What is Cloud Computing Reference Model?
The cloud computing reference model is an abstract model that characterizes and
standardizes the functions of a cloud computing environment by partitioning it into
abstraction layers and cross-layer functions. ... The three cross-layer functions are business
continuity, security, and service management.
The cloud computing reference model is an abstract model that characterizes and standardizes
the functions of a cloud computing environment by partitioning it into abstraction layers and
cross-layer functions. This reference model groups the cloud computing functions and
activities into five logical layers and three cross-layer functions.
The five layers are physical layer, virtual layer, control layer, service orchestration layer, and
service layer. Each of these layers specifies various types of entities that may exist in a cloud
computing environment, such as compute systems, network devices, storage devices,
virtualization software, security mechanisms, control software, orchestration software,
management software, and so on. It also describes the relationships among these entities.
The three cross-layer functions are business continuity, security, and service management.
Business continuity and security functions specify various activities, tasks, and processes that
are required to offer reliable and secure cloud services to the consumers. Service management
function specifies various activities, tasks, and processes that enable the administrations of
the cloud infrastructure and services to meet the provider’s business requirements and
consumer’s expectations.
Cloud computing layers
Physical Layer
Foundation layer of the cloud infrastructure.
Specifies entities that operate at this layer : Compute systems, network devices and
storage devices. Operating environment, protocol, tools and processes.
Functions of physical layer : Executes requests generated by the virtualization and
control layer.
Virtual Layer
Deployed on the physical layer.
Specifies entities that operate at this layer : Virtualization software, resource pools,
virtual resources.
Functions of virtual layer : Abstracts physical resources and makes them appear as
virtual resources (enables multitenant environment). Executes the requests generated
by control layer.
Control Layer
Deployed either on virtual layer or on physical layer
Specifies entities that operate at this layer : control software
Functions of control layer : Enables resource configuration, resource pool
configuration and resource provisioning. Executes requests generated by service
layer. Exposes resources to and supports the service layer. Collaborates with the
virtualization software and enables resource pooling and creating virtual resources,
dynamic allocation and optimizing utilization of resources.
Service Orchestration Layer
Specifies the entites that operate at this layer : Orchestration software.
Functions of orchestration layer : Provides workflows for executing automated tasks.
Interacts with various entities to invoke provisionning tasks.
Service Layer
Consumers interact and consume cloud resources via thos layer.
Specifies the entities that operate at this layer : Service catalog and self-service portal.
Functions of service layer : Store information about cloud services in service catalog
and presents them to the consumers. Enables consumers to access and manage cloud
services via a self-service portal.
Cross-layer function
Business continuity
Specifies adoption of proactive and reactive measures to mitigate the impact of
downtime.
Enables ensuring the availability of services in line with SLA.
Supports all the layers to provide uninterrupted services.
Security
Specifies the adoption of : Administrative mechanisms (security and personnel
policies, standard procedures to direct safe execution of operations) and technical
mechanisms (firewall, intrusion detection and prevention systems, antivirus).
Deploys security mechanisms to meet GRC requirements.
Supports all the layers to provide secure services.
Service Management
Specifies adoption of activities related to service portfolio management and service operation
management.
Service portfolio management :
• Define the service roadmap, service features, and service levels
• Assess and prioritize where investments across the service portfolio are most needed
• Establish budgeting and pricing
• Deal with consumers in supporting activities such as taking orders, processing bills, and
collecting payments
Service operation management :
Enables infrastructure configuration and resource provisioning
Enable problem resolution
Enables capacity and availability management
Enables compliance conformance
Enables monitoring cloud services and their constituent elements
