Cloud Computing and Virtualization Quiz

Cloud Computing and Virtualization

• Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
• The word "Cloud" is derived from the use of a cloud in network diagrams to represent the Internet in the 1990s.
• Cloud computing is based on the assumption that most computing is done on a machine that is frequently remote and different from the one currently in use.
• The data collected during this process is stored and processed by remote servers, also known as "Cloud Servers."
• This reduces the stress on the device accessing the cloud.
• Users access cloud services securely using credentials provided by the cloud computing provider.

How the Cloud Works

• A virtual machine consists of resources (allocations of CPUs, authorized RAM, and virtual network cards) and data (operating system, libraries, tools, applications, and their data).
• Some companies (like Google and Salesforce) have their own cloud infrastructure to store user data on their own servers, while others consist of a smaller number of computers.
• Cloud servers free up memory and computing power from personal computers, hosting the underlying software, platforms, and data.
• Cloud computing offers accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.

Data Centers (DC)

• Data centers house the physical hardware for cloud services, with images showcasing both exterior and interior views of Amazon and Google data centers.

Suppliers and Their Offers

• Major cloud providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft offer various services.
• Amazon offers server rentals with computing power, storage, and a variety of operating systems.
• Google provides email, instant messaging, scheduling, document sharing, and other business applications.
• Microsoft offers email, document-sharing tools, communications, and business software.

Cloud Users

• Today, anyone online utilizes the cloud daily, even if unaware.
• Common cloud uses include document editing, email, video watching, file storage, and photo sharing.
• The use of cloud services in businesses has grown from 48% to 88% in the UK since 2010.
• Many businesses adopt cloud services for their flexibility, operational savings, and scalability.

Advantages of the Cloud

• Rapid implementation allows quick deployment of enterprise applications in days or weeks instead of months or years.
• There are no upfront costs, covering cloud services with monthly subscription plans.
• The ability to scale instantly addresses variable user needs.
• Cloud maintenance is minimal, freeing up the IT team to focus on other projects.
• Cloud applications are accessible globally from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Cloud security significantly reduces the risk of data loss associated with lost laptops or other devices.

Reasons for Using the Cloud

• Cloud adoption is rapid and extensive, driven by flexibility of service provision, cost savings, and scalability.
• Cloud services offer a competitive advantage for businesses.

Cloud Features

• The cloud is a game-changer due to its ease of management, efficiency in resource utilization, accessibility from any device with an internet connection, and its unlimited capacity.

Cloud Security

• Cloud security is more reliable than on-premises solutions due to off-site data storage.
• Data access is tightly controlled by cloud providers.
• Special attention should be paid to security standards, data transmission, storage, and employee access rights.
• Providers like Salesforce prioritize customer data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Types of Cloud Services

• There are three main categories of cloud services: IaaS (infrastructure as a service), SaaS (software as a service), and PaaS (platform as a service).
• Iaas provides network, server, and storage, typically paid per use.
• SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis.
• PaaS gives developers a platform for developing and running applications.

Cloud and Business

• Cloud computing is used in various business processes, including recruitment, expense and payroll management, project management, customer relationship management (CRM), and virtual meeting software.
• Recent developments in cloud computing aim to enhance mobile and collaborative applications in areas like sales management.

Virtualization: Introduction

• A server is a computer used remotely by other stations.
• Servers use material resources like CPU, memory, discs, and network interfaces.
• These resources are used by applications through an operating system.
• Server virtualization uses techniques and tools to run multiple operating systems on a single physical server.
• The principle of virtualization is sharing of server resources among different operating systems.
• Virtualization must respect partitioning and transparency to function effectively.
• Partitioning means each operating system operates independently without affecting others.
• Transparency means virtual applications function identically to physical ones.
• Hypervisors are virtualization platforms for running multiple operating systems on a single physical device.
• Type 1 hypervisors directly run on the hardware.
• Type 2 hypervisors run within another operating system.

Virtualization: Types and Solutions

• Full Virtualization: The hypervisor creates a complete virtual environment (fake hardware) for the guest OS. This type is easiest for users.
• Para-Virtualization: Guest OS are aware of being virtualized, leading to better performance.
• Insulators: Software isolates application execution, allowing for multi-instance runs of applications in a flexible manner.
• Specific Virtualization Solutions: Xen, KVM, VMware ESX, and Hyper-V are examples of virtualization solutions.

Virtualization: Domains

• LXC is a newer virtualization solution integrated into the Unix/Linux kernel, using the chroot feature for isolation.