4-1 Compute Services Overview Explained

Key Concepts

• Compute Instances
• Instance Configurations
• Instance Pools
• Dedicated Hosts
• Autoscaling

Compute Instances

Compute Instances in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) are virtual machines that provide the necessary compute power to run applications and services. These instances can be customized with various shapes (configurations) to meet specific workload requirements.

Example: Think of a compute instance as a virtual computer that you can configure with different hardware specifications (CPU, memory, storage) to suit your needs, similar to choosing different models of laptops with varying capabilities.

Instance Configurations

Instance Configurations define the specifications of a compute instance, including the shape, operating system, and network settings. These configurations can be saved and reused to create multiple instances with identical settings.

Example: Imagine you have a blueprint for a custom-built computer. The blueprint (instance configuration) includes details like the type of processor, amount of RAM, and storage capacity. You can use this blueprint to build multiple computers (instances) with the same specifications.

Instance Pools

Instance Pools are collections of compute instances that share the same instance configuration. They are useful for deploying and managing large-scale applications that require multiple instances to handle traffic and ensure high availability.

Example: Consider a fleet of taxis in a city. Each taxi (instance) is identical in terms of model and features (instance configuration). The fleet (instance pool) ensures that there are always enough taxis available to serve passengers (handle traffic), regardless of demand.

Dedicated Hosts

Dedicated Hosts provide a physical server that is reserved exclusively for your use. This option is ideal for workloads that require isolation or compliance with specific regulatory requirements.

Example: Think of a dedicated host as renting a private office space. The entire office (physical server) is yours, ensuring that no one else shares the space (resources) with you, providing complete control and isolation.

Autoscaling

Autoscaling automatically adjusts the number of compute instances in an instance pool based on demand. This ensures that your application can handle varying levels of traffic without manual intervention.

Example: Imagine a retail store that adjusts the number of cashiers based on the number of customers. During peak hours, more cashiers (instances) are added to handle the increased traffic, and during slow hours, fewer cashiers are needed, optimizing resource usage.