AUTOSCALING Meaning and
Definition
-
Autoscaling is a computing term referring to the ability of systems or applications to automatically adjust their capacity or resource allocation based on real-time demand or workload. It is a flexible and dynamic approach that ensures the efficient utilization of resources while maintaining optimal performance and scalability in a rapidly changing environment.
In the context of cloud computing, autoscaling involves automatically adjusting the number of virtual servers or instances in a cloud-based infrastructure, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, based on predefined thresholds or rules. When there is an increase in demand or workload, autoscaling automatically provisions additional resources to handle the increased load. Conversely, during periods of low demand, autoscaling reduces the number of resources to minimize costs.
Autoscaling typically relies on monitoring and metrics collection tools to analyze performance indicators, such as CPU utilization, network traffic, or response times. These metrics help determine when to scale up or down resources. There are two primary scaling modes: vertical and horizontal. Vertical scaling involves modifying the capacity of an existing instance by adding more resources, like CPU or memory. In contrast, horizontal scaling involves adding or removing instances to distribute the workload across multiple machines.
The benefits of autoscaling include improved availability, cost-efficiency, and reduced manual intervention in managing infrastructure resources. It allows businesses to scale applications in real-time, ensuring optimal performance and responsiveness even during peak usage periods. Autoscaling is particularly valuable for applications with unpredictable or fluctuating workloads, as it ensures adaptability and eliminates the need for manual resource provisioning and adjustment.
Etymology of AUTOSCALING
The word "autoscaling" is a compound word consisting of two parts: "auto" and "scaling".
1. "Auto" comes from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self" or "same". It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate self-operation, automation, or automatic processes.
2. "Scaling" comes from the verb "scale", which has its roots in the Latin word "scala" or "scalae", meaning "ladder" or "stair". In the context of computing or technology, scaling refers to adjusting resources or capacity to meet the demands or requirements of a system.
Therefore, the etymology of "autoscaling" suggests the concept of automated or self-adjusting scaling of resources or capacity to dynamically accommodate varying levels of demand or load in a system or application.
