Understanding the 4 Levels of Federation in Cloud Computing

Understanding the 4 Levels of Federation in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way people store, access, and process data. With cloud computing, users can easily access resources like storage and computing power that were traditionally only available to large enterprises. Cloud computing has evolved over the years, and today, it offers a wide range of services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

One of the key aspects of cloud computing is federation, which allows multiple cloud providers to work together seamlessly. Federation is critical for organizations that use a hybrid cloud model, where they use resources from both public and private clouds. In this article, we explore the 4 levels of federation in cloud computing.

Level 1: Service Provider Federation

Service Provider Federation is the most basic form of federation. In this level, cloud providers connect their clouds to form a federation. This allows users to access resources from multiple clouds seamlessly. The key benefit of Service Provider Federation is that it allows users to access resources from multiple clouds without changing their existing applications.

For example, a user can store their data in one cloud and access computing resources from another cloud. The cloud provider will take care of all the necessary networking and security requirements. This level of federation is commonly used in cases where a single cloud provider cannot meet all the user’s requirements.

Level 2: Resource Federation

Resource Federation is the next level of federation. In this level, cloud providers share their resources (computing, storage, and networking) with other cloud providers. This allows users to access resources that are not available in their own cloud. The key benefit of Resource Federation is that it allows users to access a wider range of resources without having to switch clouds.

For example, a user can access a public cloud’s computing resources and store their data in a private cloud. This level of federation is commonly used in cases where a certain cloud provider has unique resources that are not available in other clouds.

Level 3: Identity Federation

Identity Federation is the third level of federation. In this level, cloud providers share user information with other cloud providers. This allows users to access resources from multiple clouds without having to create multiple accounts. The key benefit of Identity Federation is that it simplifies the user experience and reduces the need for users to manage multiple accounts.

For example, a user can access a public cloud’s computing resources and a private cloud’s storage resources using the same login credentials. This level of federation is commonly used in cases where users need to access resources from multiple clouds.

Level 4: Process Federation

Process Federation is the highest level of federation. In this level, cloud providers share their business processes with other cloud providers. This allows users to access end-to-end services that span multiple clouds seamlessly. The key benefit of Process Federation is that it allows users to access comprehensive services without having to manage multiple clouds.

For example, a user can access a public cloud’s computing resources, a private cloud’s storage resources, and a third-party business application to process the data. This level of federation is commonly used in cases where a user needs to access a comprehensive service that spans multiple clouds.

In conclusion, federation is a critical aspect of cloud computing. The 4 levels of federation offer different benefits and can be used in different scenarios. As organizations increasingly adopt a hybrid cloud model, federation will become more important than ever. By understanding the 4 levels of federation, organizations can choose the right solution that meets their business requirements.