Today, it’s common for applications to run in the cloud. However, depending on the way they were designed, the level at which they take advantage of cloud environments varies.
For now, we’re talking about two cloud application models. You may have heard their names: cloud-native and cloud-enabled. You may have even heard them used interchangeably. If we had to pick, we’d say real clouds have better names. You know, like cirrus, stratus, or cumulonimbus. Anyway.
In this blog, we’ll cover the biggest distinctions between “native” and “enabled.” Ultimately though, specific business requirements and goals are what will guide a company in deciding between the two.
The scalability the industry has long sought out is here. Meet the next-generation, cloud-native platform that's ignited a new level of connectivity, Command Cloud.
What cloud-native means
Cloud-native apps are designed to take full advantage of functioning in a cloud environment. You could say they’re literally born ready for the cloud. Typically, cloud-native apps operate on microservices architectures, which let an app’s components deploy and scale independently from one another.
We’ll use Command Alkon’s TrackIt as an example. As a multi-purpose solution, TrackIt transforms the way we make deliveries with fleet telematics, driver performance, and truck health monitoring. Because it’s a cloud-native app with a microservices architecture, each of TrackIt’s functions can be automatically deployed to meet a tick in demand without affecting the entire app. So, when messages between drivers and dispatchers surge, the messaging component can scale independently without having to deploy another version of the entire app, which would ultimately interrupt the app’s other components.
Meanwhile, in a microservices architecture, application components communicate to each other using APIs (Applications Programming Interfaces). APIs essentially allow individual application components to send data using their own languages and frameworks if needed. If you’re a fan of integration, you’re a fan of APIs. You can read more on our favorite data-sharing doohickeys here.
What cloud-enabled means
“Cloud-enabled” refers to any application that was originally created to operate from within an on-premises environment and is now in the cloud. It’s a “lift-and-shift.”
Why would we want to move legacy, on-premises apps to the cloud? For one, it eliminates the need to maintain host infrastructure (i.e. a closet full of servers). A cloud migration like this also offers optimized performance and other benefits, which can be found here.
The main difference here is that on-prem solutions move to the cloud, and in doing so, they keep their original architecture. So, cloud-enabled solutions are a traditional route to cloud adoption, however, they might not embrace the cloud’s full potential. At the end of the day, cloud-enabled applications are usually pursued to improve functionality and cost-effectiveness.
The value behind leveraging a single highly-compatible cloud platform
One platform is capable of providing the best of both worlds. Not only is Command Cloud equipped to seamlessly enable cloud-native applications to scale on demand, this next-generation platform also flexibly harnesses the power of the cloud for a business' integral legacy systems.
In other words, organizations can operate more accordingly toward their needs.
Together, these capabilities empower organizations to optimize their operations, innovate with agility, and unlock new growth opportunities. Interested in learning more about Command Cloud? Check it out.
