Scaleability In The Cloud – What Does This Mean?

We all know that even with the increasing sizes of hard disk capacity, there is a limit to the amount of data that can be stored on a computer. Yet cloud computing is said to have unlimited storage. This may seem to be somewhat oxymoronic. The seemingly unlimited storage on clouds is achieved by a combination of two techniques called scaling and virtualization. Anyone remotely connected with the field of IT understands that virtualization is the creation of functionalities that do not exist. Scalability is a relatively new concept. In this blog we explain the concept of scalability and how it is used in cloud computing.

Cloud Service Providers (CSP) use two types of scaling – vertical and horizontal scaling.

Vertical Scaling

Vertical scaling refers to improving the hardware components of a single server such as adding CPUs, faster and larger hard disks, and additional memory. Improving the hardware components helps retrieve data quickly. This is advantageous in single thread applications where data has to be served up to a single client. However vertical scaling is helpful up to a certain point beyond which it does not add any value to the system and soon becomes a liability. CSPs then resort to horizontal scaling.

Horizontal Scaling

Horizontal scaling refers to utilization of multiple servers to serve multiple clients. Says John Ellis of BlueLock, it is simply the math of doubling your resources to provide double the amount of services. For example if one server can process 10 web pages per second, then two servers can process 20 pages. Of course, this is a bit more complex, but the basic principle remains the same.

How it Works

When users sign up with a CSP they seemingly work on a single server. However, the data, programs, and apps they use, are stored on several servers located at different locations. When a user connects to the cloud, he taps a single server that is usually closest in location. This server then makes requests to other servers to provide the data and processing requested by the client. These servers work in sync to serve the users. What gets stored on each of these servers depends on the networking model adopted by the CSP. Some CSPs contract with other CSPs to rent their hardware. The distribution of data and software then depends on the agreement between the two CSPs. All these interactions take place without the users being aware of them.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is attracting more and more business with its advantages of huge storage capacity, service on demand, and flexibility. These advantages are achieved by the use of networking techniques. Scalability and virtualization are the names given to the techniques adopted by cloud service providers to meet the increasing demands of their clients.

GEEX are able to provide various cloud solutions depending on size of your business. To learn more, please give us a call or drop us an email.

References: VMware