CLOUD COMPUTING SHEET

1. Characteristics of Distributed System? 15. NIST Model of Cloud Computing

It consists of multiple independent computers that appear to users It defines 5 characteristics (e.g., self-service, scalability), 3 service
as a single system. Key features include resource sharing, fault models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), and 4 deployment models (public,
tolerance, scalability, concurrency. private, hybrid, community). It is the standard cloud model.

2. State advantages & disadvantages of cloud computing? 16.. Define Data Scalability
ADV—-->is cost-effective, reducing the need for upfront hardware Data scalability refers to a system’s ability to handle growing data
investment. It also offers scalability, allowing resources to grow or volumes efficiently. It is essential for performance in cloud
shrink as needed. applications.
DISADV—-----> One disadvantage is security risk, as sensitive
data is stored on third-party servers. Another is internet 17. What is Web OS?
dependency, since cloud access requires a stable connection. A Web OS is a browser-based operating system that provides
access to cloud apps and services. Examples include eyeOS and
3.Compare Cloud and Grid Computing? Joli OS.
Cloud computing delivers services on-demand using virtualization
and is pay-per-use. Grid computing involves distributed systems 18. What is Microsoft Azure?
working together for large tasks without virtualization. Microsoft Azure is a cloud platform offering services like IaaS,
PaaS, and SaaS. It supports virtual machines, databases, and AI
4. Define Storage Virtualization? tools.
Storage virtualization combines multiple physical storage devices
into a single logical storage pool. It improves storage utilization, 19. What is “Storage as a Service”?
simplifies management, and enhances scalability. It provides on-demand cloud-based storage to users, like Google
Drive or Dropbox. Users pay for the space used without
5. Define Cloud Computing? maintaining physical storage.
Cloud computing is a model where IT services like storage,
servers, and applications are delivered over the internet. It follows What is Server Virtualization?​
a pay-per-use model, providing flexibility and scalability. Server virtualization splits a physical server into multiple virtual
servers using hypervisors. Each VM can run independently with its
6. Define SaaS? own OS.
SaaS (Software as a Service) delivers software applications via the What is Storage Virtualization?​
internet on a subscription basis. Users can access software without It abstracts multiple storage devices into a single logical unit. This
managing hardware or installations.Ex—>Gmail – email as a simplifies storage management and improves efficiency.
service// Salesforce – CRM software What is Network Virtualization?​
Network virtualization creates a virtual network on top of physical
7.Define PaaS? infrastructure. It allows better network management, flexibility, and
PaaS (Platform as a Service) provides a platform to develop, run, security.
and manage applications without dealing with infrastructure. It
supports tools for building and deploying apps. 20. Explain IaaS with suitable examples
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) provides virtualized hardware
8. What is a Public Cloud? resources over the internet.Users can rent servers, storage, and
Public cloud services are available to the general public over the networking without managing the hardware.Common use cases:
internet. Providers like AWS and Azure manage infrastructure and hosting websites, app development, disaster recovery.
resources. Examples—->Amazon EC2// Google Compute Engine// Microsoft
Azure Virtual Machines.
9. What is a Private Cloud?
A private cloud is dedicated to a single organization, offering 21. Comparison: Traditional vs Cloud-based Scaling Hardware
enhanced control and security. It can be managed internally or by a Cost:
third party. Traditional: Requires high upfront investment in physical hardware.
Cloud: Follows a pay-per-use model with no upfront infrastructure
10. What is a Community Cloud? cost.
A community cloud is shared among organizations with common Time to Scale:
goals or compliance needs. It enhances collaboration while sharing Traditional: Scaling is slow and involves manual hardware addition.
infrastructure and cost. Cloud: Offers fast, automatic, and on-demand scaling.

