A Comprehensive Analysis of Cloud Computing Architectures and Deployment Models
AUTHORS
Zura Razak,Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Nurzeatul H. A. Hamid,Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Cloud computing has fundamentally transformed how organizations manage, process, and store data by providing on-demand access to computing resources over the Internet. This paradigm shift enables enhanced scalability, reduced operational costs, and greater agility, making it a cornerstone of digital transformation across industries. Central to the design and functionality of cloud environments are their underlying architectures and deployment models, which govern how services are structured, managed, and delivered. This paper comprehensively analyzes cloud computing architectures, including virtualization frameworks, service orchestration mechanisms, storage and compute infrastructures, and modern innovations such as serverless computing and containerization. It further explores the four primary cloud deployment models—public, private, hybrid, and community clouds—examining their structural characteristics, benefits, limitations, and ideal use cases. By employing a qualitative comparative methodology and synthesizing insights from academic research, industry white papers, and cloud provider documentation, the study identifies key trade-offs in cloud architecture selection, such as security versus scalability and cost efficiency versus control. The findings highlight how organizations can align architectural decisions with operational and regulatory requirements. Moreover, the study investigates emerging trends such as multi-cloud strategies, edge-cloud integration, and AI-driven orchestration, shedding light on the future trajectory of cloud computing. The analysis is a valuable reference for IT professionals, architects, and decision-makers seeking to design or optimize cloud infrastructure in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how cloud architectures and deployment models influence performance, security, and business outcomes in modern computing environments.
KEYWORDS
Cloud Computing, Cloud Architecture, Deployment Models, Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Multi-Cloud Strategy
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