Understanding cloud native architecture

Cloud-native architecture is a modern approach to designing and deploying applications that fully leverage cloud environments’ flexibility, scalability, and resilience. It involves building applications such as microservices, packaged in containers. Containers that can be deployed, managed, and scaled independently. 

The microservices architecture contrasts with traditional monolithic applications, where all components are tightly coupled, making it challenging to update or scale parts of the application independently. 

This microservices architecture enables companies to: 

• Independently update and deploy services: Each microservice could be updated or scaled without affecting the entire application. 

• Enhance security: Isolating services reduces the risk of widespread security vulnerabilities. 

The adoption of cloud-native architecture is driven by several compelling factors: 

1. Scalability and flexibility: Applications can easily scale up or down based on demand, allowing companies to use resources efficiently. 

2. Resilience and security: The microservices approach enhances the resilience of each application component, reducing the impact of individual failures. 

3. Cloud-native architecture helps businesses develop, deploy, and update applications quickly. This allows them to respond faster to market changes and customer needs. 

4. Cost efficiency: By utilizing cloud resources efficiently, companies can reduce infrastructure costs (data centers) and only pay for what they use. 

MicroStrategy’s Cloud Transformation

MicroStrategy’s journey towards becoming a cloud-first company offers valuable insights into the practical benefits and challenges of embracing cloud-native architecture. Originally operating with a traditional on-premise deployment model, MicroStrategy transitioned to the cloud to improve agility, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Learn more about MicroStrategy's multi-cloud approach.   

The shift from on-premise to cloud

Initially, MicroStrategy provided software for customers to deploy on their own infrastructure. The company then started offering hosted solutions through major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. This transition allowed MicroStrategy to fully focus on its software rather than managing infrastructure logistics. 

As Jae Berlik, VP, Product Management, Cloud at MicroStrategy, stated, “Our strategy over time has evolved to become a cloud-first company...this shift has not only enhanced our operational agility but also propelled us forward in our quest to accelerate innovation and deliver new capabilities to our customers at rapid speed.” 

Benefits of cloud transformation

The transition to a cloud-native architecture brought several key benefits to MicroStrategy and its customers: 

1. Operational efficiency: Automation in provisioning, performance tuning, and upgrades allowed MicroStrategy to focus on delivering insights and innovation rather than managing infrastructure. 

2. Enhanced security: Advanced security measures, such as encryption and network isolation, ensured data protection and compliance with industry standards. 

3. Scalability and reliability: The ability to scale resources on demand and maintain high availability was critical for handling varying workloads and ensuring business continuity. 

The power of containerization

The real transformation occurred with the adoption of microservices and containerization. By breaking down monolithic applications into smaller, independent services, MicroStrategy significantly improved its operational agility. 

Switching to microservices allows us to not only increase the security and agility of our solutions. It also enabled us to achieve cloud agnosticism. The MicroStrategy platform can operate seamlessly across different cloud environments, providing flexibility in deployment choices. 

Reflecting on this transition, Vasant Paranjpe, VP, Sales Engineering for North America at MicroStrategy, noted, “We’ve embraced this whole new microservices architecture...taking advantage of what a modern software stack really offers.” 

He added that “It’s about going beyond just hosting traditional software in the cloud and fully leveraging the capabilities of cloud-native technologies.” 

How does MicroStrategy help with data migration from an on-prem architecture to the cloud?

To migrate from an on-premises deployment, we use a utility to back up all your data, including metadata, plugins, and settings. This backup is then deployed to the cloud, where we handle all upgrades and manage the database. 

The system is set up in a testing environment, and after thorough testing, we’ll switch over to the live environment. This process ensures a smooth transition with minimal disruption. Our dedicated teams in North America and worldwide will assist you throughout the migration journey. 

Does MicroStrategy support hybrid cloud environments?

MicroStrategy accommodates hybrid data by allowing customers to keep their data wherever it currently resides, whether on-premises or in the cloud. Many companies use a hybrid setup during their modernization journey, with some workloads on cloud platforms like Snowflake or Databricks while maintaining other systems on-premises. 

We follow best practices from our hyperscaler partners to connect securely to cloud sources and route data as needed, ensuring a seamless integration of hybrid data environments. 

The future of MicroStrategy cloud

MicroStrategy’s cloud strategy continues to evolve, guided by customer feedback and market trends. We are committed to delivering cutting-edge AI and BI capabilities through our MicroStrategy ONE platform, which comprises 18 microservices. 

This modern cloud platform is designed to be fully managed, offering customers the latest innovations without the overhead of infrastructure management. MicroStrategy customers can choose any major cloud provider to host MicroStrategy ONE: Microsoft Azure, AWS and Google Cloud. We make sure our customer’s cloud migration is as seamless as possible.  

Key future initiatives include: 

• Expansion of multi-cloud support. MicroStrategy keeps expanding its multi-cloud capabilities, while maintaining consistent service quality. Our customers choose their preferred cloud providers. 

• Seamless cloud migration. We are investing in automation to simplify the migration process. We support customizations and deployment orchestration. 

• Focus on customer-managed cloud. We recognize the diverse needs of our customers and offer a customer-managed cloud option. It allows organizations to harness the platform’s power within their own environments. 

More than an upgrade

The shift to cloud-native architecture is not just a technological upgrade. This strategic move can transform how businesses operate and deliver value. For MicroStrategy, this transformation has enabled greater agility, faster innovation, and enhanced customer satisfaction. 

As we continue to innovate and expand its cloud offerings, we remain committed to providing a flexible, secure, and scalable platform tailored to the evolving needs of our customers. 

Whether you are at the beginning of your cloud journey or looking to optimize your existing infrastructure, the principles and experiences shared in this blog can serve as a valuable guide. Embracing cloud-native architecture can unlock new levels of efficiency, agility, and innovation, positioning your organization for success in the digital age. 

We’ve only captured the highlights of this informative MicroStrategy community webinar. Learn more about cloud-native architecture and how it supports our cutting-edge business intelligence solutions from the on-demand recording of the webinar or reach out to our experts.