YouTube video: https://youtu.be/IhrBgoVIoT4?si=14WUnj1WPJ7WXnnN

Introduction

Multi-tenancy in software engineering is a foundational architecture pattern that enables multiple customers, known as tenants, to share a single instance of a resource such as software, hardware, or infrastructure, while maintaining strict isolation from one another. This concept is pervasive across all layers of modern cloud computing stacks: storage, databases, networking, virtualization, and applications.

The primary goals of multi-tenancy are:

• Maximizing profit by efficiently utilizing resources.
• Reducing costs by sharing infrastructure among many customers.
• Increasing efficiency without compromising security or isolation.

Building multi-tenant systems is extremely challenging due to strict isolation, security, and performance requirements, yet when implemented well, it can be a “cash cow” — a highly profitable and scalable business model.

Table of Contents

1. Defining Multi-Tenancy
2. Multi-Tenancy at the Storage Level
3. Multi-Tenancy in Databases
4. Networking and Multi-Tenancy
5. Virtual Machines and Containers as Multi-Tenant Environments
6. Multi-Tenant Applications
7. Challenges and Security Considerations
8. Balancing Isolation and Efficiency
9. Summary and Key Takeaways