud Computing
Cloud elasticity refers to a system's ability to manage available resources based on current workload requirements dynamically.
This is a critical component of system infrastructure. It is useful when the system is expected to experience sudden spikes in user activity, resulting in a significant increase in workload demand.
This elasticity helps in the reduction of infrastructure costs. This is not applicable in all environments; instead, it is helpful in situations where resource requirements fluctuate significantly over a short period. It is unsuitable for use in situations where a persistent resource infrastructure is required to handle a heavy workload.
Now let’s take an example to understand elasticity in cloud computing.
Consider an e-commerce website whose transaction workload increases during the festive period, such as Diwali, Christmas, etc. So, for this specific period, the resources require an increase. To deal with this situation, we can use Cloud-Elasticity rather than Cloud Scalability. When the season is over, the deployed resources can be requested to be withdrawn.
Now let’s learn about scalability in cloud computing.
Scalability in Cloud Computing
System scalability refers to the ability of a system's infrastructure to scale to handle increasing workload requirements while maintaining adequate performance.
Unlike elasticity, which is more of a spontaneous resource allocation( meaning it is made to be used for only a short time until there is something better ), cloud scalability is built into the infrastructure.
One of the most noticeable aspects of cloud computing is its scalability. Previously, a system's scalability was dependent on the company's hardware, which was extremely limited in resources. Scalability has become much more available and effective with cloud computing.
Types of scalability in cloud computing
There are mainly three types of scalability in cloud computing:
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Vertical scaling (scaling-up)
This kind of scalability is especially suitable when workloads increase and resources are added to the current infrastructure to improve the performance of the server. Vertical scaling may be your calling if you're seeking a short-term answer to your immediate needs. -
Horizontal scaling (scaling out)
It allows companies to add new components to their existing infrastructure in order to meet ever-increasing workload needs. The horizontal scaling, on the other hand, is intended for the long term and helps satisfy current and future resource needs, with plenty of potential for expansion.
The resources are added in a horizontal row in this type of scaling. -
Diagonal scaling
It combines horizontal and vertical scalability, with resources added both vertically and horizontally.
Now let’s learn some differences between Elasticity and Scalability in cloud computing.
Elasticity Vs. Scalability
Elasticity |
Scalability |
Elasticity is used to respond to dynamic changes in resource requirements, which can either increase or decrease. |
Scalability is used to address an organization's static increased workload. |
It is a short-term strategy used to deal with unexpected increases in demand or in seasonal demands. |
Scalability is a long-term strategy used to deal with an expected increase in demand. |
Elasticity is widely employed by small businesses whose demand and workload grow only temporarily. |
Scalability is employed by large corporations whose customer base is constantly expanding to run operations efficiently. |
Scalability is required for elasticity. |
On the other hand, elasticity is not required for scalability. |
This concludes our topic on elasticity and scalability in cloud computing. Now let’s move on to the FAQs section.
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FAQs
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What do you mean by elasticity in cloud computing?
Elasticity is a short-term strategy used to deal with unexpected increases in demand or in seasonal demands. -
What do you understand by the term scalability in cloud computing?
Scalability is a long-term strategy used to deal with an expected increase in demand. -
What are the types of scalability?
There are three types of scalability: Vertical scalability, Horizontal scalability, and Diagonal scalability. -
What is vertical scalability?
This kind of scalability is especially suitable when workloads increase and resources are added to the current infrastructure to improve the performance of the server. Vertical scaling may be your calling if you seek a short-term answer to your immediate needs. -
When does elasticity is used?
It is used in situations where resource requirements fluctuate significantly over a short period. It is unsuitable for use in situations where a persistent resource infrastructure is required to handle a heavy workload.