Amazon Web Services Glossary

Companies that own massive computer centers and rent out computing power. Think of them as tech landlords.

The largest cloud providers that operate at massive global scale with millions of servers across multiple continents. Like the giants of the cloud industry that can serve billions of users simultaneously.

Amazon Web Services - Amazon's cloud computing platform that provides over 200 different services. Like a massive digital toolbox for building online applications.

Elastic Compute Cloud - Amazon's service for renting virtual computers in the cloud. Like renting a computer by the hour instead of buying one.

Simple Storage Service - Amazon's service for storing files in the cloud. Like having an unlimited digital storage unit that you can access from anywhere.

AWS's serverless computing service that runs your code without managing servers. Like having a helper who appears whenever you need them to do a specific task.

AWS's intelligent enterprise search service powered by machine learning. Like having a super-smart librarian who understands what you're looking for and finds the most relevant documents instantly.

Virtual Private Cloud - An isolated, private network within a public cloud provider where you control IP addressing, subnets, routing, and security. Available as AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network (VNet), Google Cloud VPC Network, and Oracle Cloud VCN. Like having your own secure, private neighborhood within a large city.

Specialized hardware designed to speed up AI and machine learning workloads by optimizing specific AI operations. Like having custom tools built specifically for AI tasks.

Optimizing the settings and configurations of a machine learning model to improve its performance. Like fine-tuning a recipe by adjusting cooking temperature and time for the best results.

Recording and comparing different machine learning experiments, including their configurations, metrics, and results. Like keeping a detailed lab notebook to track all your scientific experiments.

AWS's ultra-high performance Layer 4 load balancer that handles millions of requests per second with ultra-low latency. Like an express highway toll plaza that processes cars at lightning speed.

AWS's Layer 7 load balancer that routes traffic based on application content like URL paths, host headers, and HTTP methods. Like an intelligent dispatcher who reads each request and sends it to the best specialist.

AWS networking hub that connects multiple networks together through a central point. Like a major highway interchange where all roads meet - instead of building direct connections between every city, you build one central hub.

AWS service that creates a dedicated, private network connection from your office or data center directly to AWS. Like having a private highway built just for your company's traffic, bypassing the public internet entirely.

Google Cloud service that creates secure VPN connections between your on-premises network and your Google Cloud VPC. Like creating a secure, encrypted highway tunnel that connects two separate cities.

Running code without managing servers yourself - the cloud provider handles all the server management. Like ordering takeout instead of cooking at home.

Cloud services available over the internet to anyone who wants to use them, shared among multiple organizations. Like renting an apartment in a building where multiple tenants share infrastructure.

Cloud infrastructure dedicated exclusively to one organization, offering more control and security. Like owning your own private building instead of renting shared space.

Temporarily shifting workloads from private cloud to public cloud during peak demand periods. Like a restaurant opening an outdoor patio when they're too busy to handle customers inside.

Elastic Container Service - AWS service for running Docker containers without managing servers. Like having someone else manage your shipping containers while you focus on what's inside them.

Elastic Kubernetes Service - AWS managed Kubernetes service that handles the complexity of running Kubernetes clusters. Like having a professional orchestra conductor manage your musicians.

AWS serverless container platform - run containers without managing servers or clusters. Like ordering takeout without needing to know how the kitchen works.

AWS platform service that handles deployment and management of web applications. Like having a personal assistant handle all the technical setup while you focus on your code.

Automatically adjusting the number of servers based on demand. Like a restaurant that opens more tables during busy hours and closes them when it's quiet.

Elastic Block Store - AWS persistent storage that attaches to EC2 instances. Like having a dedicated hard drive that you can unplug from one computer and plug into another.

Elastic File System - AWS shared file storage that multiple servers can access simultaneously. Like a shared network drive that all computers in an office can access.

AWS long-term archival storage service for data you rarely access. Like putting old documents in a warehouse - cheaper to store but takes time to retrieve.

