Cloud Bursting
A hybrid cloud strategy that allows an organization to use additional cloud resources during peak loads.
Description
Cloud bursting is a cloud computing model that enables organizations to scale their IT resources dynamically by utilizing public cloud resources when local infrastructure reaches its capacity limits. In the context of AWS (Amazon Web Services), cloud bursting involves transferring workloads to AWS cloud services during times of increased demand. This approach helps manage unpredictable spikes in traffic without investing heavily in on-premises infrastructure that may remain underutilized during regular periods. For example, an e-commerce website may experience a surge in traffic during holiday sales. Instead of maintaining excess server capacity, the website can leverage AWS services, such as EC2 and Auto Scaling, to automatically deploy additional resources to handle the increased load. Once the demand subsides, the resources can be scaled back down, ensuring cost efficiency and optimal performance.
Examples
- A retail company utilizes AWS during Black Friday sales to handle increased website traffic, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.
- A video streaming service employs AWS to manage unexpected spikes in viewership during the release of a popular show, maintaining service quality.
Additional Information
- Cloud bursting can reduce capital expenditure by minimizing the need for excess on-premises infrastructure.
- Implementing cloud bursting requires effective monitoring and management tools to ensure seamless transition between local and cloud resources.