Cloud architecture is the systems architecture of the software systems involved in the delivery of cloud computing ( eg hardware , software ) as designed by a cloud architect who typically works for a cloud integrator . It typically involves multiple cloud components communicating with each other over application programming interfaces ( usually web services ) . Cloud architecture , the systems architecture of the software systems involved in the delivery of cloud computing , typically involves multiple cloud components communicating with each other over application programming interfaces , usually web services and 3-tier architecture .