Cloud orchestration definition
Cloud orchestration is the practice of coordinating cloud processes to produce a cohesive workflow that is compliant with the organization’s internal policies. Cloud orchestration is frequently the next step after cloud automation (which sets up automated processes that require minimal human intervention).
See also: cloud operations management, cloud architecture, cloud data platform, cloud networking, cloud forensics, cloud provisioning
Elements of cloud orchestration
- Provisioning resources to the organization’s cloud environment, such as setting up new servers for handling or storing data.
- Integrating and properly configuring new cloud components. This may involve installing software, setting up networking parameters, and applying security policies.
- Automating workflows and processes involved in managing cloud infrastructure, including deploying multi-tiered applications and managing data replication. Scaling resources based on demand to handle fluctuations in traffic.
- Balancing loads across multiple instances to optimize performance within the organization’s cloud infrastructure.
- Tracking the performance of cloud resources for optimization and troubleshooting purposes.
- Coordinating with other cloud services, APIs, and management platforms to orchestrate resources across heterogeneous environments.
Example cloud orchestration service providers
- CloudFX
- Flexiant Cloud Orchestrator
- Fugue
- IBM Cloud Orchestrator
- Ingram Micro Cloud Orchestrator
- Microsoft Azure Automation
- Microsoft Cycle Computing
- Morpheus
- OpenStack Heat orchestration engine