Relational Database Service - AWS managed database service that handles maintenance, backups, and scaling. Like having a database administrator without hiring one.

AWS NoSQL database service that scales automatically and provides fast performance. Like a super-fast filing system that can handle millions of requests per second.

AWS high-performance database that's compatible with MySQL and PostgreSQL but up to 5x faster. Like a race car version of a regular car - same controls, much better performance.

AWS data warehouse service for analyzing large amounts of data quickly. Like having a super-powerful calculator designed specifically for big data problems.

AWS Content Delivery Network that delivers content from locations closest to users. Like having copies of your store in every neighborhood so customers don't have to travel far.

AWS DNS service that routes internet traffic to your applications. Like a phone book that directs people to the right phone number when they call your business.

AWS service that distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers to prevent overload. Like a traffic cop directing cars to different lanes to avoid congestion.

A networking component that enables resources in a virtual network to communicate with the internet. Available as AWS Internet Gateway, Azure Internet routing, and implicit in GCP VPC networks. Like the main entrance of a building connecting inside to outside.

Network Address Translation Gateway - enables private subnet resources to access the internet for outbound traffic while blocking inbound connections. Available as AWS NAT Gateway, Azure NAT Gateway, GCP Cloud NAT, and OCI NAT Gateway. Like a secure mailroom that sends packages out but rejects unsolicited deliveries.

AWS monitoring service that collects and tracks metrics, logs, and events from your applications and infrastructure. Like a security camera system that watches everything and alerts you when something unusual happens.

AWS service that records all API calls made in your account for security and compliance. Like a detailed security log that tracks who did what and when.

Identity and Access Management - AWS service that controls who can access what resources. Like a bouncer at a club who checks IDs and decides who can enter which areas.

AWS Infrastructure as Code service that lets you define your infrastructure using templates. Like having blueprints that can automatically build identical buildings.

AWS managed Git repository service for storing and versioning code. Like a secure digital filing cabinet for your code that tracks every change.

AWS continuous integration and deployment service that automates your software release process. Like a factory assembly line for code that automatically tests and deploys changes.

AWS service that compiles source code, runs tests, and produces software packages. Like having a dedicated worker that takes raw materials and creates finished products.

Azure service for securely storing and managing sensitive information like passwords, certificates, and encryption keys. Like a bank safety deposit box for your digital secrets.

AWS machine learning platform that helps data scientists and developers build, train, and deploy ML models. Like having a complete AI laboratory with all the tools and infrastructure ready to use.

AWS image and video analysis service powered by machine learning. Like having a super-smart assistant that can instantly identify what's in photos and videos.

AWS natural language processing service that analyzes text for insights and relationships. Like having a literary expert who can instantly understand the meaning and sentiment of any text.

AWS service for building conversational chatbots and voice assistants. Like having the technology behind Alexa available for your own applications.

Azure service for creating workflows that integrate apps, data, and services across organizations. Like having a digital assistant that can connect different software tools and make them work together.

A secure computer that acts as a gateway for accessing private servers that aren't exposed to the internet. Like a security checkpoint at a building entrance - you must go through it to reach the protected areas inside.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. Like having an automated reception desk that gives each visitor a temporary ID badge.

Open Authorization - standard for secure API access without sharing passwords. Like giving a valet key that only works for parking, not accessing your glove compartment.

JSON Web Token - secure way to transmit information between parties as digitally signed tokens. Like having a tamper-proof ID card that proves who you are.

Single Sign-On - authentication system that allows users to log in once and access multiple applications. Like having a master key for all doors in a building.

Using services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and optimize performance. Like shopping at different stores to get the best deals and products.

Automation platform for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation. Like having a universal remote control for managing all your servers.

Open-source platform for monitoring and observability with customizable dashboards. Like having a mission control center with screens showing the health of all your systems.

