Cloud Computing - Complete Exam Revision Guide

1. INTRODUCTION & DEFINITION

What is Cloud Computing? delivery of computing services over the internet. the services inlude server,storage,database,
networking, software and analytics.
Definition: Storing and accessing data and computing services over the internet
Data is NOT stored on personal computers but on remote servers

Provides on-demand availability of computer services (servers, storage, networking, databases)

Allows creation, configuration, and customization of applications online

Why Called "Cloud"?

Term refers to a network or internet
Represents something present at remote location
Name originated from network design diagrams that looked like clouds

Can provide services over public/private networks (WAN, LAN, VPN)

2. WHY CLOUD COMPUTING?

Business Drivers
Massive increase in computer and mobile users

Data storage became priority for all businesses

High cost of in-house IT infrastructure
Need for strong IT support systems

Businesses depend on data for planning, decision making, budgeting

Key Benefits
Cost Reduction: Lower IT infrastructure costs

Accessibility: Simple web browser interface sufficient

Maintenance: Service provider handles technical issues

Scalability: Resources available on demand

Universal Access: Available anywhere with internet

3. CLOUD DEPLOYMENT MODELS

1. Public Cloud
 Access: Open to general public

Security: Less secure due to openness

Example: Email services (Gmail, Yahoo)

Use Case: Non-critical applications

2. Private Cloud
Access: Within organization only
Security: Higher security due to private nature

Control: Organization has full control

Use Case: Sensitive/critical data

3. Community Cloud
Access: Shared by group of organizations
Purpose: Common requirements/compliance needs

Security: Moderate security level

4. Hybrid Cloud
Structure: Combination of public and private clouds
Strategy: Critical activities on private cloud, non-critical on public cloud

Flexibility: Best of both worlds

4. CLOUD SERVICE MODELS

1. Software as a Service (SaaS)

Definition: Software applications hosted by vendor, accessed via internet
User Access: Ready-to-use applications

Examples: Google Docs, Salesforce, Dropbox, Slack, MailChimp

Characteristics: No installation required, accessible globally

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Definition: Platform and environment for developers to build applications

Services Provided: Development tools, database management, storage, networking

Examples: Google App Engine, Heroku, Amazon Elastic Beanstalk

Target Users: Developers and application creators

3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Definition: Virtualized computing resources over internet

Components: Virtual servers, network connections, bandwidth, IP addresses

Characteristics: Hardware abstraction, redundancy, reliability

Examples: Amazon EC2, Microsoft Azure VMs

5. CLOUD COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE

Front End
Components: Client-side interfaces and applications
Examples: Web applications, mobile apps, thin clients

Purpose: User interaction with cloud services

Back End
Components: Cloud infrastructure (servers, storage, security)

Responsibilities: Security, traffic control, protocols

Features: Distributed file systems, automatic failover

Control: Under service provider's management

Connection
Medium: Internet/Network

Protocol: Middleware for device communication

6. ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES

1. Virtualization
Definition: Partitioning single physical server into multiple logical servers

Benefit: Resource sharing among multiple tenants

Function: Each logical server operates independently

2. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)

Purpose: Use applications as services for other applications

Benefit: Data exchange between different vendor applications

Advantage: No additional programming required

3. Grid Computing
Function: Coordinates disparate IT resources across network

Structure: Distributed computing with geographically dispersed resources

Goal: Achieve common objectives using heterogeneous computers

4. Utility Computing
Model: Pay-per-use basis

Service: Computational resources on demand

Benefit: Small businesses can use enterprise software without heavy investment

7. CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE COMPONENTS

Key Components
1. Hypervisor: Virtual Machine Manager, creates and runs VMs

2. Management Software: Maintains and configures infrastructure

3. Deployment Software: Deploys and integrates applications

4. Network: Connects cloud services over internet

5. Server: Handles resource sharing and allocation

6. Storage: Distributed file system for reliability

8. ADVANTAGES OF CLOUD COMPUTING

Cost Benefits
No physical hardware investment required
Pay-per-use model

Reduced capital costs

Operational Benefits
High Speed: Quick access in few clicks

Automatic Integration: Software integration occurs automatically

Mobility: Access from anywhere

Reliability: Redundant data storage

Backup & Recovery: Automatic backup and restore

Collaboration: Teams can work together regardless of location
Strategic Benefits
Access to latest applications

No installation time/costs
Scalability on demand

9. DISADVANTAGES OF CLOUD COMPUTING

Performance Issues
Variable performance due to shared resources

Potential downtime and technical issues

Limited bandwidth from providers

Security Concerns
Security threats and risks
Provider access to unencrypted data

Government surveillance possibilities

Dependency Issues
Requires good internet connectivity

Limited control over infrastructure

Potential lack of support from providers

10. SECURITY CONCERNS

Major Issues
Cloud providers may access customer data

Government surveillance without notification

Data location and jurisdiction issues

Security Measures
Trusted Computing Group (TCG) collaboration

Hardware security specifications

Self-encrypting drives

Network security improvements

POSSIBLE EXAM QUESTIONS

Definition & Concepts (5-10 marks)

1. Define Cloud Computing and explain why it's called "Cloud"

2. Explain the main reasons why organizations adopt cloud computing

3. Describe the front-end and back-end components of cloud architecture

Service Models (10-15 marks)

4. Compare and contrast SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS with examples

5. Explain which service model would be most suitable for:

A startup company needing email services

A software development company

A company needing raw computing power

Deployment Models (10-15 marks)

6. Explain the four types of cloud deployment models
7. Recommend appropriate deployment models for:
A healthcare organization

A social media company

A government agency

8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cloud?

Technologies (10-15 marks)

9. Explain how virtualization enables cloud computing
10. Describe the role of SOA in cloud computing

11. Compare grid computing and utility computing

Architecture & Infrastructure (10-15 marks)

12. Draw and explain cloud computing architecture

13. Explain the role of hypervisor in cloud infrastructure

14. Describe how distributed file systems work in cloud storage

Advantages & Disadvantages (10-15 marks)

15. List and explain five advantages of cloud computing
16. Discuss the main security concerns in cloud computing

17. Analyze the challenges that might prevent a company from adopting cloud computing

Case Studies & Applications (15-20 marks)

18. A small business wants to implement cloud computing. Recommend appropriate:
Deployment model

Service models

Justify your choices

19. Compare the suitability of cloud computing for large enterprises vs small businesses

20. Explain how cloud computing supports business collaboration and mobility

Technical Questions (10-15 marks)

21. Explain the difference between traditional IT infrastructure and cloud infrastructure

22. How does cloud computing ensure data reliability and backup?
23. Describe the role of middleware in cloud computing

Essay Questions (20-25 marks)

24. "Cloud computing is the future of IT infrastructure." Discuss this statement with reference to
advantages, disadvantages, and current trends
25. Critically evaluate the security implications of cloud computing for businesses handling sensitive data

QUICK REVISION CHECKLIST

Key Terms to Remember:

SaaS, PaaS, IaaS definitions and examples

Public, Private, Hybrid, Community cloud models
Virtualization, SOA, Grid Computing, Utility Computing
Front-end vs Back-end architecture
Hypervisor, TCG, Middleware

Examples to Know:

SaaS: Google Docs, Salesforce, Dropbox

PaaS: Google App Engine, Heroku
IaaS: Amazon EC2, Azure VMs
Public Cloud: Gmail, Yahoo Mail
Key Concepts:

Why cloud computing emerged

Cost benefits vs security concerns
Deployment model selection criteria
Service model selection criteria
Infrastructure components and their roles