What are Cloud Solutions?

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is defined as on-demand access to applications, data storage, development tools, and networking capabilities over the internet. Cloud data center resources are typically managed by a cloud service provider (CSP) who grants access based on subscription or usage-based fees. Individual servers and data centers can become a subset of the greater cloud ecosystem. 

• Hyperscale Computing describes a large-scale, flexible data center architecture that leverages software defined networking (SDN) and advanced load balancing to rapidly scale capacity. This model allows popular cloud solutions such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) to adapt to flexible demand. Hyperscalers including AWS, Azure, Google, and Microsoft are also among the world’s largest cloud service providers. 
• Private Cloud is distinguished from public cloud based on the ownership and operation of cloud infrastructure remaining with the organization it serves. Private cloud couples the scalability and service delivery assurance of cloud computing with the physical security inherent to on-premise data centers. 
• Hybrid Cloud combines private data centers with public cloud applications and services. This category also includes “multi-cloud” configurations that leverage two or more public cloud providers. Hybrid environments are challenged to collect and collate all visibility data from a common endpoint, to minimize blind spots.  

What Does “Cloud Enabled” Mean?

The term “cloud enabled” refers to applications originally developed to operate in a traditional data center environment that were later adapted for cloud deployment. The changes made to these applications make them compatible with virtual resources and cloud networking without disrupting the underlying architecture. Cloud transformation solutions are often used to adapt and test these modified applications. 

On the other hand, cloud-native applications are designed to operate in cloud environments from the start, so no adaptation is necessary. Cloud-native applications use microservice architecture to break them into smaller pieces. This cloud solution allows the applications to run more efficiently in the cloud and to auto-scale on demand more easily. 

Who Are Cloud Solutions For?

The long list of industries and occupations benefitting from cloud solutions reflects the equally broad list of applications. As cloud computing becomes the norm, Network Engineering, NetOps, DevOps, SecOps, and Tier 1, 2, and 3 IT support teams are among the specialists seeking out the latest and most accurate cloud solutions. 

• Hyperscalers: Cloud-based network monitoring systems used by hyperscalers have evolved from passive data collection to proactive Observability solutions with an intelligent, automated approach to problem resolution. Distributed, disaggregated 5G networks rooted in the hyperscale cloud also heighten the demand for emulation solutions and virtualized testing of applications and security. Hyperscalers are also the backbone for virtually all cloud services offered worldwide. 

• Large Private Companies/Enterprise IT: Large corporations are the leading consumers of cloud-based services as well as the likely adopters of hybrid or private cloud solutions. These organizations require greater visibility into the performance and security of their cloud applications and data.

  As legacy mainframe systems (and the resources to support them) age out, large government, financial, and insurance companies explore mainframe modernization and cloud migration solutions that bridge the gap between COBOL and the cloud. 

• 5G NEMs: As 5G standalone (SA) deployments emerge, core networks shift to the cloud-native architecture behind the IoT, network slicing, Open RAN, and cutting edge 5G use cases. Network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) developing new RAN, x-haul, and transceiver components rely on advanced emulation to accelerate introduction.  

  TeraVM virtualized 5G Core emulation establishes a repeatable test environment for RAN engineers. Realistic base station and UE emulation supports thorough stress testing of the Core. 

  

   

• Cloud Providers: As cloud data centers grow more complex, providers seek out the latest cloud data protection solutions and monitoring tools to safeguard data integrity and customer satisfaction. Cloud providers also leverage Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for resource configuration and legacy mainframe integration projects.  
• Service Providers: Broad experience in the cloud ecosystem has given rise to new cloud IT solutions as service providers specialize in the development, maintenance, and security aspects of cloud computing. Cloud optimization providers help clients reduce cloud resource waste by improving storage efficiency and visibility. These cloud solution specialists use advanced cloud monitoring solutions and data analysis to improve their customer ROI. 
• Test as a Service (TaaS): Cloud-based, on-demand functional, performance, and security testing are elements of the outsourcing model known as Test as a Service (TaaS). Cloud computing makes it easier to access flexible test solutions and expertise that align with changing requirements. VIAVI is an industry-leading provider of TaaS for engineering teams, system integrators, service providers, and Open RAN NEMs.   
• Co-Op/Multi-Tenant Data Centers: Multi-tenant data centers (MTDCs) allow companies or occupants to share or lease cloud resources and infrastructure while their data remains isolated and secure. Also known as a Co-Op or colocation data center, an MTDC provides a scalable cloud footprint with less time and investment than ground-up construction. Cloud data protection solutions and performance monitoring are essential for Co-Ops to ensure adequate resource provisioning, security, and SLA conformance.  

