Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the first point of contact between the front end and cloud services?
What is the first point of contact between the front end and cloud services?
Which layer of cloud architecture is primarily focused on user interaction?
Which layer of cloud architecture is primarily focused on user interaction?
What does the service type (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) determine in a cloud solution?
What does the service type (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) determine in a cloud solution?
What type of user interface is typically the easiest for most people to use?
What type of user interface is typically the easiest for most people to use?
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Which of the following layers can be subdivided into storage and compute layers?
Which of the following layers can be subdivided into storage and compute layers?
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Which component is NOT part of the main components of a front-end platform?
Which component is NOT part of the main components of a front-end platform?
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What role does the management layer play in cloud architecture?
What role does the management layer play in cloud architecture?
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What distinguishes a cloud architecture from an on-premises architecture?
What distinguishes a cloud architecture from an on-premises architecture?
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Why are built-in security measures important in cloud computing?
Why are built-in security measures important in cloud computing?
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What is the main function of the platform layer in cloud architecture?
What is the main function of the platform layer in cloud architecture?
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Which of the following is a requirement for software and user interfaces to communicate with the back end?
Which of the following is a requirement for software and user interfaces to communicate with the back end?
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Which component is responsible for performing computations and executing code in a cloud environment?
Which component is responsible for performing computations and executing code in a cloud environment?
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What part of the cloud architecture does the back end refer to?
What part of the cloud architecture does the back end refer to?
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What does a native application require that a web application does not?
What does a native application require that a web application does not?
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Who can access the back end of a cloud architecture?
Who can access the back end of a cloud architecture?
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Which type of network is commonly used for private clouds?
Which type of network is commonly used for private clouds?
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What advantage does PaaS provide in terms of software costs?
What advantage does PaaS provide in terms of software costs?
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What does IaaS stand for?
What does IaaS stand for?
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Which feature of IaaS allows users to adjust resources based on workload demands?
Which feature of IaaS allows users to adjust resources based on workload demands?
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What is the primary billing method used in IaaS?
What is the primary billing method used in IaaS?
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How does IaaS support resource management?
How does IaaS support resource management?
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Why do organizations find IaaS attractive compared to traditional computing resource acquisition?
Why do organizations find IaaS attractive compared to traditional computing resource acquisition?
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Which of the following is NOT a feature associated with IaaS?
Which of the following is NOT a feature associated with IaaS?
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What is a potential risk associated with traditional infrastructure procurement?
What is a potential risk associated with traditional infrastructure procurement?
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What aspect of IaaS helps organizations save time and money?
What aspect of IaaS helps organizations save time and money?
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Which of the following is a benefit of IaaS in terms of resource management?
Which of the following is a benefit of IaaS in terms of resource management?
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What does the reliability of IaaS primarily come from?
What does the reliability of IaaS primarily come from?
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How does IaaS drive a faster time to market for enterprises?
How does IaaS drive a faster time to market for enterprises?
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In what way does IaaS help reduce latency?
In what way does IaaS help reduce latency?
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What is a key advantage of IaaS in terms of cost management?
What is a key advantage of IaaS in terms of cost management?
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How does IaaS contribute to increased efficiency in businesses?
How does IaaS contribute to increased efficiency in businesses?
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What allows IT teams using IaaS to engage in more innovative projects?
What allows IT teams using IaaS to engage in more innovative projects?
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What is a primary advantage of the multi-tenancy model in SaaS applications?
What is a primary advantage of the multi-tenancy model in SaaS applications?
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How does automated provisioning benefit users of SaaS applications?
How does automated provisioning benefit users of SaaS applications?
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Which of the following best describes the nature of subscription fees for SaaS applications?
Which of the following best describes the nature of subscription fees for SaaS applications?
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What does effective segregation of storage areas in a multi-tenant SaaS model allow for?
What does effective segregation of storage areas in a multi-tenant SaaS model allow for?
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Which typical user group is most common for SaaS applications?
Which typical user group is most common for SaaS applications?
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What responsibility does the cloud provider assume in a multi-tenancy model?
