Cloud Computing

2 Marks Questions :

1. Characteristics of Distributed System

A distributed system consists of multiple independent computers that appear to
users as a single system and coordinate via a network.
2. Characteristics of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing features on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource
pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.
3. What is the main characteristic of Cloud Computing?
On-demand self-service and scalability are the main characteristics, enabling users to
access resources as needed without human interaction.
4. Mention two disadvantages of cloud computing.
(i) Data security and privacy concerns, (ii) Dependence on internet connectivity.
5. List two pros of cloud computing.
(i) Cost efficiency, (ii) Scalability and flexibility.
6. List two cons of cloud computing.
(i) Limited control over infrastructure, (ii) Potential downtime or service outages.
7. Compare Cloud and Grid computing.
Cloud computing delivers services via the internet, while grid computing connects
multiple computers to solve complex tasks collaboratively.
8. What is Storage Virtualization?
It is the pooling of physical storage from multiple devices into a single virtual storage
device.
9. What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services like servers, storage,
databases, and software over the internet.
10. Define SaaS.
Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers software applications over the internet on a
subscription basis.
11. Define PaaS.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run,
and manage applications without infrastructure concerns.
12. What is a Public Cloud?
A public cloud is a cloud infrastructure available to the general public and owned by a
service provider.
13. What is a Private Cloud?
A private cloud is a cloud infrastructure operated solely for a single organization.
14. What is a Community Cloud?
A community cloud is shared by several organizations with common interests, such
as security or compliance.
15. What is virtualization?
Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of hardware platforms, storage
devices, or network resources.
16. What is a Hypervisor?
A hypervisor is software that creates and manages virtual machines (VMs) on a host
system.
17. Define Hybrid Cloud.
A hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds to allow data and applications to
be shared between them.
18. What are the types of Grid Computing?
Computational grid, data grid, and collaborative grid.
19. How does cloud computing differ from traditional client-server architecture?
Cloud computing offers on-demand resources and scalability over the internet, unlike
static and fixed resources in traditional architectures.
20. What is a Community Cloud?
A community cloud is a cloud infrastructure shared by organizations with common
policies or goals.
21. Define Virtual Machine (VM).
A virtual machine is a software-based simulation of a physical computer, running an
OS and applications.
22. What is Server Virtualization?
It is the process of dividing a physical server into multiple unique and isolated virtual
servers.
23. What is Storage Virtualization?
Storage virtualization combines multiple storage devices into a single, centrally
managed virtual storage pool.
24. What is Network Virtualization?
Network virtualization is the abstraction of physical network resources into multiple
virtual networks.
25. What is meant by “Storage as a Service”?
It refers to a cloud service model where users rent or lease storage capacity from a
provider.
26. What is the NIST model of Cloud Computing?
The NIST model defines cloud computing with five characteristics, three service
models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), and four deployment models.
27. Mention one PaaS provider.
Google App Engine.
28. Define Data Scalability.
Data scalability is the ability of a system to handle growing amounts of data
efficiently.
29. What is Web OS?
A Web OS is an operating system-like environment accessed through a web browser,
offering online applications and services.
30. What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform offering services like computing,
analytics, storage, and networking.
5 marks Questions :

1. Explain the evolution of Cloud Computing.

Cloud computing evolved from the concept of utility computing and grid computing in the
1960s, where computing was envisioned as a public utility. In the 1990s, virtualization and
internet growth enabled data centers to offer remote resources. In the 2000s, Amazon
launched AWS, popularizing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Over time, more services like
Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) emerged, offering scalable, on-
demand, and cost-effective solutions, marking the maturity of cloud computing.

2. Explain IaaS with suitable examples.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
It includes services like virtual machines, storage, and networks. Users manage the OS and
applications while the provider manages the infrastructure. Example: Amazon EC2 allows
users to run virtual servers. Microsoft Azure and Google Compute Engine are other IaaS
providers that help businesses scale resources as needed.

3. Compare traditional vs. cloud-based scaling hardware.

Traditional scaling requires purchasing and installing physical servers, which is time-
consuming and expensive. Scaling is either vertical (upgrading hardware) or horizontal
(adding more servers). Cloud-based scaling is dynamic, allowing instant resource allocation
(auto-scaling). It supports both vertical and horizontal scaling with minimal manual
intervention and cost, offering better flexibility and efficiency.

4. What is a Hypervisor? What is Virtual Machine?

A hypervisor is software that creates and manages virtual machines (VMs) by abstracting
physical hardware. It allows multiple VMs to run on a single physical machine. A Virtual
Machine is an emulation of a computer system, running its own OS and applications as if it
were a separate physical device. Hypervisors can be Type 1 (bare-metal) or Type 2 (hosted).

