Cloud Bursting vs Cloud Scaling

Quiz

In the present digital era, businesses heavily utilize cloud-based computing to run workloads, store data, and serve applications. However, solutions are required to enable companies to manage sudden surges in demand efficiently. Two common approaches for managing cloud resources are Cloud Bursting and Cloud Scaling.

What is Cloud Bursting?

Cloud bursting can be defined as a technique wherein an application is hosted on a private cloud or local premises but can burst into a public cloud when demand increases. This means that under normal working conditions, the application works mainly off of private resources. However, during high traffic or workload spikes, extra resources for the application burst into the public cloud to deal with the added demand.

How Does Cloud Bursting Work?

A company operates its application on a private cloud or on-premises servers.
Whenever the demand exceeds the capacity of the private cloud, its extra workload appears on a public cloud.
Once the demand comes down to normal, the application scales back to the private cloud.

Case Study of Cloud Bursting

Consider an online retail company that incurs high traffic during the holiday sales. On normal days, the website runs on private cloud servers, while during sales, the traffic surges in spikes. The company, instead of purchasing expensive hardware to upgrade itself, allows its website to burst into the public cloud during the sales period to assure smooth performance without lags or crashes.

Pros of Cloud Bursting

Cost Efficiency − Companies pay for any further extra devices just when resource is needed.
Scalability − Help manage a sudden ramp demand without the need of permanent infrastructure expansion.
Improved Performance − Prevents downtime and always guarantees that users enjoy a seamless experience.
Flexibility − Can work with hybrid cloud environments.

Cons of Cloud Bursting

Latency Issues − Data transfer from private to public clouds can cause delays.
Security Issues − Sensitive data may be at risk during its transit to the public cloud

What is Cloud Scaling?

Cloud scaling describes provisioning or de-provisioning cloud resources to meet demand and is about increasing or reducing computing power. It, thus, assures that applications are running smoothly at all times, whether the workloads are heavy or light.

Different types of Cloud Scaling

Cloud scaling can be classified into three broad categories:

1. Vertical Scaling (Scaling Up/Down)

Undertake the adding of more power (CPU, RAM, or storage) to an already existing server.
Fits applications that need more processing power but do not require any further servers.
Example: Upgrading a server from 8GB RAM to 32GB RAM to handle more users.

2. Horizontal Scaling (Scaling Out/In)

This involves adding on more servers to share the workload.
Is well suited for applications that have a lot of traffic requiring multiple instances.
Example: A social media platform adding more servers to handle user traffic growth.

3. Diagonal Scaling

Combines vertical and horizontal scaling.
First, you add vertical server power until reaching a limit, then add horizontal servers.
Example: Outdoor e-commerce will upgrade the main server and add new servers during peak seasons.

Cloud Scaling Examples

The video streaming service, Netflix, uses cloud scaling to manage demands. Thus, while the user watches a new show, scaling up resources enables smooth streaming during peak usage demand with many users at the same time. During off-peak hours, Netflix scales down the resources to save costs.

Pros of Cloud Scaling

Enhanced Speed − Guarantees fast and reliable services.
Cost Optimization − Payment is based on the requirement of resources.
Auto Management − Can be put into automatic mode based on real-time demand.
High Availability − Reduced risk of downtimes and failures.

Cons of Cloud Scaling

Initial Costs − Investment needs to be in scalable cloud infrastructure.
Management Complexity − Needs case monitoring and adjustment of all cloud resources.

Which One Should You Choose?

Cloud Bursting should be chosen if − You have a private cloud setting and once in a while get high-traffic spikes, but you want to minimize cost.

Cloud Scaling should be chosen if − You have a cloud application with variable workloads that need scaling to optimize performance and costs consistently.

Difference Between Cloud Bursting and Cloud Scaling

Below table highlights the major differences between Cloud Bursting and Cloud Scaling −

Feature	Cloud Bursting	Cloud Scaling
Definition	Uses private cloud normally but expands to the public cloud during high demand	Dynamically adjusts resources (CPU, RAM, servers) to match demand
Use Case	Businesses with occasional traffic spikes (e.g., holiday sales)	Applications with fluctuating workloads (e.g., streaming services)
Types	Single approach: Expanding to the public cloud when needed	Vertical (Scaling Up/Down), Horizontal (Scaling Out/In), Diagonal Scaling
Cost Efficiency	Pay only for extra public cloud usage during spikes	Pay based on resource demand, optimizing long-term costs
Performance	Helps prevent crashes during sudden spikes but may cause latency issues	Ensures smooth performance by adjusting resources in real time
Security	Data transfer between private and public clouds may have security risks	Data remains within the same cloud infrastructure, reducing security concerns
Complexity	Requires configuring cloud bursting triggers and managing data movement	Needs proper infrastructure and monitoring but can be automated
Best For	Hybrid cloud users who need occasional scaling without over-investing in hardware	Cloud-native applications with varying workloads that need constant optimization

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