Simple Notification Service - AWS messaging service for sending notifications to multiple subscribers. Like a broadcast system that can simultaneously send messages to phones, emails, and other applications.

Simple Queue Service - AWS message queuing service for decoupling application components. Like a digital post office where applications can leave messages for each other.

AWS serverless event bus service for connecting applications using events. Like a central message router that delivers events to the right destinations.

AWS service for coordinating multiple AWS services into serverless workflows. Like a conductor orchestrating different musicians to play a symphony together.

AWS platform for real-time data streaming and analytics. Like a high-speed conveyor belt for processing millions of data records per second.

AWS interactive query service for analyzing data in S3 using SQL. Like having a powerful search engine that can instantly find answers in massive amounts of stored data.

AWS fully managed ETL service for preparing data for analytics. Like having a data processing factory that automatically cleans and organizes raw data.

Elastic MapReduce - AWS big data platform using open source tools like Apache Spark and Hadoop. Like renting a supercomputer cluster specifically designed for processing massive datasets.

Cloud Native Computing Foundation - organization that promotes cloud-native technologies and open source projects. Like a governing body that sets standards for modern cloud applications.

AWS managed service for securely connecting IoT devices to the cloud, with features for device authentication, message routing, and device shadow state management. Like a central command center that manages billions of device connections and routes their messages to appropriate cloud services.

AWS IoT Edge runtime that extends cloud capabilities to local devices, enabling them to act locally on data while still using the cloud for management and analytics. Like having a local manager at each location who can make immediate decisions while still reporting to headquarters.

Google Cloud serverless platform for running containerized applications. Like having a hosting service that automatically adjusts resources based on demand.

Google Cloud's managed Apache Spark and Hadoop service for big data processing. Like renting a supercomputer cluster that's pre-configured for data analysis.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - US law protecting medical information privacy. Like having special locks on medical records to ensure patient privacy.

Service Organization Control 2 - auditing standard for security, availability, and confidentiality of customer data. Like having a security inspection certificate for cloud services.

Cloud Development Kit - framework for defining cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages. Like writing cloud infrastructure using the same code you use for applications.

AWS in-memory caching service for improving application performance. Like having a high-speed memory bank that stores frequently accessed data.

AWS service for monitoring and evaluating AWS resource configurations. Like having an audit system that tracks all changes to your cloud infrastructure.

AWS service for managing and configuring Amazon EC2 instances and on-premises servers. Like having a universal remote control for all your servers.

Yet Another Markup Language - human-readable data serialization standard. Like a simple format for writing configuration files that both humans and computers can easily understand.

Cross-Origin Resource Sharing - mechanism that allows web pages to access resources from other domains. Like having permission slips that allow websites to share resources safely.

Replicating data across multiple availability zones within a region to protect against data center failures. Like storing important documents in different buildings across town.

Visual workflow management method for tracking work progress. Like having a board with columns showing what needs to be done, what's in progress, and what's completed.

AWS service for monitoring, storing, and accessing log files from EC2 instances and other AWS services. Like having a centralized filing system for all system messages and errors.

AWS service for securely storing and managing configuration data and secrets. Like a secure vault specifically designed for application settings and passwords.

AWS service for managing, retrieving, and rotating database credentials, API keys, and other secrets. Like having an automated security system that changes locks regularly.

AWS service for centrally managing multiple AWS accounts. Like having a corporate headquarters that manages all branch offices with consistent policies.

AWS service for setting up and governing secure, multi-account AWS environments. Like having an automated system that sets up new offices with all security and compliance measures in place.

Protecting stored data by encrypting it while it sits on storage devices. Like keeping sensitive documents in a locked safe when they're not being used.

Architecture where multiple systems run simultaneously and share the workload. Like having two engines powering one plane at the same time.

AWS visual data preparation service for cleaning and normalizing data without writing code. Like having a smart assistant that automatically organizes messy spreadsheets.

