Mastering architecture: key strategies for cloud optimisation

As you are aware, the world of cloud computing is ever-expanding. There are new technologies, systems and configurations being developed and deployed every day.

As more businesses shift to cloud and multi-cloud environments, the ongoing care of your company’s cloud architecture is essential. And, while the ‘perfect’ cloud architecture looks different for every company, here are a few tips to help you set your organisation up for success.

 1. Plan for scalability

Scalability and growth sit at the heart of effective cloud architecture —you need cloud services that can be dialled up or down as required. Try to think ahead: will this solution still work for the company in a year? Two? Three? Having a solution that’s flexible enough to adapt and change as your business does is exactly what AWS offers.

Regularly check in with your resource usage and performance metrics to pinpoint potential problems early on. That way, you can predict where you might need to scale up or down in the future, and help you to better manage costs.

2. Follow the AWS Well-Architected Framework

AWS provides a comprehensive framework known as the AWS Well-Architected framework. It helps organisations build secure, high-performing and efficient cloud architecture.

Using this framework as a baseline, you can ensure that your cloud architecture aligns with industry standards, and that your company is positioned for long-term success.

3. The AWS well-architected framework uses 6 pillars:

1. Operational excellence —the continuous improvement and monitoring of processes and procedures
2. Reliability —making sure your environment works when you need it to. This includes distributed system designs, recovery planning and adaptability
3. Performance efficiency —selecting resources to match demands and requirements
4. Sustainability —minimising environmental impact by aiming for the most efficient use of resources
5. Cost optimisation —understanding your average usage patterns and scaling solutions up or down to help avoid unnecessary costs
6. Security —managing user permissions, data encryption and confidentiality

These pillars provide a great framework to empower your team to build efficient and effective cloud environments to support a range of tasks and use cases.

4. Prioritise security and compliance

If all the recent data breaches have taught us anything, it’s that security is a non-negotiable pillar of cloud architecture. Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your data is vital. Robust security measures such as encryption, access controls, and regular audits help to safeguard your architecture against potential threats.

What’s more, most businesses —and especially the public sector— operate within certain compliance regulations. There can be dire consequences if these are not strictly adhered to. Creating secure architecture protects your data, builds trust with customers and stakeholders, and helps keep you compliant.

Bonus Tip: Stay on top of the training needs of your team

While implementing these strategies are a great start, when you get down to it, it all goes back to having a well-trained team —that’s the real cornerstone of successful cloud architecture. Whether they need foundational training – AWS Technical Essentials, are ready for a more advanced learning pathway – Architecting on AWS, or even accreditation, there are comprehensive IT architecture training courses available.

Investing in specialised training like this not only equips your team with the latest knowledge but also enhances their ability to use this knowledge in real-world scenarios.

With Bespoke’s courses, you can ensure that your team is well-prepared to tackle the intricacies of cloud architecture, leading to better efficiency and organisational outcomes.

If you’re looking for pathways for your team to develop new skills and truly optimise your cloud architecture, take a look at our training directory. Or, get in touch today for a customised organisational learning plan.