Comparison between Cloud Computing Architecture and Traditional Computing Architecture (Client/Server Model)

Key Differences:

• Structure: Cloud is virtualized/distributed; traditional is physical/localized.
• Scalability: Cloud scales dynamically; traditional scaling is slow and costly.
• Cost: Cloud uses OPEX (pay-per-use); traditional relies on CAPEX (upfront investment).
• Management: Cloud is provider-managed; traditional is self-managed.
• Accessibility: Cloud enables global access; traditional is often local/VPN-restricted.
• Reliability: Cloud offers high availability; traditional depends on an on-premises setup.
• Security: Cloud has shared responsibility; traditional offers full control but higher risks if underfunded.
• Use Cases: Cloud suits scalable, global needs; traditional fits controlled, stable environments.

 Chart comparison: -

Aspect	Cloud Computing Architecture	Traditional Computing Architecture (Client/Server)
Definition	Delivers computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software) over the internet	Uses local servers and client machines for computing and data storage
Deployment	Internet-based services hosted on remote data centres (public/private/hybrid clouds)	On-premise setup with dedicated physical servers
Resource Scalability	Highly scalable, resources can be scaled up/down on demand	Limited scalability, requires manual upgrade of hardware
Cost Model	Pay-as-you-go (OPEX model), reduced upfront costs	High initial capital expenditure (CAPEX model)
Accessibility	Accessible from anywhere via the internet	Limited to local network or VPN connections
Maintenance	Managed by cloud service providers (automatic updates, security, etc.)	Requires an in-house IT team for updates and maintenance
Data Storage	Virtualized and distributed across multiple data centres	Stored locally on servers or storage devices
Reliability & Availability	High availability with redundancy and backup across multiple locations	Lower availability; subject to hardware failures and localized issues
Security	Security handled by a provider with compliance to standards, but shared responsibility	Fully controlled by the organization, may vary in quality
Performance	Optimized via distributed computing and load balancing	Performance depends on local server capacity and network
Technology Stack	Includes virtualization, containers, orchestration, and serverless computing	Primarily based on physical servers and static software environments
Examples	AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform	Traditional enterprise data centers, LAN-based client-server setups

 Summary:

• Cloud Computing offers flexibility, scalability, and global accessibility, making it suitable for modern applications and dynamic workloads.
• Traditional Client/Server Architecture provides more control and security for fixed environments but lacks the scalability and cost-efficiency of cloud systems.