AWS neural machine translation service for real-time language translation. Like having a universal translator that instantly converts text between languages.

AWS text-to-speech service that turns written text into lifelike spoken audio. Like having a professional narrator that can read any text in different voices.

AWS speech-to-text service that converts audio to accurate text transcriptions. Like having a professional transcriptionist that never gets tired.

AWS service that extracts text and data from documents using machine learning. Like having an AI assistant that can read and understand any document format.

AWS service for building generative AI applications using foundation models from leading AI companies. Like having access to the most advanced AI brains for your applications.

AWS intelligent threat detection service that continuously monitors for malicious activity. Like having a 24/7 security guard that never sleeps and recognizes suspicious behavior.

AWS unified security dashboard that aggregates security alerts from multiple services. Like having a central command center that shows all security issues in one place.

Elastic Container Registry - AWS service for storing and managing Docker container images. Like having a secure warehouse for your containerized applications.

AWS cloud-native business intelligence service for creating interactive dashboards and visualizations from data. Like having a smart data artist that turns raw numbers into beautiful, interactive charts anyone can understand.

Microsoft's business intelligence platform for creating interactive reports and dashboards with powerful data analysis capabilities. Like having a professional data storyteller that transforms complex data into compelling visual narratives.

Google Cloud's managed network address translation service that allows private instances to access the internet without exposing them to incoming connections. Like having a secure one-way door that lets your private servers reach out to the internet while keeping them hidden from outside traffic.

Google Cloud's centralized logging service that collects, stores, and analyzes logs from all your applications and infrastructure. Like having a detailed diary that automatically records everything happening across your cloud environment.

Google Cloud's security and risk management platform that provides centralized visibility into your cloud assets, vulnerabilities, and threats. Like having a security control room that monitors your entire cloud environment for potential risks and compliance issues.

Google's service for understanding and analyzing human language. Like having an AI that can read and comprehend text with human-like understanding.

Oracle's virtual machine service providing scalable compute resources. Like renting a powerful computer in Oracle's data center that you can configure for any workload.

Oracle's AI service for extracting text, tables, and key information from documents. Like having an AI assistant that can read and understand any document format.

Oracle's service for converting speech to text and text to speech. Like having a universal translator between spoken words and written text.

AWS's cloud-based contact center service that enables businesses to provide customer service across voice, chat, and tasks with omnichannel support. Like having a complete call center in the cloud without needing physical infrastructure or expensive equipment.

Google's enterprise-grade conversational AI platform for building complex chatbots and virtual agents with advanced conversation flows and natural language understanding. Like creating sophisticated customer service bots that can handle multi-turn conversations.

Google Cloud's implementation of Virtual Private Cloud, providing global-by-default networking that spans all regions. Unlike AWS VPCs which are regional, GCP VPC Networks can have subnets in different regions within the same network. Equivalent to AWS VPC, Azure VNet, and OCI VCN.

Google Cloud's virtual machine service that provides scalable, high-performance virtual machines.

A service that helps organizations publish, secure, and monitor APIs in a centralized platform.

Secure service for creating, storing, and managing cryptographic keys used to encrypt and decrypt data in cloud applications.

Secure storage and automatic rotation of sensitive information like passwords, API keys, certificates, and tokens used by applications.

Managed service that provides full-text search capabilities, allowing applications to quickly find and retrieve relevant information from large datasets.

Distributed ledger technology that maintains a continuously growing list of records secured using cryptography, enabling decentralized applications.

A collection of web pages accessible via the internet that contains information, images, videos, or other content. Like a digital brochure or magazine that anyone can visit.

A website that helps you find information on the internet by typing keywords. Like a librarian who can instantly find any book or information you need.

Specific words or phrases you type into search engines to find information. Like asking for directions by naming the specific place you want to go.

Buying products and services over the internet instead of visiting physical stores. Like having access to every store in the world from your home.

