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. 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(plan the things secretly)
Specifies the entities that operate at this layer :
Orchestration software.
Functions of orchestration layer : Provides workflows for
executing automated tasks. Interacts with various
entities to invoke provisioning tasks.
Service Layer
Consumers interact and consume cloud resources via
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 (government
risk and compliances) 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
