Public, private and hybrid cloud
Public cloud platforms provide shared infrastructure through on-demand services. Private cloud environments provide cloud-like operating models on dedicated infrastructure. Hybrid architectures combine multiple environments based on workload needs.
Architecture should reflect latency, existing systems, data sensitivity, resilience and commercial considerations.
Reliability and automation
Cloud platforms make infrastructure programmable, allowing teams to define environments as code and automate repetitive operations. This can reduce manual configuration and improve consistency.
Reliability still requires deliberate engineering: redundancy, backups, health monitoring, failure testing and recovery procedures remain essential.
Security and governance
Cloud security combines identity, network controls, encryption, logging, vulnerability management and policy enforcement.
Governance is most effective when controls are embedded into the platform so teams can move quickly without bypassing security requirements.