Cloud-Native Applications

A cloud-native application is a program that is designed for a cloud computing architecture. These applications are run and hosted in the cloud and are designed to capitalize on the inherent characteristics of a cloud computing software delivery model. A native app is software that is developed for use on a specific platform or device and cloud-native apps are tailored to deliver a consistent development and automated management experience across private, public and hybrid clouds.

Cloud-native applications use a microservices architecture. This architecture efficiently allocates resources to each service that the application uses making the application flexible and adaptable to a cloud architecture.

Features of a cloud-native application

Microservices-based. Microservices break down an application into a series of independent services, or modules. Each service references its own data and supports a specific business goal. These modules communicate with one another via APIs.

Container-based. Containers are a type of software that logically isolates the application, enabling it to run independent of physical resources. Containers keep microservices from interfering with one another. They keep applications from consuming all the host's shared resources. They also enable multiple instances of the same service.

API-based. APIs connect microservices and containers, while providing simplified maintenance and security. They enable microservices to communicate, acting as the glue between the loosely coupled services.

Dynamically orchestrated. Container orchestration tools are used to manage container lifecycles, which can become complex. Container orchestration tools handle resource management, load balancing, scheduling of restarts after an internal failure, and provisioning and deploying containers onto server cluster nodes.

Support for continuous integration/continuous delivery pipelines. CI/CD practices automate testing and deployment of cloud native applications and streamline the packaging and deployment process across different environments. Because cloud native apps support CI/CD pipelines, testing and deployment features are automated, which results in faster release of new features and updates and shorter application lifecycles.

Support for different languages and frameworks. When building cloud-native applications, developers have the flexibility to choose from a variety of programming languages and frameworks. For example, developers can build an app's user interface (UI) with Node.js and choose to develop the APIs in Java using MicroProfile.

Benefits of cloud-native applications

Cost-effective. With cloud native applications, computing and storage resources can scale out as needed. This eliminates the overprovisioning of hardware and the need for load balancing. Virtual machines or servers can be added easily for testing, and cloud-native applications can be up and running fast. Containers can also be used to maximize the number of microservices run on a host, saving time, resources and money.

Independently scalable. Each microservice is logically isolated and can scale independently based on demand. If one microservice is changed to scale, the others are not affected. Should some components of an application need to update faster than others, a cloud-native architecture accommodates this.

Portability. Cloud native applications are vendor neutral and use containers to port microservices between different vendors' infrastructure, helping avoid vendor lock in.

Reliable. If a failure occurs in one microservice, there's no effect on adjacent services because these cloud-based applications use containers.

Easy to manage. Cloud native applications use automation to deploy app features and updates. Developers can track all microservices and components as they're being updated. Because applications are divided into smaller services, one engineering team can focus on a specific microservice and doesn't have to worry about how it interacts with other microservices.

Visibility. Because a microservices architecture isolates services, it makes it easier for engineering teams to study applications and learn how they function together.

Improved collaboration. A cloud native approach boosts output and creativity and enables the development and operations teams to work and collaborate more successfully by using common tools and procedures.

Security and compliance. Cloud native apps can optimize an organization's security posture by including security standards into the development process. Security testing and automated compliance checks guarantee that apps adhere to legal standards.

Reduced downtime. Container orchestration services, such as Kubernetes, that are utilized in cloud native applications enable organizations to deploy software updates with minimal to no downtime.

Cloud-native challenges

• Dealing with distributed systems and many moving parts can be overwhelming if you don’t have tools or processes in place to manage development, testing, and deployment
• Increased operational and technology costs without the right cost optimization and oversight in place to control the use of resources in cloud environments 
• Lack of existing technology skills to work with and integrate a more complex technology stack
• Resistance to the cultural shifts needed to implement cloud-native technologies and DevOps best practices
• Difficulty communicating cloud native concepts to gain support and buy-in from non-technical executives