Systems and Security : Architecture and Design

1.2 Virtualization and cloud computing concepts

Thin Client

A thin client is a type of computer that relies on a server for its processing and storage needs. Thin clients have minimal processing and storage capabilities and rely on the server for most of their computational needs. They are used in environments where centralized management and security are important, such as in a corporate network.

Containers

A container is a lightweight, standalone, and executable software package that includes everything needed to run a piece of software, including the code, a runtime, libraries, environment variables, and config files. Containers are used to package and deploy software applications in a consistent and portable manner, making it easier to manage and scale applications.

Microservices/API

Microservices are a software architecture style in which a single application is broken down into small, independent services that communicate with each other through APIs. Each microservice is responsible for a specific business function and can be developed, deployed, and managed independently. The use of microservices enables organizations to build and deploy applications more quickly and efficiently, and makes it easier to scale and maintain applications over time.

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols, routines, and tools for building software applications. An API defines the way that different software components should interact with each other and enables communication between these components. In the context of microservices, APIs are used to enable communication between microservices and to enable the integration of microservices into a larger application.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a approach to manage and provision infrastructure using code rather than manual processes. With IaC, infrastructure is described using code, such as configuration files written in a programming language, which can be version-controlled, tested, and deployed automatically. This allows organizations to automate and streamline the provisioning and management of infrastructure, reducing the risk of manual errors and enabling faster, more efficient infrastructure deployment and management.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an approach to networking that abstracts the control plane of a network from the underlying data plane. With SDN, the control plane is implemented in software, which provides a centralized and programmable view of the network. This enables network administrators to manage and configure the network more easily and dynamically, providing greater network visibility and control.

Software-Defined Visibility (SDV): Software-Defined Visibility (SDV) is an approach to network visibility that abstracts the visibility plane of a network from the underlying data plane. With SDV, the visibility plane is implemented in software, which provides a centralized and programmable view of network traffic. This enables network administrators to more easily monitor, manage, and secure the network by providing real-time visibility into network traffic and performance.

Serverless Architecture

Serverless architecture is a model for building and running applications and services without having to manage infrastructure. In a serverless model, the cloud provider is responsible for managing and allocating the necessary servers, and the user only pays for the specific compute time used for their functions. This allows organizations to focus on writing and deploying their applications, rather than managing the underlying infrastructure, and eliminates the need to provision and maintain servers.

Services Integration

Service integration is the process of connecting different services and applications to work together in a seamless manner. This allows organizations to take advantage of the capabilities of different services and applications to improve their overall operational efficiency and user experience.