11.What is Virtualization? Scalability:

Virtualization is the creation of virtual versions of physical Traditional: Limited by physical resources and planning.
resources such as servers or storage. It allows efficient use of Cloud: Virtually unlimited due to resource pooling.
hardware and resource isolation.
Flexibility:
12. What is a Hypervisor? Traditional: Rigid with fixed configurations.
A hypervisor is software that allows multiple virtual machines to run Cloud: Dynamic resource allocation as per workload needs.
on a single physical machine. It manages resource allocation
between VMs.Types of Hypervisors: Maintenance:
Type 1 (Bare-metal) – runs directly on hardware (e.g., VMware) Traditional: Maintenance is done by the organization itself.
Type 2 (Hosted) – runs on host OS (e.g., VirtualBox) Cloud: Managed by cloud service providers.
Conclusion—--------->
13. Define Hybrid Cloud Cloud provides elastic and scalable solutions, while traditional
A hybrid cloud combines private and public clouds, allowing data systems are rigid and capital-intensive.
and apps to be shared between them. It provides flexibility,
security, and cost-efficiency.

14. Define Virtual Machine (VM)

A VM is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that
runs its own OS. It allows multiple OS instances on a single
physical machine.
22. Roles of Hypervisors in Cloud Computing? →Managed via services like AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, Google
→Hypervisors enable server virtualization, improving resource Cloud Storage.
utilization. →Uses metadata, encryption, access control, and redundancy.
→They isolate VMs, ensuring security and stability. →Enables auto-scaling, fast recovery, and global access to data.
→Allow easy provisioning of new virtual servers.
→Support live migration of VMs for load balancing. 29.What is Cloud Deployment Model? Name different types of
→Crucial for creating multi-tenant environments in public clouds. Cloud Computing Deployment Models.?
A Cloud Deployment Model defines how cloud services are made
23. Explain SOA in PaaS available to users and who can access them. It determines the
SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) in PaaS enables app ownership, size, and access to the cloud infrastructure.
development using loosely coupled services.Each service performs Types of Cloud Deployment Models—----->
a specific function and communicates via standard protocols Public Cloud→
(SOAP, REST). Benefits:-------->Reusability// Interoperability// ->Owned by third-party providers (e.g., AWS, Azure)
Scalability// Easy integration of services across platforms. ->Resources shared among multiple tenants
->Scalable, cost-effective, but less control
24. Client-Server vs Cloud Computing Architecture Private Cloud→
Resource Hosting: ->Dedicated to a single organization
Client-Server: Centralized server hosts all resources. ->More control, better security
Cloud: Resources are hosted on a distributed cloud infrastructure. ->Costly to build and maintain
Community Cloud→
Scalability: ->Shared by multiple organizations with common goals
Client-Server: Limited scalability; scaling requires hardware ->Collaborative infrastructure with shared responsibilities
upgrades. Hybrid Cloud
Cloud: Highly scalable with elastic resource allocation. ->Combination of public and private clouds
->Enables data portability and flexibility
Cost: ->Useful for balancing security and cost
Client-Server: Requires high initial setup and maintenance cost.
Cloud: Operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model. 30.Describe Cloud Computing characteristics with examples?
Cloud computing provides shared computing resources
Access: on-demand via the internet.
Client-Server: Access is limited to LAN or restricted WAN. Key Characteristics:
Cloud: Accessible globally over the internet. On-Demand Self-Service
→ Users can provision resources without human interaction.
Maintenance: Example: Launching AWS EC2 instance.
Client-Server: Maintenance is the responsibility of the Broad Network Access
user/organization. → Accessible from mobile, laptops, and desktops.
Cloud: Handled by cloud service providers. Example: Accessing Gmail via browser.
Conclusion: Resource Pooling
Cloud computing provides greater scalability, accessibility, and → Multiple users share pooled resources using multi-tenancy.
lower maintenance overhead compared to traditional client-server Example: Shared hosting on cloud.
architecture. Rapid Elasticity
→ Resources can scale in/out automatically.
25. Describe any one example of PaaS in detail? Example: Auto-scaling in AWS.
Example: Google App Engine Measured Service
→PaaS offering by Google for building and hosting web → Users pay based on usage (pay-as-you-go).
applications. Example: Billing in Google Cloud.
→Supports languages like Python, Java, Go.
→Offers auto-scaling, load balancing, and integration with Google 31. Discuss billing and accounting models used by cloud
Cloud services. providers
→Developers focus on code; Google handles infrastructure, Cloud billing is usage-based and supports various pricing models
runtime, and scaling. for different needs.
Billing Models:
26. Describe different approaches to virtualization? →Pay-as-you-go: Charges based on actual usage (compute,
→Full Virtualization – Complete simulation of hardware (e.g., storage, bandwidth)
VMware)
→Para-Virtualization – Guest OS is aware of being virtualized →Subscription-based: Monthly/yearly fixed payments
(e.g., Xen)
→OS-Level Virtualization – Uses containers instead of VMs (e.g., →Tiered Pricing: Different rates based on usage volume (e.g., first
Docker) 50GB @ ₹X/GB, next @ ₹Y/GB)
→Hardware-Assisted Virtualization – Uses CPU extensions (Intel
VT, AMD-V) for better performance →Freemium: Basic features free, pay for advanced ones