When you become dependent on a specific cloud provider's proprietary services and switching to another provider becomes difficult or expensive. Like building your house with custom parts that only work with one supplier.

Protection measures and technologies used to keep data and applications safe when stored or processed in the cloud. Like having professional security guards for your digital belongings.

Infrastructure as a Service - renting basic computing resources like servers and storage from cloud providers. Like leasing an empty warehouse where you bring your own equipment and setup.

Function as a Service - running individual code functions in the cloud without managing servers. Like hiring a specialist to perform one specific task only when needed.

Managing and provisioning cloud infrastructure using code files instead of manual configuration. Like having a recipe that automatically builds your entire kitchen setup.

A geographic location where cloud providers have data centers. Like different cities where a company has branch offices - you choose the one closest to your customers.

Isolated data centers within a cloud region that provide backup and redundancy. Like having multiple bank branches in the same city - if one has problems, others keep working.

Storage system that manages data as objects (files with metadata) rather than traditional file systems. Like a massive digital warehouse where each item has its own unique ID and description.

Storage that divides data into fixed-size blocks, like a traditional hard drive. Like having a parking garage with numbered spaces - each space is the same size and has a specific address.

Low-cost storage for data that's rarely accessed but must be kept long-term. Like a storage unit in the basement - cheap to keep things, but takes time to retrieve them.

A subdivision of a virtual network that segments resources by IP range for security, organization, and routing control. Used across all cloud providers: AWS subnets within VPCs, Azure subnets within VNets, GCP subnets within VPC Networks, and OCI subnets within VCNs. Like dividing a building into floors with different access rules.

Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security - encryption protocols that secure data transmitted over the internet. Like putting your messages in a locked box before sending them through the mail.

A server that sits in front of web servers and forwards requests to them, providing load balancing and security. Like a receptionist who directs visitors to the right department.

Meeting regulatory and industry standards for data security, privacy, and business practices. Like following building codes and safety regulations when constructing a building.

Microsoft Azure's unified CI/CD platform that combines build execution and deployment orchestration in one YAML-based service. Like an all-in-one automation suite that handles everything from code compilation to production deployment.

Oracle Cloud's deployment orchestration service supporting automated deployments with rolling updates, blue-green strategies, and approval gates. Like a deployment coordinator that safely manages how new versions reach production.

Moving applications, data, or infrastructure from one environment to another, such as from on-premises servers to the cloud or between cloud providers. Like relocating a business to a new building while keeping everything running.

Practice of defining organizational policies, compliance rules, and governance as executable code that can be automatically enforced. Like having security rules and compliance requirements written as programs that check themselves automatically.

Simple Email Service - AWS cloud-based email sending service for transactional and marketing emails. Like having a professional mail room that can send millions of emails reliably.

Database Migration Service - AWS service for migrating databases to the cloud with minimal downtime. Like hiring professional movers who can relocate your office while you keep working.

Practice of regularly changing passwords, API keys, and other credentials to limit the damage from potential compromises. Like changing your locks regularly even if you haven't lost your keys.

Security concept where users and systems are given only the minimum access needed to perform their tasks. Like giving employees keys only to the rooms they need to do their jobs.

Security team responsible for defending against attacks and maintaining security operations. Like the security guards and systems protecting your building.

Flexible pricing model offering discounts in exchange for consistent usage commitment, without being tied to specific instance types. Like a gym membership that works at any location in the chain.

Database optimized for storing and searching high-dimensional vectors, essential for AI applications like semantic search and recommendations. Like a library organized by meaning rather than alphabetically.

Numerical representations of data (text, images, audio) in high-dimensional space where similar items are close together. Like converting words into map coordinates where similar meanings are neighbors.

Search approach that understands the meaning and context of queries rather than just matching keywords. Like having a librarian who understands what you're really looking for.

Basic unit of text that AI language models process, typically representing words, word parts, or punctuation. Like the individual puzzle pieces that make up text.

