10 key attributes of cloud-native applications

December 23, 2024

As businesses race toward digital transformation, the question isn’t *if* you should embrace the cloud but how. With their ability to deliver scalability, efficiency, and innovation, cloud-native applications have become the gold standard for modern enterprises.  

Yet, the journey to cloud adoption isn’t without challenges. Many companies struggle to understand what makes a cloud-native application effective, while others are wary of mishandled migrations. These hesitations can slow progress and prevent businesses from reaping the full benefits of the cloud.  

To guide you through this transformative journey, we’ve outlined 10 key attributes of cloud-native applications that can help your business achieve security, scalability, and seamless growth. Let’s dive in.  

1. Containers 

Containers streamline the deployment and management of applications by breaking them into smaller, portable components. This ensures that your digital transformation is cost-effective and risk-free while enhancing scalability.  

With containers, your applications can grow alongside your business without disrupting existing systems, making them an essential tool for modern cloud infrastructure.  

2. Microservices

Cloud-native applications are built on loosely coupled microservices, each focusing on specific tasks. These independent services can be deployed, updated, and scaled individually, making them highly efficient.  

Microservices enable your team to optimise each component for peak performance, resulting in better applications and more streamlined operations.  

3. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

APIs ensure seamless communication between microservices. Using protocols like REST or gRPC, they enable efficient data exchange, real-time updates, and asynchronous communication.  

This interconnected framework is the backbone of cloud-native applications, facilitating smooth scalability and superior user experiences.  

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4. Language and framework agnosticism

Cloud-native applications don’t confine developers to a single language or framework. Instead, teams can choose the best tools for specific tasks, enhancing efficiency and adaptability.  

For example, you can develop a service in Node.js while integrating it with Java-based systems, ensuring versatility without compromising performance.  

5. Independence from operating systems 

Thanks to containerisation, cloud-native applications operate independently of specific operating systems or hardware. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt their applications to unique needs without being tied down by infrastructure limitations.  

6. Abstracted architecture

Cloud-native architecture simplifies development by abstracting infrastructure complexities. Developers focus on building better applications rather than managing underlying systems.  

With platforms like Microsoft Azure, businesses can rely on robust third-party support, freeing internal teams to prioritise innovation.  

7. Agile DevOps processes

Cloud-native applications thrive on agile DevOps practices, enabling faster deployments and updates. Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines reduce bottlenecks, empowering teams to innovate quickly and stay competitive.  

8. Virtualised infrastructure

Cloud-native applications leverage virtual infrastructure instead of physical hardware. This flexibility allows businesses to scale resources on demand, reducing costs and boosting efficiency.  

Public clouds, such as those offered by Microsoft Azure, provide cost-effective hosting options, eliminating maintenance burdens.  

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9. Automation

Automation is critical to managing the complexity of cloud-native environments. Automated workflows enable businesses to deploy, monitor, and scale applications efficiently, resulting in improved ROI and streamlined operations.  

10. Resource governance
Cloud-native applications allow precise resource allocation, ensuring adherence to governance policies. This policy-driven approach minimises waste and promotes long-term efficiency.