Cloud Computing
Cloud Bursting
Definition
Cloud bursting is an application deployment model in which an application runs in a private cloud or on-premises data center and "bursts" to a public cloud when the demand for computing capacity spikes.
Why It Matters
Cloud bursting is a key feature of a hybrid cloud strategy. It allows a company to maintain control over its sensitive data in a private cloud, while still taking advantage of the massive scalability of the public cloud to handle peak loads in a cost-effective way.
Contextual Example
A tax preparation software company runs its application on its private cloud for most of the year. In the weeks leading up to the tax deadline, as usage skyrockets, it uses cloud bursting to provision additional web servers in AWS to handle the temporary surge in traffic.
Common Misunderstandings
- This model provides a balance between cost and control.
- It requires careful planning and a network connection with sufficient bandwidth between the private and public clouds.