Buying and selling goods or services over the internet using electronic transactions. Like a digital marketplace that's open 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

Established guidelines and best practices for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from threats. Like building codes that ensure structures are safe and reliable.

Legal requirements that data must be stored and processed within specific geographic boundaries, typically based on where users are located. Like laws requiring certain documents to stay within a country's borders.

Dividing a database table or dataset into smaller, more manageable pieces based on specific criteria like date ranges or geographic regions. Like organizing a large library by splitting books into different rooms based on subject.

A software development practice where developers frequently merge code changes into a shared repository, with each change automatically built and tested. Like a quality control checkpoint on an assembly line that catches defects early, CI ensures code changes don't break existing functionality. AWS CodeBuild, Azure Pipelines, Google Cloud Build, and OCI DevOps all provide CI services.

A centralized repository of information used to store, organize, and retrieve knowledge for users or AI systems. In cloud computing, knowledge bases power AI assistants, customer support systems, and enterprise search. AWS Kendra and Bedrock Knowledge Bases, Azure AI Search, Google Cloud Vertex AI Search, and OCI Generative AI all provide managed knowledge base services.

A messaging pattern where senders (publishers) broadcast messages to a topic without knowing who receives them, and receivers (subscribers) listen to topics they're interested in. Like a radio station broadcasting to anyone tuned in, pub/sub decouples producers from consumers. AWS SNS, Azure Service Bus Topics, Google Cloud Pub/Sub, and OCI Notifications all implement this pattern.

The practice of copying data or resources across multiple geographic regions for disaster recovery, low-latency access, or compliance requirements. Like having backup copies of important documents in different cities, regional replication ensures data survives regional outages. AWS S3 Cross-Region Replication, Azure Geo-Redundant Storage, Google Cloud multi-regional storage, and OCI Cross-Region Replication all provide this capability.

A cloud-based collaboration platform that combines workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration. Part of the Microsoft 365 suite, Teams integrates deeply with Azure services for enterprise deployments. Similar collaboration tools exist across cloud ecosystems: AWS offers Amazon Chime, Google provides Google Meet and Chat, and Oracle offers Oracle Cloud collaboration features.

Secret tokens used to authenticate and authorize access to cloud services and APIs. Like a password for software applications, API keys identify the calling application and control what actions it can perform. AWS uses Access Keys and Secret Keys, Azure provides Subscription Keys and Service Principal credentials, GCP uses API Keys and Service Account Keys, and OCI uses API Signing Keys.

The practice of using code and tools to automatically provision, configure, and manage cloud infrastructure instead of manual processes. Like having robots build and maintain your data center, infrastructure automation ensures consistent, repeatable, and error-free deployments. Tools include Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager, Google Cloud Deployment Manager, and OCI Resource Manager.

Strategies and practices for reducing cloud spending while maintaining performance and reliability. Like finding ways to reduce your utility bills without sacrificing comfort, cost optimization involves right-sizing resources, using reserved capacity, eliminating waste, and choosing cost-effective architectures. AWS offers Cost Explorer and Trusted Advisor, Azure provides Cost Management, GCP has Cost Management tools, and OCI offers Cost Analysis.

A network component that acts as an entry point or intermediary between different networks or services. Like a toll booth on a highway, gateways control and manage traffic flow. In cloud computing, common gateway types include API Gateway (manages API traffic), NAT Gateway (enables outbound internet access for private resources), VPN Gateway (connects on-premises networks), and Internet Gateway (connects VPCs to the internet). AWS, Azure, GCP, and OCI all offer managed gateway services.

A cloud virtual machine equipped with one or more Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) for accelerated computing workloads. Think of it like upgrading from a regular car to a race car — GPU instances provide massive parallel processing power needed for machine learning training, 3D rendering, video encoding, and scientific simulations. AWS offers P and G instance families, Azure provides NC and ND series, GCP has A2 and G2 machine types, and OCI offers GPU shapes with NVIDIA GPUs.

