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As chip design's computational demands continue to increase, on-premises electronic design automation (EDA) grows more cumbersome and expensive. Many semiconductor companies are turning to cloud-based EDA tools so they can take advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing. 

Before jumping to the cloud, you should understand the underlying hardware and software that comprise a cloud computing infrastructure. Further, the different cloud service models available and what you¡¯re responsible for as the end-user. 

What is Cloud Computing Infrastructure?

Cloud computing infrastructure typically refers to the hardware and software that enables cloud computing. Hardware and software include storage devices, processors, networking equipment, operating systems, user interfaces, and applications. Infrastructure is generally divided into two parts:

1. Frontend cloud computing infrastructure consists of applications, machines, and user interfaces. Clients then use it to interact with the cloud.
2. Backend cloud computing infrastructure comprises all the hardware, storage, operating systems, networking logic, and security mechanisms that support the frontend infrastructure.

The client¡¯s access to and control over each aspect of cloud computing infrastructure varies depending on the service model of the cloud offering. There are three basic service model types:

1. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Cloud applications are delivered as a software subscription. The SaaS provider manages all aspects of the software and backend infrastructure, so end-users don¡¯t worry about hardware or software.
2. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). A cloud platform is provided to the client, who then develops, runs, and manages their own applications with it. The PaaS provider handles the backend infrastructure and provides an interface that clients use to host and integrate their own software.
3. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Virtualized resources like servers, storage, and networking technology are delivered to clients via the cloud. The IaaS provider manages the hardware and uses virtualization, allowing clients to configure, modify, and manage those resources to support their services and applications.

The IaaS model gives users the most control over their cloud infrastructure. However, that also means the user must do more work to get their cloud-based applications up and running. On the other hand, SaaS delivers a complete cloud application that clients can begin using with little-to-no upfront work. But, clients can¡¯t access the underlying infrastructure for things like scaling or performance optimization.

Exploring the Components and Structure of a Cloud Computing Infrastructure

Let¡¯s examine the core components of a cloud computing infrastructure on both the frontend and the backend. First, frontend cloud computing infrastructure includes:

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

The GUI gives clients access to their cloud services and workloads. This may be a SaaS application such as Gmail or Microsoft 365. It could also be a web portal used to access IaaS resources or cloud software that the client developed themselves.

Client-Side Software

Client-side software refers to a local application installed on the user¡¯s device, which is used to access cloud services. One example would be using the Outlook desktop client to access email hosted in Microsoft 365. Another would be using a web browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox) to access cloud-based EDA tools. 

Client-Side Hardware

The client-side hardware includes the networking equipment (like routers and switches) used to connect users to the internet to access cloud services. Additionally, it includes the physical machines that run the client-side software (like laptops and smartphones).

Frontend cloud infrastructure is often referred to as ¡°client-side infrastructure¡± because most of it (laptops, internet connection, and desktop software) is the client¡¯s responsibility to purchase and maintain. However, clients aren¡¯t always responsible for the GUI, especially in the case of SaaS cloud computing.