Cloud Computing

Ques1. Define Cloud Computing.

Ans. The cloud is a large group of interconnected computers. These computers can
be personal computers or network servers; they can be public or private. Cloud
computing is a technology that uses the internet and central remote servers to
maintain data and applications.
Eg: Yahoo email or Gmail etc.

Ques2. Explain hybrid cloud.

Ans. Hybrid cloud is a heterogeneous distributed system resulting by combining
facilities of public cloud and private cloud. For this reason they are also called
heterogeneous clouds. A major drawback of private deployments is the inability to
scale on demand and to efficiently address peak loads. Here public clouds are
needed. Hence, a hybrid cloud takes advantage of both public and private cloud.

Ques3. What is the difference between cloud computing and computing for
mobiles?
Ans.

Aspect Cloud Computing Mobile Computing

Use of remote servers to store, Use of mobile devices

Definition manage, and process data over the (smartphones, tablets) to
internet. perform computing tasks.

Data is stored in remote data Data is often stored on the

Data Storage centers and accessed via the device itself or in limited
internet. cloud storage.

Processing Limited processing power,

High processing power using large,
relying on the device's
Power remote servers.
hardware.

Accessible from any Access limited to the

Accessibility internet-enabled device with the capabilities of the specific
right permissions. mobile device.
 Less dependent on the user’s
Dependence Highly dependent on the
device; mostly depends on the
mobile device’s hardware
on Hardware server’s capabilities and internet
and battery life.
speed.

Ques4. What is virtualization? What are its benefits.

Ans. Virtualization is a technique, which allows the sharing of a single physical
instance of an application or resource among multiple organizations or tenants
(customers). Creating a virtual machine over existing operating systems and
hardware is referred to as Hardware Virtualization. Virtual Machines provide an
environment that is logically separated from the underlying hardware. The machine
on which the virtual machine is created is known as a host machine and the virtual
machine is referred to as a guest machine. This virtual machine is managed by a
software or firmware, which is known as a hypervisor. Its benefits are:

● Cheaper to Implement: Virtualization doesn’t need physical hardware,

making it a cost-effective choice for IT systems.
● Predictable Costs: With third-party providers, costs are steady and often
cheaper than buying hardware outright.
● Less Work for IT Teams: Providers handle updates remotely, freeing local
IT staff to focus on other tasks.
● High Uptime: Virtualization providers offer impressive uptime, often above
99.99%, ensuring reliability.
● Quick Resource Deployment: Resources can be added quickly without
setting up new physical hardware, making it easy to scale.
● Supports Digital Business: Virtualization has opened doors for
individuals to start online businesses more easily.
● Energy-Efficient: Reduces energy use since fewer physical machines are
needed, making it more eco-friendly.

Ques5. What is AWS? What types of services does it provide?

Ans. AWS Stands for Amazon Web Services,
● AWS provides different wide-ranging cloud IaaS services, which ranges from
virtual compute, storage, and networking to complete computing stacks.
● AWS is well known for its storage and compute on demand services, named as
Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) and Simple Storage Service (S3).
● EC2 offers customizable virtual hardware to the end user which can be utilized
as the base infrastructure for deploying computing systems on the cloud.
 ● S3 is well ordered into buckets which contain objects that are stored in binary
form and can be grown with attributes. End users can store objects of any size,
from basic file to full disk images and have them retrieved from anywhere.
● In addition, EC2 and S3, a wide range of services can be leveraged to build
virtual computing systems including: networking support, caching system,
DNS, database support, and others.

It offers services such as,

● Compute: Services like Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) for scalable
virtual servers, AWS Lambda for serverless computing, and Auto Scaling for
automated resource management.
● Storage: Options like Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) for object storage,
Amazon EBS (Elastic Block Store) for block storage, and Amazon Glacier for
long-term data archiving.
● Database: Managed databases, including Amazon RDS (Relational Database
Service) for SQL databases, DynamoDB for NoSQL, and Amazon Redshift for
data warehousing.
● Networking: Services like Amazon VPC (Virtual Private Cloud), Route 53 for
DNS, and AWS Direct Connect for dedicated network connections.
● Security and Identity: AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management), AWS
KMS (Key Management Service), and AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall)
for security management and compliance.

Ques6. Define cloud architecture? What are the characteristics of cloud

architecture that separated it from traditional one?
Ans. Cloud Architecture is the design of systems and components (like servers,
storage, and networking) that allow applications and services to be hosted and
delivered over the internet through a cloud computing model. In cloud architecture,
resources are virtualized and delivered to users on-demand, with the cloud provider
managing the underlying infrastructure.

