Building a Full‑Stack Cloud‑Native Platform: The 1+4+6+N Blueprint

At the 2022 F5 Multi‑Cloud Application Services Summit, Du Dongming, chief solution architect at Lingque Cloud, highlighted that a full‑stack cloud‑native architecture aligns closely with enterprise business needs, improving resource allocation, agility, automation, efficiency, and cost optimization, thereby driving digital innovation.

Why Cloud‑Native Matters

Gartner’s senior research director Paul Delory notes that enterprises accelerated cloud adoption during the pandemic and will continue to do so, with cloud services enabling rapid response to opportunities and threats. Successful cloud adopters gain a competitive edge that can be decisive for survival.

The Cloud Native Practice Alliance (CNBPA) also reports that building a full‑stack cloud‑native platform is the optimal path for digital transformation in traditional industries.

Full‑Stack Cloud‑Native Blueprint (6 Layers)

Infrastructure Layer : Support both Intel X86 and domestic (信创) hardware, enabling a unified platform that spans multiple architectures (one cloud, multiple chips).

Cloud‑Native Stack Layer : Includes container management, service governance, development‑efficiency, and middleware platforms. The container platform is the foundation; service governance handles micro‑service complexity; development‑efficiency unifies dev‑ops; middleware addresses data needs.

Business Capability Layer : Divided into generic capabilities (AI, big data, blockchain, mobile development) and domain‑specific capabilities (order, membership, product management), often combined into a business‑mid‑platform.

Application Layer : Assembles the underlying capabilities into applications, promoting component‑based development and rapid feature expansion.

Release Layer : Deploys applications via load balancers, API gateways, etc., delivering services to end users.

Terminal Layer : The end‑user interface.

Planning Model: 1+4+6+N

One Platform : Build a unified full‑stack cloud platform covering all infrastructure and providing consistent cloud‑native capabilities. Benefits include unified management, readiness for domestic‑chip (国产化) requirements, and lower cost compared with assembling disparate open‑source tools.

Four Core Capabilities :

Container Management : Provides compute, storage, networking, operational tools, and role‑based access. Architecture should support multi‑chip, edge computing, and GPU virtualization.

Development Efficiency : Offers an agile DevOps platform that automates code build, test, and deployment, emphasizing open‑source DevOps tools to avoid vendor lock‑in.

Service Governance : Delivers fine‑grained micro‑service control, supporting both traditional Spring Cloud and next‑generation Service Mesh for dual‑stack governance.

Middleware Services : Supplies lifecycle‑managed middleware platforms to improve development, testing, and operations efficiency.

Six Supporting Systems :

Agile Development System : Standardized processes, tools, and knowledge base for rapid development and deployment.

Operations Management System : Service‑level controls, quality management, and reporting to guide IT decisions.

Data Management System : Governance framework covering data assets, policies, processes, and platforms, evolving with business goals.

Business Cloud System : Defines migration rules, cut‑over methods, and operational practices for container, OAM, Spring Cloud, and Service Mesh workloads.

Service Governance System : Business‑driven governance that supports fast iteration and aligns with architectural choices.

Safety Production System : Establishes safety culture, leadership commitment, professional support, procedures, training, and full‑staff participation.

N Business Capabilities : On top of the platform, enterprises assemble reusable business services (order management, membership, etc.) to form a business‑mid‑platform that enables agile, sustainable innovation.

Three‑Step Implementation Roadmap

Step 1 – Build the Platform : Deploy a small‑scale, fully functional full‑stack cloud with the core platform, four capabilities, and pilot applications.

Step 2 – Enrich the Mid‑Platform : Expand business capabilities and operational tools across the organization, scaling applications and improving management.

Step 3 – Consolidate and Promote : Refine platform capabilities, drive internal adoption, and extend value to industry peers.

By following this structured approach, enterprises can navigate the complexities of modern IT, achieve agile development, reliable operations, and continuous business innovation.