Blog Directory

Building Microservice for Azure

Building Microservice for Azure

Azure has created quite the hype. What is it about and how to use it? Let’s enlighten you.

 

What is Azure?

Azure is a public cloud computing platform developed by Microsoft. It contains many different services that can be helpful to help grow your organization. It can be used for building, testing, and managing applications.

 

 

 

What are Microservices?

Microservices is an architectural way of building applications that are easily adaptable to change. They are made up of small modules that are connected to other modules.

what-are-microservices

The main purpose of microservices is to make it easier for developers to develop and change their applications. If developers want to implement a service in an application, they do not need to rebuild the application. Instead, they can simply add it using microservices as it allows services to be added independently.

 

Benefits of Microservices


benefits-of-microservices

Easier to manage applications

As applications are split into different modules and are connected simply with each other, it is very easy to manage it. Adding new services or features to your applications has never been easier as it does not require you to rebuild the whole application to add something new even if they don’t share the same technology stack, libraries, or frameworks. You do not need to search for hours and hours through the code to find where the problem is as each microservice itself is a different chunk or set of code. If a small problem occurs in your microservice, it would not affect the whole system as microservices are independent of each other. It is easier to update your service with new and improved functions.

 

Productivity

Microservices help you become more productive and eliminate the unnecessary factors which will make you less productive. This makes the development process for developers faster and more manageable. Microservice’s architectural structure allows different teams to work on different parts of the application simultaneously which results in a faster and more efficient development process.

Flexibility

Microservice can be written and used in different technologies. This makes sure that your creativity is not limited to one technology only. You can use any technology which can be beneficial for the service you are providing. Code can be written in different languages in different microservice components and they would not affect each other as microservice is independent. This also helps ensure that if any new and advanced technology is invented, your whole system does not need to be rebuilt from scratch.

Simplicity

Microservices are very easy and simple to understand. This helps out developers who are new to this concept. They will adapt to it easily and help their organization grow using microservices. Developers are not bombarded with a mix of things as everything in microservices are organized and set up properly so that they can be managed easily.

Saima Naz

Sep 25, 2020

Best App Development Frameworks in 2020

The app development industry is advancing at a tremendous rate and, for beginners, it is very hard for them to know where to start.

We make the task easier for you, allowing you to begin learning the best app development frameworks.

 

best-app-development-infographics

React Native

Developed by Facebook, React Native is one of the most popular app development frameworks out there. Many high-performance apps have been built on this framework. It is great for developing both Android and iOS apps, and is a powerful and reliable app.  Also, it has a cross-platform framework ability, which helps speed up the process for developers.

Flutter

Developed by Google, Flutter is a software development framework. Easy-to-use, it uses the same code for iOS and Android and has a flexible UI that is immensely helpful for developers.

Ionic

Ionic is a widely-used open source framework built with Angular and Cordova. Its specialty is that it can be used to develop apps for three different platforms: iOS, Apple, and Windows. This framework is easy to adapt to and has its set of default UI elements used to help developers focus on advanced features rather than the basic ones.

Xamarin

Acquired by Microsoft, Xamarin is an open-source framework which also has the ability of a cross-platform framework.  It uses the same code for iOS and Android. With a huge community of more than 1.4 million developers, it uses the programming language C# so you do not have to learn Java for app development.

Saima Naz

Sep 18, 2020

Trusted Computing Technology

Trusted Computing Technology

Nowadays, open platforms such as desktop and laptop computers provide complete choice to the users regarding what software to run, the power to read, to modify and to delete the stored files on them. This freedom of choice has created problems such as insecurity for the user due to being prone to viruses, insecurity for the network on terms of viruses that threaten other systems on the network, and insecurity for software authors and content providers regarding the allowance of copying without limit and loss of quality.

 

What is Trusted Computing?

what-is-trusted-computing

It is a collection of ideas and proposals for a locked-down PC architecture, gives assurances about the application software run on it, and allows secure communication for applications with other servers and applications. The encryption of pathways between the system and its peripherals such as monitor, mouse, and keyboard is done. The encryption keys are built into the hardware of the system and are unavailable to the owner of the system. The operating system is run by the PC only if it can authenticate its integrity and identity, enabling it to communicate securely with remote servers to assure the identity and integrity of application software before running it.

 

What does Trusted Computing require?

what-does-trusted-computing-require

It requires hardware support to enable the following:

  • Hardware encryption keys
  • Secure execution
  • Memory curtaining
  • Temper resistance

A small ROM program is given control at boot time which verifies the hash value of the operating system code before loading and running it. This guarantees the expected operating system which can, in turn, verify the hash of application programs before running them to check their honesty and credibility.

 

What is a Trusted Computing Group?

a-trusted-computing-group

Trusted computing involves the enhancement of hardware and modification of associated software. This venture and specific plans are cooperated by Trusted Computing Group which consists of numerous major hardware manufacturers and software vendors. The specifications for computer resources protection are developed and promoted by a trusted computing group from malicious entities threats without infringement of end-users rights.

