Cloud architecture refers to the various components in terms of databases, software capabilities, applications etc., engineered to leverage the power of cloud resources to solve business problems. Cloud architecture defines the components as well as the relationships between them.

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The various components of cloud architecture consist of:

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• On-premise resources

• Cloud resources

• Software components and services

• Middleware

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The entire cloud architecture is aimed at providing users with high bandwidth, allowing uninterrupted access to data and applications, on-demand agile network with possibility to move quickly and efficiently between servers or even between clouds and most importantly network security.

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The various cloud-based services have their own distinct and unique cloud architectures:

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• Software as a Service (SaaS): involves software hosted and maintained on internet. With SaaS, users do not have to install the software locally.

• Development as a Service (DaaS): involves web based development tools shared across communities.

• Platform as a Service (PaaS): provides users with application platforms and databases, equivalent to middleware services

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): provides for infrastructure and hardware such as servers, networks, storage devices, etc.