Characteristics that separate Cloud Architecture from Traditional Architecture:

● Scalability: Cloud architecture can automatically scale resources up or down
based on demand, unlike traditional setups that require manual adjustments
or additional hardware purchases.
● On-Demand Self-Service: Users can access and manage resources
on-demand without needing manual approval, whereas traditional systems
often need IT personnel to allocate resources.
● Cost Efficiency: Cloud architecture follows a pay-as-you-go model, so users
pay only for what they use, reducing upfront and maintenance costs
associated with traditional servers.
 ● Resilience and Fault Tolerance: Cloud architecture is designed for
redundancy across multiple servers and locations, which improves reliability
and minimizes downtime compared to traditional setups.
● Global Accessibility: Cloud architecture allows applications and data to be
accessed from anywhere with internet access, while traditional systems are
usually restricted to specific locations or devices.

Ques7. Briefly discuss the NIST cloud computing reference architecture.

List the Pros and Cons of cloud computing and its business impacts and
economics.
Ans. The NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture defines a model with five
main actors involved in cloud services:
● Cloud Consumer: Individuals or organizations that use services from cloud
providers, maintaining a business relationship to access these services (see Fig
1). Consumers can access services directly or through brokers, depending on
their needs (see Fig 2).
● Cloud Provider: The entity responsible for delivering cloud services to
consumers, defining service terms, and establishing SLAs to ensure consistent
performance, security, and encrypted connections.

● Cloud Carrier: An intermediary that manages connectivity and transports

cloud services from providers to consumers, ensuring reliable data flow and
network infrastructure (see Fig 2).
● Cloud Auditor: An independent assessor that evaluates the security,
performance, and compliance of cloud services, performing audits to verify
effective operations and safeguard data integrity.

● Cloud Broker: Manages the delivery and performance of cloud services,

acting as a facilitator between consumers and providers to ensure services
meet user needs and negotiating terms to optimize service delivery.
Advantages
● Lower-Cost Computers for Users
● Improved Performance
● Lower IT Infrastructure Costs
● Instant Software Updates
● Increased Computing Power

Disadvantages
● Requires a Constant Internet Connection
● Doesn’t Work Well with Low-Speed Connections
● Features Might Be Limited
● Stored Data Might Not Be Secure
● Problem will arise If Data loss occurs

Business Impacts and Economics:

● Lower Capital Expenses: Cloud services reduce upfront investment in
physical infrastructure, allowing businesses to allocate capital to growth
opportunities.
● Operational Efficiency: Businesses can focus on their core activities
without worrying about IT maintenance, as updates and scaling are handled
by the cloud provider.
 ● Enhanced Collaboration and Flexibility: Remote access to data and
applications promotes flexible working conditions, making it easier for
businesses to support global teams.
● Reduced Downtime Risks: With automated backups and data replication,
cloud computing minimizes downtime, improving business continuity and
productivity.

Ques8. Differentiate: IAAS, PAAS and SAAS.

Ans.

IaaS
(Infrastructure PaaS (Platform as a SaaS (Software
Feature as a Service) Service) as a Service)

Provides virtualized Provides a platform to Provides

computing develop, run, and ready-to-use
Definition resources like manage applications software
servers, storage, and without worrying about applications over
networking. the infrastructure. the internet.

Users have full Users simply use the

Users focus on building
control over the software without
applications; they don't
Control infrastructure managing the
manage underlying
(servers, storage, backend or
infrastructure.
etc.). infrastructure.

Amazon Web
Services (AWS), Google App Engine,
Gmail, Microsoft
Examples Microsoft Azure, Heroku, Microsoft
Office 365, Dropbox
Google Compute Azure App Service
Engine

Developers, IT Developers who want End-users who need

Target admins who need to build applications specific applications
Users flexible without managing (email, file sharing,
infrastructure. hardware. etc.).

Limited customization
High customization Minimal
Customiz (focus on app
(e.g., operating customization; users
ation development and
systems, networks). use software as-is.
deployment).