 

How Microsoft defines Trusted Computing Technology?

microsoft-defines-trusted-computing-technology

Microsoft breaks down trusted computing into four technologies which altogether require the use of new and improved hardware at a personal level computer. These four technologies, listed as follows, can be effective if they are supported by refinements and advances in operating systems and software used by PC.

 

  • Secure input/output which addresses threats from spyware that captures the displayed content
  • Remote attestation which discovers changes that are unauthorized to the software by producing certificates encrypted for all applications on the system
  • Memory curtaining which avoids the programs from reading or writing inappropriately to others memory
  • Sealed storage which allows computers to store encryption keys securely as well as other critical data

What are the Applications of Trusted Computing Technology?

applications-of-trusted-computing-technology

There are many applications of trusted computing technology, which are as follows:

  • The authentication of the platform
  • The security of data
  • The improving of reputation reckoning
  • The management of digital rights
  • The prevention of cheating in multiplayer games
  • The computing of the third party
  • The usage of anonymous service
  • The balance of privacy and security

Saima Naz

Sep 16, 2020

Legacy and Privacy Issues in Cloud Computing

Legacy and Privacy Issues in Cloud Computing

Businesses worldwide are increasingly becoming aware about how to provide easy access to their services and infrastructure over the internet.

 

Cloud Computing is the on-demand available computer system that allows data storage and access over the internet.

 

Cloud computing raises privacy concerns because the service provider has access to all the sensitive data. There is the risk that the provider my disclose the sensitive data or use it without authorization. However, there are some privacy and security threats that come with using cloud computing. These include:

 

  • Data loss
  • Data security issues
  • Service disruption
  • Malicious attacks
  • Multitenancy issues

Two Categories of Cloud Computing Security

– Network Security

– Data Security

Data Security means ensuring safety against unauthorized access, modification, disruption, use, or disclosure of sensitive information. Data security comprises three attributes: Authentication, Authorization and Auditing.

Network Security is a broad term that covers multiple devices, processes, and technologies. It sets rules and configures the design to ensure optimal protection of the computer networks and data.

 

Some Unwelcome Consequences of Data Breaches:

  • Compromised reviewer anonymity
  • Disclosure of researchers
  • Acceptance of success records

How to Protect Data Privacy on Cloud Storage

  • Use data encryption
  • Avoid storing very sensitive information on cloud storage
  • Limit access to the cloud storage
  • legacy-and-privacy-issues-in-cloud-computing-infographics

Saima Naz

Sep 14, 2020

Google Cloud vs IBM Cloud: Which One to Go for?

Choosing between IBM Cloud and Google Cloud can be difficult. Nonetheless, we are here to make things easier. Keep reading to know more and make the right choice for your business needs.

 

google-cloud-vs-ibm-cloud-infographics

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google is famous for its cloud platform, which proves to be ideal for enterprises. Their cloud platform is very developer-friendly.

What makes Google a good option is their App Engine product, which ensures and provides agile development. Besides, you get features like compute, storage, networking, and others.

The only con is that they have limited services as compared to its competitors.

Pricing:

In terms of pricing, GCP is famous for its cheap prices. You can use cloud resources on a per-second usage tier. This offers much value to the users. Moreover, there are good additional offers in the first few months.

If you are wondering why to choose Google Cloud – then its budget is affordable, and the cloud services are powerful.

IBM Cloud

IBM cloud goes toe-to-toe with Amazon Web Services.

However, it falls short in some ways. It offers the necessary features required for custom applications.

IBM Cloud is great for blockchain applications like Google. They have awesome customer support like Google Cloud. Setup and deployment are very easy as Google.

However, the biggest con is that the IBM cloud has a very strict security protocol, which needs careful setting up.

Pricing:

The payment is tier-based and there are two payment modules. You can pay as you go and you have the subscription model.

If you are looking for a competitive service, then go for IBM.

Hope this article helps you decide which is best for your needs.

 

Saima Naz

Sep 8, 2020

Security Issues in Cloud Computing

Security Issues in Cloud Computing

According to CSA or Cloud Security Alliance, more than 70% of the businesses in the world operate via the cloud.

Cloud storage comes with benefits like lower costs, automatic software updates, higher flexibility, increased collaboration. Cloud storage gives users the freedom to access data and work no matter where they are. Even with convenience, some security issues come with it. It may come as a surprise, but as many as 90% of agencies using cloud storage have concerns about the security of cloud storage. These concerns often center around the vulnerability to hacking. Malicious hackers can get into accounts and breach data security. To get a broader picture of the risks here are some concerns most people express:

1. Data Breach

 

data-breach

Cloud storage and computing is a relatively new phenomenon and has existed for some years. One important question that often pops up is “Is it safe to store data online rather than on the premises or in-house?”

