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Questions and Answers
What is cloud computing?
A model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources.
Which of the following criteria define whether a service is delivered in the cloud computing style? (Select all that apply)
What are some benefits of cloud computing for service consumers and providers?
No up-front commitments, on-demand access, efficient resource allocation, energy efficiency.
Organizations own the infrastructure they use to process data and store information in the cloud.
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The five core technologies that played an important role in the realization of cloud computing are: distributed systems, virtualization, Web 2.0, service orientation, and __________.
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Which of the following are considered challenges of cloud computing? (Select all that apply)
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What is the primary function of hypervisors in cloud computing?
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Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solutions offer users a development platform for applications.
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What is the top layer of the cloud reference model primarily referred to as?
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The middle layer of the cloud reference model is known as ____.
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Which of the following layers is NOT distinguished in cloud computing?
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What technology is primarily used to deliver Infrastructure- and hardware-as-a-service solutions?
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Web 2.0 technologies enable human intervention for services exposed by infrastructure.
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Study Notes
Defining a Cloud
- Cloud computing enables on-demand, network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage).
- Services are accessible via web browsers or web services APIs, ensuring easy connectivity.
- No initial capital expenditure is required; users pay only for what they consume.
- Defined by the ability to dynamically provision interconnected and virtualized computers, presented as unified resources under service-level agreements (SLAs).
Leading Examples of Cloud Service Users
- Large enterprises offload activities to cloud systems, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
- Small businesses and startups can quickly convert ideas into actionable business results without heavy upfront investments.
- Developers focus on business logic, free from the complexities of infrastructure management.
- End users can access documents from various devices and locations, improving convenience.
Characteristics and Benefits
- Cloud computing eliminates up-front commitments, allowing for agile business practices.
- Offers on-demand access, empowering users to deploy services as necessary.
- Flexible pricing models contribute to cost savings and resource efficiency.
- Accelerates application deployment and provides scalable resources.
- Seamless integration with third-party services enhances functionality.
- Promotes energy efficiency through optimized resource allocation.
Challenges Ahead
- Legal complexities arise from the global distribution of cloud infrastructure, creating potential compliance issues with varying privacy laws.
- Data security is a major concern; organizations lack control over the infrastructure, posing risks for confidential information.
- Practical challenges involve configuring and sizing cloud systems effectively to meet dynamic demand, particularly in Infrastructure-as-a-Service scenarios.
- Technical challenges exist for cloud providers in managing large-scale infrastructures and optimizing virtualization technologies.
History of Cloud Computing
- Five core technologies have shaped the development of cloud computing:
- Distributed systems
- Virtualization
- Web 2.0
- Service orientation
- Utility computing
- Key milestones in cloud computing evolution include:
- Mainframe computing
- Cluster computing
- Grid computing
Cloud Reference Model
- The cloud reference model organizes cloud computing services into distinct layers: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
- Core middleware manages physical infrastructure, optimizing application environments and resource utilization.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Utilizes virtualization technologies to customize runtime environments, application isolation, and quality of service.
- Hypervisors manage resources, exposing them as a collection of virtual machines for efficient resource allocation.
- IaaS is typically categorized into two types:
- IaaS providing both management layer and physical infrastructure
- IaaS (M) providing only the management layer, usually combined with physical IaaS solutions.
- IaaS solutions primarily focus on system infrastructure design, offering limited application development capabilities.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Encompasses cloud programming environments and tools that improve application development on cloud platforms.
- Tools include web-based interfaces, command-line tools, and frameworks designed for concurrent and distributed programming.
- PaaS provides a development platform through user-level middleware, making cloud-specific application development possible.
- In Pure PaaS, only user-level middleware is offered, necessitating external infrastructure.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
- The top layer of the cloud reference model, primarily consisting of web-based applications delivered via the cloud.
- Cloud-powered SaaS applications allow independent software vendors to serve users over the Internet, enhancing scalability and accessibility.
- Examples include gaming portals and social networking websites that utilize cloud infrastructure for expanded user support.
Virtualization and Distributed Systems
- Hardware virtualization is the foundation for IaaS and facilitates the creation of virtual machines for distributed systems.
- Virtual machines are priced according to their virtual hardware features: memory, processors, and disk storage.
Management Layers
- The three principal layers of an IaaS solution are:
- Physical Infrastructure: Basic hardware level.
- Software Management Infrastructure: Contains management functions for virtual machines and services.
- User Interface: Offers access to management services via Web 2.0 technologies, including RESTful APIs and web services.
Core Features and Components of IaaS
- Management of virtual machines is paramount, with the scheduler playing a critical role in allocating VM resources.
- Key components of the infrastructure management software layer include:
- Pricing and Billing Component: Manages costs associated with VM execution and user charges.
- Monitoring Component: Tracks VM performance data for analysis and reporting.
- Reservation Component: Maintains records of executed and scheduled VM instances.
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Description
This quiz explores the essential concepts of cloud computing, focusing on its definition and key characteristics. You'll learn about the fundamental model that allows for convenient access to shared resources with minimal management. Test your knowledge on the different criteria that define cloud computing.