Ques9. Discuss the regulatory issues of cloud computing & the government
policies.
Ans. Regulatory Issues
 ● Data Privacy and Security:
○ Storing sensitive data in the cloud raises privacy concerns as the data
may be handled by third parties and could be subject to breaches or
misuse.
○ Example: Cloud providers may store data in different geographic
locations, and data sovereignty laws (which require data to stay within
a certain country) could conflict with the provider’s global
infrastructure.
● Data Ownership and Access:
○ Determining who owns the data stored in the cloud and who has the
right to access it is a key issue. Cloud users may lose control over their
data when it is stored on a provider's infrastructure.
○ Example: A company may not have the ability to access or retrieve
their data from a cloud provider if there is a dispute or shutdown.
● Compliance with Industry Regulations:
○ Different industries (e.g., healthcare, finance) have specific regulatory
standards like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act) or GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) that cloud
providers and users must adhere to.
○ Example: Cloud providers may need to ensure their platforms meet
specific standards for sectors like finance or healthcare, which often
require strict data encryption, storage, and access control.
● Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Accountability:
○ Clear SLAs are crucial to ensure that cloud providers meet the expected
service levels for uptime, data recovery, and support. Legal
accountability is also an issue if the provider fails to meet these service
levels.
○ Example: If a cloud service fails to deliver as promised, the consumer
may have limited legal recourse unless clear accountability is defined in
the contract.
● Vendor Lock-In:
○ Concern: Organizations may become dependent on a specific cloud
provider’s services and technologies, making it difficult to migrate to
other platforms without incurring high costs or disruptions.
○ Moving data from one cloud provider to another could result in high
transfer costs or data compatibility issues.

Government Policies on Cloud Computing

● Data Sovereignty and Localization Laws:
○ Governments impose laws requiring that data be stored within the
country's borders. These laws are designed to ensure that national
security and privacy standards are met.
 ○ Example: The European Union's GDPR requires that personal data of
EU citizens be stored within the EU or in countries with equivalent data
protection laws.
● Cloud Security Frameworks:
○ Governments often set security standards and regulations to ensure
that cloud computing services are secure and protect user data.
○ Example: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides guidelines on
how organizations should manage risks related to cloud computing,
focusing on aspects like access control, data encryption, and incident
response.
● Taxation and Cloud Service Billing:
○ Governments regulate the taxation of cloud services, which can vary by
region. This can impact the pricing structure of cloud services and
cloud-based businesses.
○ Example: Some countries impose VAT (Value Added Tax) on cloud
computing services, which can add additional costs for consumers.
● Regulations on Cloud Providers' Operational Transparency:
○ Governments may require cloud providers to disclose certain
operational practices, including where data is stored and how it is
protected, to ensure compliance with national laws.
○ Example: The U.S. Federal Risk and Authorization Management
Program (FedRAMP) requires cloud service providers to obtain
certifications for federal use, ensuring compliance with security
standards.
● Cloud Service Data Breach Laws:
○ Governments implement laws that require cloud providers to notify
customers in the event of a data breach, and may impose penalties for
non-compliance.
○ Example: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) mandates that
businesses disclose any breaches involving consumer data and provides
penalties for failure to do so.

Ques10. What is a cloud service? As an infrastructure as a service what

are the resources that are provided by it? Explain.
Ans. A cloud service refers to the delivery of computing services (like storage,
processing power, networking, and software) over the internet, rather than using
local servers or personal devices. These services allow individuals and organizations
to access and use resources without owning or managing the physical infrastructure.
Cloud services are typically provided by third-party cloud providers and can be
accessed through web-based interfaces or APIs.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS is a type of cloud service that provides virtualized computing resources over the
internet. It is the most basic cloud service model, offering essential computing
infrastructure such as virtual machines, storage, and networking. IaaS is ideal for
businesses that want to manage their applications and data without having to deal
with the complexity of physical infrastructure.

Resources Provided by IaaS

1. Virtual Machines (VMs):
● Virtual machines allow users to run their own operating systems and
applications on a virtualized environment. This provides the flexibility
to install software, manage configurations, and control resources as
needed.
● Example: Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) allows users to create
and manage virtual servers.
2. Storage:
● IaaS provides scalable storage solutions, including both persistent (e.g.,
block storage) and temporary storage options (e.g., object storage),
where users can store and access large amounts of data.
● Example: Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) provides scalable
object storage for data and backup.
3. Networking:
● IaaS offers networking capabilities like virtual private networks
(VPNs), load balancers, firewalls, and IP addresses to manage traffic
and ensure secure communication between services.
● Example: Google Cloud Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) allows users to
create isolated networks and manage IP addresses.
4. Compute Power:
● IaaS offers scalable computing resources like CPU and memory,
allowing users to scale up or down based on their needs. This ensures
businesses only pay for the compute resources they use.
● Example: Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines provides scalable
compute instances with flexible resource allocation.
5. Security and Monitoring Tools:
● Cloud providers also offer security tools (e.g., encryption, identity
management) and monitoring services (e.g., cloud performance
monitoring, logging) to manage and safeguard resources.
● Example: AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and
CloudWatch for resource monitoring.