According to a study titled “Man in Cloud Attack,” more than 50% of the IT and security professionals believe that the security of their organization is low. They have taken fewer measures to ensure their security.

2. Hijacked Accounts

hijacked-accounts

The implementation and growth of the cloud in organizations have led to a new issue – hijacked accounts. Hackers have succeeded in taking over accounts and the data in them. They can steal and use employees’ credentials to login and access the sensitive information stored over the cloud.

3. Insider Threats

insider-threats

It may seem unlikely, but sometimes, people from inside your organization become a threat. They use unauthorized access to access and misuse sensitive information e.g. customer credentials and financial forms.

4. Malware Injection

malware-injection

When the wrong kind of people attack cloud-stored data, they can inject malware or embed codes that become “invalid instances” and run on SaaS cloud servers. This can cause malicious code to cause problems on the cloud server.

5. Cloud Services Abuse

cloud-services-abuse

With the increased use and expansion of cloud storage and cloud-based services, small and large enterprises have been hosting a huge amount of data. Illegal software, digital properties, hackers, and outsiders can easily spread malware and access data. The risks of stolen data also involve pirated versions of data e.g. music, books, videos, etc.

6. Insecure APIs

insecure-apis

Application Programming Interfaces tend to give users the option to customize their experience. APIs can be a risk to cloud security due to their nature. However, they are an authentic solution for most businesses, because they provide encryption, controlled access, and are authentic.

7. Data Loss

data-loss

When there is a malicious attack, there is the risk of losing data stored on the cloud. Besides, even if there is a natural disaster, the service provider can lose its entire data. This instance can prove devastating for businesses that do not have a backup or recovery plan.

Conclusively, to make the most out of cloud storage, it is important to take necessary measures against these concerns. Business owners should build strategies to protect their data.

Saima Naz

Sep 8, 2020

Issues in Federated Cloud Computing

Issues in Federated Cloud Computing

Thanks to modern technology, cloud computing offers flexible and innovative ways of providing for and managing business enterprises. It makes managing big data analysis and IT-based applications easier. The main goal of using cloud computing is to make data constantly available, ensure scalability, and to meet client requirements. Cloud Federation a heterogeneous and multi-cloud environment, which consists of cloud infrastructure. It aggregates different service providers and offers insight into interoperative issues.

 

Before addressing the issues in Federation Cloud Computing, we need to shed some light on how it works and what it is, and its advantages when used right.

 

Interconnected Cloud Service

 

 

Cloud Federation is an interconnected cloud service provider, which operates based on certain standards. It offers a multi-provider infrastructure and makes sharing and collaboration easier across the organization. There are legislative constraints when it comes to the location of data storage. Cloud Federation aims to provide legislation compliant services for customers.

Using Cloud Federation, cloud service providers interconnect their infrastructure to ensure better resource sharing. The service provider applies federation regulations as well.

 

Advantages of Cloud Federation

 

 

  • Access to data and resources worldwide
  • Rise in fault tolerance, which serves as insurance against the providers
  • Prevention of vendor-lockin situations
  • Enhanced manageability
  • Improved data management
  • Security and privacy
  • Interoperability and federation
  • Adaptability and virtualization
  • Energy efficiency
  • Programming models

Types of Cloud Federation

 

There are two types of Cloud Federation:

  • Horizontal federation – This takes place at one level of the cloud. For example – application stack.
  • Vertical federation – This takes place at multiple levels.

Note that cloud service providers voluntarily connect with Cloud Federation and its infrastructure. This allows them to share their resources following standard regulations.

When multiple clouds are used, there is no voluntary interaction or sharing of cloud infrastructure.

 

Problems Faced by Federated Cloud Brokers

 

The problems that brokers and cloud service providers often face are managing and providing the following federated cloud systems:

  • Interface: Different cloud service providers have different APIs, infrastructure, and prices. It is important to initiate an open cloud computing interface to provide a common application programming interface.
  • Networking: It is possible to locate different network architectures. However, to interconnect these machines, there will be a need for physical networking and steady IP address schemes. The sensitivity of running strategic information remotely can be a major concern.
  • Resource Heterogeneity

 

A different cloud service provider offers a different virtual machine. Each machine varies in its capacity to process and store data. Usually, cloud owners may consider purchasing the latest model without retiring the old model, creating heterogeneity.

 

Conclusion

Cloud Federation is a new technology and few people are aware of it. They know a little about its impact on the future of cloud storage and servers. Nonetheless, Cloud Federation has a great influence on how the application and resources of computing are developing in the modern era. We have discussed how this technology works and explained the issues users may face. While handling these issues may seem rather difficult at this stage, there will be improvements in the coming days as more organizations begin to adopt it.

Saima Naz

Sep 2, 2020