What responsibility does the cloud provider assume in a multi-tenancy model?
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What feature is deemed essential for every SaaS provider as indicated by the CREST API example?
What feature is deemed essential for every SaaS provider as indicated by the CREST API example?
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Which of the following characterizes the service architecture of SaaS applications?
Which of the following characterizes the service architecture of SaaS applications?
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What role does a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) play in SaaS applications?
What role does a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) play in SaaS applications?
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Which feature is essential for preventing unauthorized access in SaaS applications?
Which feature is essential for preventing unauthorized access in SaaS applications?
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What type of vulnerabilities do SaaS providers primarily protect against?
What type of vulnerabilities do SaaS providers primarily protect against?
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How does strong session management contribute to application security in SaaS?
How does strong session management contribute to application security in SaaS?
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What is a distinctive feature of SaaS applications regarding user customization?
What is a distinctive feature of SaaS applications regarding user customization?
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What is one of the main benefits of using APIs in SaaS applications?
What is one of the main benefits of using APIs in SaaS applications?
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Which of the following authentication methods adds an extra layer of security for SaaS applications?
Which of the following authentication methods adds an extra layer of security for SaaS applications?
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What is a common method for SaaS applications to protect against buffer overflow attacks?
What is a common method for SaaS applications to protect against buffer overflow attacks?
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Study Notes
Cloud Computing Architecture Layers and Model
- Cloud computing architecture is the collective term for all components used in cloud computing. It's usually divided into three main components: a front end for user interaction, a back end for data storage and computation, and a network to connect them.
- A cloud-based delivery model provides seamless user access to the system.
- Computing layers manage specific parts of a cloud solution, abstracting deeper layers and underlying infrastructure.
Application Layer
- This layer handles the front end and user experience.
- The platform layer sits beneath, providing tools for developers to build and manage solutions.
Infrastructure Layer
- This layer manages the back-end operations (sometimes split into storage and compute layers).
- It manages the back-end operations of the solution.
- It is sometimes split into storage and compute layers.
- The data center layer handles networking with the underlying infrastructure and hardware.
Network Layer
- The network connects the front-end and back-end components.
- It connects the front-end (user interface) to the back-end (operations).
- Cloud solutions often use regular internet connections, some use intranets (private clouds).
- Multi-cloud solutions rely on an intercloud network.
Back-End Platform
- The back end does all the heavy lifting, with components like applications, services for accessing infrastructure/storage, and management/security systems within the architecture.
Cloud Runtime
- The runtime performs computations and executes code.
Storage
- Cloud storage is used by solutions for storing data.
Infrastructure
- The underlying infrastructure is typically in the form of remote servers in data centers.
Management
- Systems administrators and developers use the management tools to monitor, customize and optimize the cloud architecture.
Security
- Built-in security measures are needed to prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.
- Cloud computing usually exposes the solution to the public internet.
Cloud Architecture Layers
- Cloud architecture is divided into layers, each handling specific components.
- The layers represent levels of abstraction and purpose.
- Key layers include application, platform, and infrastructure (which can be further broken down into storage, compute, network, and physical layers).
Application Layer (Functionality)
- This layer is the outermost abstraction, often with a user interface.
- In SaaS solutions, it's typically the only back-end layer accessible to clients.
Platform Layer (Functionality)
- This layer sits beneath the application layer.
- It provides tools and environments for developers to test and change front-end and back-end application functionality.
- PaaS solutions offer access to this layer.
Infrastructure Layer (Functionality)
- This layer manages allocation of storage and compute resources for the platform layer.
- The storage layer gives users access to cloud storage resources (often apparently limitless).
- The compute layer provides virtual machines with the necessary processing power.
- The data center layer contains the underlying network connections and physical hardware.
Deployment Models
- Types include public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud.
- Public clouds are maintained by third-party providers, often with pay-as-you-go or subscription models, and offering cost-effectiveness and flexibility (but with less control).
- Private clouds are either privately owned or leased, giving clients more control and customization.
- Hybrid solutions combine public and private cloud services.