5. What is SaaS? Give examples.

Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers software applications over the internet. Users can
access them via browsers without installing them locally. The provider manages everything,
including security, availability, and performance. Examples include Google Workspace (Docs,
Sheets), Microsoft 365, Salesforce CRM, and Dropbox.
6. What are the roles of Hypervisors in cloud computing?
Hypervisors play a key role by enabling virtualization, allowing multiple virtual machines to
run on a single physical server. They help optimize hardware utilization, provide isolation
between workloads, and support dynamic resource allocation. In cloud computing, they
enable rapid provisioning, scalability, and fault tolerance.

7. Explain Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) in PaaS.

SOA in PaaS refers to designing software as a collection of interoperable services. PaaS
platforms support SOA by offering tools and environments for developing, deploying, and
managing services. These services communicate over a network using standard protocols.
SOA promotes reusability, scalability, and agility in application development within cloud
platforms like Azure or Google App Engine.

8. Compare client-server architecture and cloud computing architecture.

Client-server architecture has dedicated servers and clients; the server provides resources or
services, and clients request them. It's usually limited in scalability. Cloud computing
architecture distributes resources over the internet, offering scalability, resource pooling,
and on-demand service. It supports multi-tenancy and is more flexible than traditional
client-server models.

9. Describe any one example of PaaS in detail.

Google App Engine is a PaaS offering that allows developers to build and host web apps
without managing the infrastructure. It supports multiple programming languages like
Python, Java, and Node.js. Developers simply upload code, and Google handles scaling,
monitoring, and load balancing. It enables rapid development, automatic scaling, and
integrates easily with other Google Cloud services.

10. Describe different approaches to virtualization.

Virtualization approaches include:

• Full Virtualization: Complete simulation of hardware for guest OS (e.g., VMware).

• Para-virtualization: Guest OS is aware of virtualization, improving performance (e.g.,

Xen).

• OS-level Virtualization: Multiple isolated user-space instances run on a single OS

kernel (e.g., Docker containers).
Each approach differs in performance, isolation, and use case suitability.
11. Discuss the history of Cloud Computing.
The concept started in the 1960s with John McCarthy’s idea of computing as a utility. In the
1990s, telecoms began offering virtual private networks, and Salesforce.com launched in
1999 as one of the first SaaS platforms. In 2006, Amazon introduced AWS, initiating the
commercial cloud era. Over time, companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM entered the
market, expanding the adoption of cloud models like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

12. Discuss data management in cloud.

Data management in the cloud includes storing, securing, and processing data using cloud
services. It involves automated backup, disaster recovery, scalability, and data accessibility
from anywhere. Services like AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, and Azure Blob Storage offer
high durability and availability. Cloud providers also offer tools for data analytics,
compliance, and encryption to maintain data integrity and privacy.
10 Marks Questions :

1. What is Cloud Deployment Model? Name different types of Cloud Computing

Deployment Models.

A cloud deployment model defines how cloud services are made available to users. It
determines the type of access to the cloud, the ownership, and the nature of the
infrastructure. Deployment models help organizations choose the right approach for hosting
applications, based on security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Types of Cloud Deployment Models:

• Public Cloud: Services are offered over the internet to the general public. Managed
by third-party providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Example: Gmail, Google
Drive.

• Private Cloud: Operated solely for one organization. Offers better security and
control. Example: A bank using a private cloud to host customer data.

• Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to
be shared between them. Example: A company hosting sensitive data in a private
cloud and less-sensitive applications in a public cloud.

• Community Cloud: Shared among several organizations with similar requirements.

Example: Government agencies sharing a cloud for inter-departmental
communication.

2. Describe cloud computing characteristics with examples.

Cloud computing has the following key characteristics:

• On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision computing resources without human

intervention. Example: AWS EC2 instances.

• Broad Network Access: Services are accessible over the network via standard
devices. Example: Accessing Google Docs from any browser.

• Resource Pooling: Computing resources are pooled to serve multiple customers

using multi-tenant models. Example: Hosting multiple websites on the same physical
server.

• Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down quickly based on demand.

Example: Auto-scaling on AWS during high traffic.

• Measured Service: Resource usage is monitored and billed accordingly. Example:

Paying only for used storage on Google Cloud.
 • High Availability: Cloud systems are designed for minimal downtime. Example:
Microsoft Azure offers 99.9% uptime guarantees.