27.Discuss the history of Cloud Computing Accounting Mechanisms:

→1960s: Concept of time-sharing introduced by John McCarthy. →Usage tracking: Monitors resource consumption per
→1990s: Virtualization gained traction. user/account
→Early 2000s: Amazon launched AWS, a major cloud platform.
Followed by Google, Microsoft, IBM, etc. →Cost allocation: Assigns charges to departments/projects
Now, cloud computing powers most modern apps, services, and
platforms. →Alerts & Budgets: Set spending limits and alerts (e.g., AWS
Budgets)
28. Discuss data management in cloud?
→Involves data storage, backup, replication, and security in cloud
platforms.
32. Discuss the concepts of Web Services, Web 2.0, and Web 35. Explain issues of data privacy, jurisdiction, and location in
OS in SaaS? cloud storage?
Web Services: Cloud storage raises critical concerns about data security, legal
→Enable communication between applications over the web using control, and location transparency.
protocols like SOAP and REST Data Privacy:
→Allow SaaS apps to interact with other systems (e.g., payment →Risks of unauthorized access, data leaks
gateways, databases) →Need for encryption, access control, compliance (GDPR, HIPAA)
Jurisdiction:
Web 2.0: →Data stored in different countries may fall under foreign laws
→Focuses on user interaction, collaboration, and dynamic content →Governments can request access (e.g., US CLOUD Act)
→Technologies: AJAX, HTML5, JavaScript Data Location:
Examples: Google Docs, Facebook →Users often don’t know where exactly their data is stored
→Important for compliance with regional laws (e.g., storing Indian
Web OS (Web-based Operating System): data in Indian datacenters)
→Browser-based platform simulating OS-like functions (file Solutions:
management, apps) →Use region-specific storage
→Runs SaaS apps in a virtual environment →Ensure provider follows local regulations
Example: eyeOS, Jolicloud. →Choose providers offering data residency options
These technologies together enable rich, interactive SaaS
platforms.

33. Explain Google App Engine as a PaaS platform?

Google App Engine (GAE) is a Platform as a Service (PaaS)
offering by Google Cloud for building and deploying applications.
Features:
→Supports languages like Python, Java, Go, Node.js
→Offers automatic scaling and load balancing
→Integrates with other Google Cloud services (Cloud Datastore,
Cloud SQL)
→Developers only manage code, not infrastructure
Benefits:
→No server management
→Auto-deployment and versioning
→Secure and scalable
→Free tier for small apps
Use Case:
Hosting a web app that automatically scales during traffic spikes
without manual server configuration.

34. Explain virtualization in detail. Describe different types and

the role of hypervisors?
Virtualization allows multiple virtual systems (VMs) to run on a
single physical machine using a hypervisor.
Types of Virtualization:
→Server Virtualization – Divides physical servers into multiple
VMs.
→Storage Virtualization – Combines physical storage into a virtual
pool.
→Network Virtualization – Combines network resources and splits
into logical units.
→Desktop Virtualization – Access desktops remotely (e.g., VDI)
→Application Virtualization – Run apps without installation on host
OS.
Role of Hypervisors:
→Manage creation, execution, and isolation of VMs
→Allocate physical resources (CPU, RAM, etc.)
→Ensure security between virtual machines
→Enable live migration, fault tolerance
Types of Hypervisors:
Type 1: Bare-metal (e.g., VMware ESXi)
Type 2: Hosted (e.g., Oracle VirtualBox)
1. Explain the evolution of Cloud Computing. - Provide isolation between VMs.

