What does it mean to be “cloud native”?
Cloud-native infrastructure refers to the design, deployment, and management of IT resources that leverage cloud computing principles. It involves building and running applications that take full advantage of the dynamic, scalable, and distributed nature of cloud environments. Characteristics include microservices architecture, containerization (e.g., Docker), and orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes). Cloud-native infrastructure enables flexibility, rapid scalability, and efficient resource utilization, aligning with the modern development and operational practices essential for harnessing the full potential of cloud computing.
Cloud native observability
Observability in abstract refers to the state of a system. Cloud-native infrastructure observability refers to the practice of monitoring and gaining insights into the performance and behavior of applications and their underlying infrastructure in cloud-native environments. In the context of cloud-native, it signifies a paradigm shift in application development and deployment, embracing microservices, containers, and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.
Cloud-native applications are built to leverage the inherent scalability, agility, and flexibility of cloud environments. Observability in this context involves specialized tools and practices that allow developers and operators to effectively track the dynamic and distributed nature of these applications. It encompasses monitoring metrics, logging events, and tracing transactions to ensure a holistic view of the system’s health.
Key components of cloud-native infrastructure observability include real-time visibility into microservices interactions, monitoring containerized workloads, and understanding the performance of applications within dynamic and rapidly changing cloud environments. This approach enables teams to identify and address issues promptly, optimize resource utilization, and ensure the reliability and responsiveness of cloud-native applications. In essence, cloud-native infrastructure observability is integral to navigating the complexities introduced by modern cloud-native architectures, facilitating proactive management and continuous improvement of application performance and resilience.