Types of Cloud Solutions

As the cloud ecosystem has diversified, cloud solutions have evolved within each distinct niche. These solutions continue to improve with the addition of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation features. 

• Public Cloud Security: Organizations pursuing hybrid or multi-cloud strategies may seek to enhance their visibility and security. Public cloud security solutions are designed to close knowledge and confidence gaps through centralized policy management, threat intelligence, and automated risk mitigation.       
• Private and Enterprise Cloud: Self-managed private or enterprise cloud assets come with distinct privacy, customization, and compliance benefits. These advantages can be offset by high up-front costs and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. Private cloud solutions like managed cloud services dampen the impact by employing a third-party to deploy and/or maintain cloud resources. 
• Cloud-based Network Monitoring: Cloud-based monitoring and virtual test agents address cloud complexity with cutting-edge technology. With Ethernet line rates moving to 400G and beyond, cloud network throughput, round-trip-time, and BER testing build additional confidence in availability and performance.  
• Cloud Migration: The migration of private data center applications and storage to the cloud requires careful planning and strategic execution to maintain operational integrity. Cloud migration solutions including API integration, “lift & shift” (rehosting), and software conversion are pursued by long-term mainframe users as the benefits of hybrid cloud become apparent. 
• Cloud Data Protection: With 45% of businesses experiencing a cloud-based data breach in 2021, new cloud data protection solutions have emerged. These cloud solutions include dashboard-based products to enhance visibility and cloud-native application protection platforms (CNAPPs) to improve security awareness. Data Protection as-a-Service options are also available to outsource security responsibilities to third party experts. 
• Cloud-based 5G Testing: With a commitment to cloud-native architecture affirmed by 3GPP standards, the 5G Core can be deployed in private or public cloud settings, or some combination of both. This architectural model opens the telecom industry to cloud-based RAN to Core testing and cloud monitoring solutions that improve efficiency and performance.  
• Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) Testing: 5G Core networks and other vulnerable cloud assets benefit from the insertion of firewalls to inspect packet data and intercept malicious traffic. With heightened application awareness, next generation firewalls can be trained to understand 3GPP protocols so that 5G latency impact is minimized. The deep packet inspection utilized by an NGFW is an effective tool for the early detection of DDoS attacks.  

Cloud Solution Knowledge Center

How do cloud solutions work?  
The impact of cloud computing can be seen in the array of cloud services available over a flexible delivery model. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), with all underlying infrastructure for the application maintained by the cloud provider, is the offering most often associated with the cloud. These services have expanded to include products like Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that are redefining software development and collaboration. Cloud solutions of all kinds work best by leveraging the flexibility and scalability of cloud architecture to complete their function in sync with the larger cloud ecosystem. 

What are the benefits of cloud solutions?  
Through automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, accurate cloud solutions overcome complexity to provide higher levels of visibility. Zero trust cloud IT solutions protect valuable data by inspecting and logging all traffic and implementing least-privileged access controls. These innovations lead to reliable uptime, high throughput, and enhanced customer support and responsiveness. The ongoing migration from on-premise to virtualized public cloud infrastructure allows organizations to improve their efficiency and scalability.  

What are the challenges of cloud solutions?  
The cloud ecosystem continues to experience growing pains that can impact the efficacy of cloud solutions as they keep pace with evolving technology. Cloud providers continue to grapple with ongoing IT and Engineering talent shortages. Energy consumption concerns and renewable energy commitments put constraints on hardware selection, cooling methods, and location selection. Cloud monitoring solutions developed for unmanned data center configurations help to address these challenges, employing the same autonomous monitoring and real-time IoT sensing tools the cloud has enabled.   

How do you know if your cloud platform is compatible?  
Interoperability in the public cloud is not a foregone conclusion. This leaves an element of uncertainty for organizations planning to move computing assets to the cloud. Resolving compatibility issues after migration can be costly, time-consuming, and poses a risk to business continuity. Advanced VIAVI emulation tools bridge this gap by accurately simulating cloud platforms, components of the network, or mobile traffic to ensure the selected platform is suitable and compatible. 5G operators and NEMs benefit from these end-to-end emulation capabilities as they prepare new systems and network elements for deployment.