Cloud computing evolved from mainframe computing (1950s) to utility computing, then to virtualization, and finally to - Support dynamic resource allocation and scalability.

service-oriented cloud infrastructure. Key phases include: - Improve fault tolerance and disaster recovery.

- Mainframe Era: Centralized processing with thin clients.

7. Explain Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) in PaaS.
- Client-Server Era: Decentralized processing with local servers.
SOA is an architectural model where application components are delivered as services. In PaaS, it enables:
- Virtualization: Running multiple OS on a single machine.
- Loose coupling of components
- Utility Computing: Pay-per-use model for computing resources.
- Reusability of services
- Cloud Era: Services over the internet with elastic scalability, powered by virtualization and distributed systems.
- Easier integration and scalability

2. Explain IaaS with suitable examples. Example: Web services using REST/SOAP on Google App Engine or Heroku.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users manage OS and
8. Compare client-server architecture and cloud computing architecture.
applications while the provider manages hardware.
- Client-Server: Fixed, centralized servers with dedicated clients; hard to scale.
Examples:
- Cloud: Virtualized, distributed resources over the internet; elastically scalable.
- Amazon EC2: Offers virtual servers.
Cloud offers better flexibility, cost-efficiency, and availability.
- Google Compute Engine: Deploy VMs for any workload.
9. Describe any one example of PaaS in detail.
3. Compare traditional vs. cloud-based scaling hardware.
Google App Engine:
- Traditional Scaling: Requires buying physical servers (vertical scaling); costly and time-consuming.
A PaaS by Google that lets developers deploy apps without managing infrastructure.
- Cloud Scaling: Uses virtual resources (horizontal scaling); instantly provisioned and cost-effective.
Features:
Cloud models support elastic, on-demand scaling with pay-as-you-go pricing, unlike traditional models requiring upfront
- Supports Python, Java, Node.js, Go, etc.
investment.
- Built-in scalability and security

4. What is a Hypervisor? What is Virtual Machine? - Integrated tools and APIs

- Hypervisor: Software that enables virtualization by allowing multiple OSes to run on a host system. Types include Type Use-case: Hosting scalable web apps and mobile backends.

1 (bare-metal) and Type 2 (hosted).

10. Describe different approaches to virtualization.
- Virtual Machine (VM): A software emulation of a physical computer, isolated and running its own OS independently.
- Full Virtualization: Guest OS is unaware; uses hypervisors (e.g., VMware).

5. What is SaaS? Give examples. - Para-virtualization: Guest OS is aware of virtualization (e.g., Xen).

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud model where applications are hosted by a provider and accessed via browsers. - OS-level Virtualization: Containers share the same OS (e.g., Docker).

Users only interact with the app interface. Each has trade-offs in performance, isolation, and complexity.

Examples:
11. Discuss the history of Cloud Computing.
- Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail)
- 1960s: John McCarthy proposed computing as a utility.
- Salesforce CRM
- 1990s: Grid computing and virtualization developed.
- Microsoft 365
- 2000s: Amazon launched AWS (2006), starting the modern cloud era.

6. What are the roles of Hypervisors in cloud computing? - 2010s-Present: Platforms like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud grew rapidly.

- Enable virtualization by decoupling software from hardware. Cloud is now vital for scalable and cost-effective business solutions.

- Allow efficient utilization of physical resources.

12. Discuss data management in cloud.

Data management in cloud involves:

- Storage: Virtual storage services (e.g., S3, Azure Blob).

- Backup & Recovery: Automated and redundant solutions.

- Security: Encryption, access control, compliance.

- Scalability: Dynamic scaling as data grows.

- Analytics: Real-time tools (e.g., BigQuery, Redshift).