3. Discuss billing and accounting models used by cloud providers.

Cloud providers use various billing and accounting models to charge users:

• Pay-as-you-go: Users are billed based on actual resource usage. Example: AWS bills
per second for EC2 instances.

• Subscription-Based: Users pay a fixed amount for a defined period. Example:

Microsoft 365 subscription plans.

• Freemium Model: Basic services are free; advanced features are paid. Example:
Dropbox offers free storage up to a limit.

• Spot Pricing: Users bid for unused resources, suitable for flexible workloads.
Example: AWS Spot Instances.

• Reserved Instances: Users commit to using a resource over a period (1-3 years) for a
lower cost. Example: AWS Reserved EC2 Instances.

These models help users optimize costs while providers gain predictable revenue.

4. Discuss the concepts of Web Services, Web 2.0, and Web OS in SaaS.

• Web Services: These are standardized ways of integrating web-based applications

using XML, SOAP, WSDL, or REST. In SaaS, web services enable communication
between different applications. Example: Salesforce integrating with third-party apps
via REST APIs.

• Web 2.0: Refers to the second generation of web development emphasizing user-
generated content, usability, and interoperability. SaaS applications like Google Docs
rely on Web 2.0 principles for real-time collaboration and interaction.

• Web OS (Web Operating System): A virtual OS that runs in a web browser, offering a
platform for SaaS applications. It mimics desktop environments but exists entirely
online. Example: EyeOS or Chrome OS.

Together, these technologies form the foundation of modern SaaS solutions, ensuring
interoperability, collaboration, and accessibility.

5. Explain Google App Engine as a PaaS platform.

Google App Engine (GAE) is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) offering by Google that enables
developers to build and host applications on Google's infrastructure without managing
servers.

Key Features:

• Automatic Scalability: Apps automatically scale based on traffic.

• Multiple Language Support: Supports Python, Java, PHP, Go, etc.

• Built-in Services: Includes NoSQL datastore, task queues, user authentication, etc.

• Integrated Development Environment: Simplifies development, testing, and

deployment.

Use Case Example: A startup can quickly launch a scalable web app using App Engine
without worrying about server provisioning or maintenance.

GAE abstracts infrastructure management, allowing developers to focus purely on coding

and logic.

6. Explain virtualization in detail. Describe different types and the role of hypervisors.

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a resource such as a server,

storage, or network. It allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical
machine.

Types of Virtualization:

• Server Virtualization: Divides a physical server into multiple virtual machines (VMs).
Example: VMware ESXi.

• Storage Virtualization: Pools multiple storage devices into a single resource.

Example: SANs.

• Network Virtualization: Combines network resources into a single manageable

entity. Example: Virtual LANs (VLANs).

• Desktop Virtualization: Runs user desktops on a centralized server. Example: Citrix.

Hypervisors manage and run multiple VMs:

• Type 1 (Bare-metal): Runs directly on hardware. Example: VMware ESXi, Microsoft

Hyper-V.

• Type 2 (Hosted): Runs on an existing OS. Example: Oracle VirtualBox.

Hypervisors allocate resources and isolate VMs, ensuring efficient and secure virtualization.
7. Explain in detail the differences between Grid, Cluster, and Cloud computing.

Feature Grid Computing Cluster Computing Cloud Computing

Distributed systems Group of tightly-coupled Centralized or

Architecture
across locations computers distributed cloud

Usually third-party
Ownership Multiple organizations Single organization
providers

Resource
Yes (across networks) Yes (within network) Yes (via internet)
Sharing

Scalability Moderate Limited High

Availability Moderate High (if nodes are local) Very high

Scientific research,
Usage Web servers, databases SaaS, IaaS, PaaS
simulations

Example:

• Grid: SETI@home project

• Cluster: Google search engine cluster

• Cloud: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

8. Explain issues of data privacy, jurisdiction, and location in cloud storage.

Cloud storage raises several legal and ethical concerns:

• Data Privacy: Ensuring that personal or sensitive data is not accessed or misused.
Cloud providers must implement encryption, access control, and compliance
standards like GDPR.

• Jurisdiction: Data stored in the cloud might fall under the laws of the country where
the servers are located. This can conflict with local laws. Example: U.S. CLOUD Act vs.
EU GDPR.

• Data Location: Organizations often don’t know where their data is physically stored.
Some industries require data to remain within certain geographical boundaries (data
sovereignty).
Example Issue: A company based in India using a U.S.-based cloud provider may face legal
issues if customer data is stored on servers in another country without consent.

To address these issues, providers offer data residency options, transparency in data
handling policies, and compliance certifications.