- Multi-cloud solutions utilize multiple cloud providers.
Architecture based on Deployment Model
- Public
- Private
- Hybrid
- Multi-cloud
Cloud Architecture Service Models
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service):
- Provides direct access to infrastructure layer.
- User is responsible for securing applications and data.
- Services may be offered as pay-as-you-go options or fixed-fee accounts.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service):
- Simplifies architecture by abstracting infrastructure layers.
- Developers can concentrate on applications without managing infrastructure components.
- Some services provide access to a marketplace of third-party services (APIs for e.g.).
- SaaS (Software as a Service):
- This is the most abstracted form, offering a user interface that is connected to the application layer, hiding underlying infrastructure details.
- Service providers manage the hardware, software, security and availability of apps.
- Users generally access through web browsers or dedicated software.
Common SaaS scenarios
- Many services are free for personal use
- Business services can be purchased through subscriptions
Multi-Tenancy Model
- A single software architecture accommodating multiple tenants.
- Cloud providers manage hardware/software.
- Customers customize specific aspects of the service.
- Typical layouts with single tenants versus multi-tenants are shown.
Automated Provisioning
- Users can access SaaS applications from anywhere (easy access).
- Automated management is a key part of SaaS models.
- Some providers (like Microsoft) use APIs to enable automated provisioning of access to services.
- De-provisioning is also important in SaaS.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
- A single login provides access to multiple SaaS applications.
- Integrating with existing enterprise identity systems and reducing overhead cost is the main benefit.
Subscription-Based Billing
- Subscription-based SaaS services offer predictable and simple pricing.
- Users pay based on usage or a fixed subscription model.
High Availability
- SaaS applications offer availability through internet-based access.
- They're based around multiple tenants, requiring high availability and no service interruptions.
Elastic Infrastructure
- Supports scaling (up and down) of resources based on need or demand.
- Flexibility is crucial to meet fluctuations in resource demands.
- The underlying infrastructure resources are managed by the cloud provider (or managed by the vendor).
Data Security
- Security is essential to protect user data and business information.
- Security is crucial to protect user data and business information.
- Crucial for multi-tenant setups with encrypted storage for each customer
- Cloud providers use frameworks for securing and managing encryption keys.
- Cloud service brokers such as CASB are used to manage risk (e.g., based-access controls).
Application Security
- SaaS applications must address vulnerabilities from OWASP and SAN-identified risks.
- Strong session management and controls can mitigate unauthorized user access.
- Multi-factor authentication is used to enhance security.
- SaaS applications need to protect themselves from buffer overflow attacks (e.g., exploiting loopholes in operating systems).
- A CASB integration helps gain customer confidence.
Configuration and Customization
- Users can often customize a SaaS application based on their configuration parameters.
- Users customize elements (individual page layouts) rather than changing the entire interface.
Open Integration Protocols
- SaaS apps commonly offer APIs for interoperability with external systems and services.
- APIs and integration protocols allow data exchange between different applications, particularly when these applications are external to the business (e.g., with accounting systems).
Accelerated Feature Delivery
- SaaS apps are usually frequently updated - compared to traditional applications.
- The agility that comes with the SaaS development and hosting model frequently leads to accelerated feature-delivery.
Advantages of SaaS
- Access to sophisticated applications, typically without upfront investment.
- Only pay for what's used.
- Typically using free client software, such as a browser.
- Easy to deploy and manage staff across different locations or roles.
What is PaaS?
- PaaS is a cloud platform where customers use cloud platform (hosting, hardware and software) without managing it themselves.
- The platform is offered by a vendor that is responsible for maintaining the platform.
- PaaS customers can pay either for user access/resources, or they can pay on a per-use basis. This varies according to the provider.
What is IaaS?
- An Infrastructure-as-a-Service cloud solution provides infrastructure (such as servers, networking, storage).
- Users can customize their setup, as well as their applications/software.
- IaaS uses a pay-as-you-go model.
Features of IaaS
- Resources virtualization.
- Scalability.
- Self-service provisioning.
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