The future is cloudy: a guide to cloud native applications

Table of contents

What are cloud-native applications?

How can businesses use these apps?

Types of cloud-native apps

Keeping the nasties out

Getting started with the cloud

Ah, the cloud. Once just a mysterious term thrown around in IT meetings to confuse everyone, it has now become the backbone of modern business operations. But beyond just storing your holiday photos and keeping your email accessible from anywhere, the cloud is home to something even more powerful: cloud native applications.

If you've ever wondered what cloud native applications are, how they work, and why your competitors are probably already using them, you’re in the right place. We’re here to break down the concept of native cloud computing in a way that makes sense.

What are cloud-native applications?

A cloud native application is software that is specifically designed to run in a cloud environment. Unlike traditional applications, which rely on bulky servers and rigid infrastructure, cloud native apps are built for flexibility, scalability, and high availability. They use cloud native application architecture, which consists of microservices, containers, and orchestration tools (think Kubernetes, Docker, and other tech jargon that sounds like sci-fi robots).

These applications are modular, meaning different parts of the app (microservices) can be updated, scaled, or fixed independently. This results in faster development, smoother updates, and less downtime. In short, businesses using cloud native applications don’t have to worry about their systems crashing when traffic surges or their software becoming obsolete overnight.

How can businesses use these apps?

Take e-commerce platforms, for example. During peak shopping seasons like Black Friday, traditional applications often struggle to handle the sudden increase in traffic, leading to slow load times or crashes. Cloud native applications, on the other hand, automatically scale to handle demand, ensuring smooth transactions and happy customers.

Streaming services also rely heavily on cloud native application architecture to deliver uninterrupted entertainment. Whether it's Netflix adjusting bandwidth usage based on internet speed or Spotify recommending songs based on your listening history, these seamless experiences are powered by cloud native technology.

Even financial institutions are jumping on board. Banks and fintech companies use cloud native application security measures to process transactions in real-time while keeping sensitive data locked down. The ability to process vast amounts of data securely and efficiently makes cloud native applications a game-changer for industries where speed and security are non-negotiable.

Types of cloud-native apps

Not all cloud native applications are built the same. Depending on business needs, different types of applications offer different advantages. Here are a few of the main types:

Microservices-Based Applications

Imagine an app built like Lego bricks, where each block (or microservice) handles a different function. This modular approach means that if one part of the app needs an update or repair, the entire system doesn’t have to go down. Businesses love this flexibility, especially when rolling out new features or fixing bugs.

Containerised Applications

Containers are like Tupperware for software—they keep everything organized, portable, and separate. With containerised apps, developers can move applications between different cloud environments without compatibility issues. This makes deployment faster and more consistent across different platforms.

Serverless Applications

Despite the name, servers do still exist in a serverless setup—they're just managed by the cloud provider instead of your IT team. This means businesses only pay for the computing power they use, reducing costs and eliminating the need for constant maintenance.

Managed Cloud Databases

For businesses that handle large amounts of data, managed cloud databases provide a scalable and secure solution. Instead of maintaining their own database servers, companies can rely on cloud providers to handle storage, security, and updates.

Keeping the nasties out

With great power comes great responsibility, and cloud native applications are no exception. While they offer numerous benefits, they also introduce new security challenges that businesses must address.

Traditional security methods, like perimeter-based defenses (firewalls, VPNs), are no longer enough. With data and applications distributed across different cloud environments, businesses need cloud native application security strategies that include:

• Zero trust security – Always verify, never trust. Every user, device, and system interaction is continuously monitored and authenticated.
• Encryption everywhere – Encrypting data at rest and in transit ensures that even if hackers get in, they won’t be able to read the data.
• Automated threat detection – AI and machine learning help detect anomalies and potential cyber threats in real time, preventing breaches before they happen.

Getting started with the cloud

Transitioning to native cloud computing might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Businesses can start small by adopting cloud-based services and gradually modernising their existing applications. Here are some key steps to ease the transition:

1. Assess current infrastructure – Identify which applications can be migrated or modernized for the cloud.
2. Choose the right cloud provider – AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure all offer cloud native solutions, but picking the right one depends on your specific needs.
3. Embrace automation – Using tools like Kubernetes for orchestration and CI/CD pipelines for deployment will streamline operations.
4. Prioritize security from day one – Don’t wait until after migration to think about security; integrate it into your cloud strategy from the start.

With careful planning and the right tools, moving to cloud native applications can be a smooth process: just get in touch with Focus Group today to see how you can future-proof your business today. Want to learn more, get in touch.