Cloud Computing - Short Q&A Notes
UNIT I: Computing Paradigms
Q1: What is High-Performance Computing (HPC)?
A: HPC uses multiple processors to perform complex computations rapidly, often applied in scientific
research.
Q2: What is the main difference between serial and parallel computing?
A: Serial computing uses one processor; parallel computing uses multiple processors simultaneously.
Q3: What is Distributed Computing?
A: It connects multiple computers via a network to work as a single system, offering scalability and fault
tolerance.
Q4: How is Cluster Computing different from Grid Computing?
A: Cluster uses dedicated networked computers; Grid connects underused resources across organizations.
Q5: Define Cloud Computing in simple terms.
A: It delivers computing services (like storage, servers) over the Internet on a pay-per-use basis.
Q6: What is Bio Computing?
A: It uses biological models like DNA to perform computations.
Q7: What is Nano Computing?
A: Computing with nanoscale components like carbon nanotubes.
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UNIT II: Cloud Fundamentals
Q8: Why is cloud computing needed?
Cloud Computing - Short Q&A Notes
A: It reduces upfront costs and offers scalable, on-demand resources.
Q9: What are the 5 essential characteristics of cloud computing (NIST)?
A: On-demand self-service, Broad network access, Resource pooling, Rapid elasticity, Measured service.
Q10: Name the 4 cloud deployment models.
A: Public, Private, Community, Hybrid.
Q11: List the 3 service models in cloud computing.
A: SaaS (Software), PaaS (Platform), IaaS (Infrastructure).
Q12: What is multitenancy in cloud computing?
A: One software instance serves multiple users with logical separation.
Q13: Mention two benefits of cloud computing.
A: Cost savings, scalability.
Q14: Mention two drawbacks of cloud computing.
A: Internet dependency, limited control over infrastructure.
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UNIT III: Architecture and Management
Q15: What are the two main parts of cloud architecture?
A: Front-end (client side) and Back-end (cloud provider side).
Q16: What are the four layers of cloud architecture?
A: User Layer, Network Layer, Management Layer, Hardware Layer.
Q17: Name the five components in cloud anatomy.
Cloud Computing - Short Q&A Notes
A: Application, Platform, Infrastructure, Virtualization, Physical hardware.
Q18: What is the role of SLAs in cloud management?
A: They define QoS terms and ensure accountability between users and providers.
Q19: What is server consolidation in cloud infrastructure management?
A: Combining workloads to reduce hardware usage and energy consumption.
Q20: Define elasticity in the context of cloud applications.
A: Ability to scale resources up or down automatically based on demand.
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UNIT IV: Cloud Service Models
Q1: What are the three basic cloud service models defined by NIST?
A: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Q2: What does IaaS provide?
A: Virtualized computing, storage, and networking resources via virtual machines (VMs).
Q3: What are the characteristics of IaaS?
A: On-demand access, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service.
Q4: What is the main use of PaaS?
A: To develop, run, and manage applications without managing the underlying infrastructure.
Q5: What are the benefits of PaaS?
A: Faster development, reduced complexity, scalability.
Q6: What is SaaS?
Cloud Computing - Short Q&A Notes
A: It delivers applications over the Internet, managed entirely by the service provider.
Q7: What is the major drawback of SaaS?
A: Less control over data and dependency on internet availability.
Q8: Name additional service models beyond SPI.
A: NaaS (Network), STaaS (Storage), DEaaS (Desktop), IDaaS (Identity), SECaaS (Security).
Q9: What is XaaS (Everything as a Service)?
A: A model where any IT function can be delivered as a service, e.g., DRaaS, HaaS, FWaaS.
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UNIT V: Cloud Service Providers
Q10: Name major cloud service providers.
A: Google, Amazon (AWS), Microsoft (Azure), IBM, SAP, Salesforce, EMC.
Q11: What is Google App Engine?
A: A platform for building and hosting web apps in Google-managed data centers.
Q12: What services does AWS offer?
A: EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud), S3 (Simple Storage Service), SQS (Simple Queue Service).
Q13: What is Microsoft Azure used for?
A: A cloud computing platform offering IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS with tools like MAP Toolkit.
Q14: What is IBM SmartCloud?
A: A set of cloud computing services by IBM for business applications and workloads.
Q15: What is SAP HANA Cloud Platform?
Cloud Computing - Short Q&A Notes
A: An in-memory cloud platform for real-time analytics and applications.
Q16: What does Aneka provide?
A: A configurable platform supporting multiple programming models and application deployments.
Q17: What is the benefit of using services from vendors like Rackspace or VMware?
A: Reliable hosting, virtualization, and scalable solutions tailored for enterprise needs.