The process of determining the cloud resources needed to meet current and future workload demands while optimizing costs. Like planning how much food to buy for a growing family, capacity planning involves analyzing usage patterns, forecasting growth, and ensuring enough compute, storage, and network resources are available without over-provisioning. Cloud providers offer tools like AWS Compute Optimizer, Azure Advisor, GCP Recommender, and OCI Cloud Advisor to help right-size resources.

The automated process of identifying security weaknesses, misconfigurations, and known vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure, applications, and container images. Like a home security inspector checking every door and window for weaknesses, vulnerability scanners systematically examine your systems against databases of known threats. AWS offers Inspector and ECR scanning, Azure provides Defender for Cloud, GCP has Security Command Center and Artifact Analysis, and OCI offers Vulnerability Scanning Service.

A centralized storage system for managing build outputs, software packages, container images, and deployment artifacts throughout the software delivery lifecycle. Like a warehouse that stores and organizes all the parts needed to assemble a product, artifact repositories version, secure, and distribute the components that make up your applications. AWS offers CodeArtifact and ECR, Azure provides Azure Artifacts and ACR, GCP has Artifact Registry, and OCI offers Container Registry.

A networking service that enables private connectivity between cloud resources and services without exposing traffic to the public internet. Like having a private tunnel between two buildings instead of walking through a busy street, Private Link creates secure, low-latency connections that stay within the cloud provider's backbone network. AWS offers PrivateLink, Azure provides Private Link, GCP has Private Service Connect, and OCI offers Private Endpoints.

A set of technologies, tools, and practices for collecting, integrating, analyzing, and presenting business data to support better decision-making. Like having a dashboard in your car that shows speed, fuel level, and engine health at a glance, BI platforms transform raw data into meaningful visualizations, reports, and insights. AWS offers QuickSight, Azure provides Power BI, GCP has Looker, and OCI offers Analytics Cloud — each providing interactive dashboards, data exploration, and reporting capabilities.

A visual representation of a system's components, their relationships, and how they interact within a cloud or software environment. Like a blueprint for a building, an architecture diagram shows the structural design of an application or infrastructure, including servers, databases, networks, and external services. Cloud architecture diagrams are essential for planning, documentation, and communication between teams. AWS provides the Architecture Icons library, Azure offers Visio templates, GCP has its architecture diagramming tool, and OCI provides reference architecture diagrams.

The arrangement and interconnection of cloud resources, services, and networks that make up a cloud infrastructure deployment. Like a city map showing roads, buildings, and utilities, cloud topology describes how compute instances, storage, databases, and networking components are organized and connected. Understanding topology is crucial for optimizing performance, ensuring redundancy, and maintaining security. Each cloud provider has specific topology patterns — AWS uses Regions and Availability Zones, Azure has Regions and Availability Zones, GCP uses Regions and Zones, and OCI has Regions and Availability Domains.

The practice of creating visual representations of cloud infrastructure to understand, monitor, and manage complex systems. Like using a GPS navigation app instead of written directions, infrastructure visualization transforms technical configurations into intuitive diagrams, dashboards, and maps. This includes generating architecture diagrams from code (such as Terraform), real-time infrastructure dashboards, and interactive topology maps. AWS provides CloudWatch dashboards and Architecture Center, Azure offers Azure Monitor visualization, GCP has Cloud Asset Inventory visualization, and OCI provides Console dashboards with topology views.

A pre-designed, best-practice cloud architecture template that solves a common use case and can be adapted for specific business needs. Like a model home that showcases standard layouts and features, reference architectures provide proven blueprints for building applications such as web apps, data pipelines, microservices, and machine learning platforms. AWS provides AWS Architecture Center with hundreds of reference diagrams, Azure offers Azure Architecture Center, GCP has Cloud Architecture Center, and OCI provides Reference Architecture documentation — all with detailed diagrams and implementation guides.