Cloud Computing Practice Exam Quiz

A private cloud is a cloud service that can only be accessed by a limited amount of people. Unlike a public cloud that is open to the general public, a private cloud is typically restricted to a specific organization or group of users. This allows for greater control over security and privacy, as well as the ability to customize the cloud environment to meet specific needs and requirements.

Software as a Service (SaaS) is considered to be included in the application layer of cloud computing. This is because SaaS provides users with access to software applications over the internet, eliminating the need for them to install and maintain the software on their own devices. Users can access the applications through a web browser, making it convenient and accessible from anywhere. SaaS is a popular cloud computing model that offers a wide range of applications and services to users on a subscription basis.

Users access Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud services through a web browser. SaaS is a cloud computing model where software applications are provided over the internet on a subscription basis. With a web browser, users can access and use these applications without the need for installing or maintaining any software on their local devices. This allows for easy and convenient access to the SaaS services from any device with an internet connection, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals.

A hypervisor is used to logically assign and separate physical resources such as memory and CPU in a cloud computing model. It is a software layer that enables the creation and management of virtual machines (VMs) on a physical server. The hypervisor allows multiple VMs to run on a single physical server, effectively dividing and allocating the resources among them. This ensures efficient utilization of hardware resources and enables better scalability, flexibility, and isolation in a cloud computing environment.

Scalability is the feature of cloud computing that allows the service to change in size or volume in order to meet a user's needs. This means that the cloud service can easily scale up or down based on the user's demand, allowing them to increase or decrease resources as required. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of cloud computing, as it allows users to easily adapt to changing requirements and avoid overprovisioning or underprovisioning of resources.

An Application Service Provider (ASP) is a business type that provides Software as a Service (SaaS). ASPs host and manage software applications and make them available to customers over the internet. This allows customers to access and use the software without the need to install and maintain it on their own computers. ASPs typically charge customers a subscription fee based on usage, providing a cost-effective and convenient solution for businesses that require access to specific software applications.

Flexible pricing models in a public cloud allow customers to pay only for the resources they actually use. This means that customers are not locked into fixed pricing plans or forced to pay for unused capacity. Instead, they have the flexibility to scale their usage up or down based on their needs, and they are only charged for the actual usage. This enables customers to optimize their costs and allocate their budget more efficiently, as they can tailor their spending to match their specific requirements.

In an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud computing delivery model, virtual machines are typically provided as resources. Virtual machines allow users to create and manage their own virtualized computing environments, providing flexibility and scalability. This allows users to run their own operating systems and applications on virtual machines hosted in the cloud. Other resources like applications, virtual private networks, and middleware software stacks may be provided by other cloud computing delivery models such as Platform as a Service (PaaS) or Software as a Service (SaaS).

An application service provider (ASP) is a company that delivers software applications over the internet or a network. This means that the correct answer, "It delivers Software as a Service," accurately describes the role of an ASP. ASPs allow users to access and use software applications without the need for installation or maintenance on their own devices. This model is often used by businesses to reduce costs and increase efficiency by outsourcing software management to a third-party provider.

Software as a Service (SaaS) is the correct answer because it is a cloud computing model that provides users with web-based applications or services over the internet. In this case, the web-based email service is an example of a SaaS application, where users can access and use the email service without the need for installing any software or managing the underlying infrastructure. SaaS allows users to utilize software applications on demand, making it a suitable delivery model for web-based email services.

When implementing a cloud computing environment, it is important to consider an area where the approval process can be automated first. Automating the approval process in this area will help streamline and expedite the overall implementation process. It will also reduce the need for manual intervention and improve efficiency. Additionally, automating the approval process can help ensure consistency and accuracy in the decision-making process. Therefore, focusing on an area where the approval process can be automated is a logical and practical approach to implementing a cloud computing environment.

A private cloud would be a good choice for the company because it allows them to have complete control over their data and applications. With strict security and data privacy concerns, the company can ensure that their sensitive information is protected by keeping it within their own private cloud infrastructure. This type of cloud also provides the company with the flexibility and scalability they need to improve operating efficiency while maintaining a high level of security.

An application service provider (ASP) is a company that offers software applications and services to customers over the internet. This means that customers can access and use software applications without having to install them on their own computers. Instead, the software is hosted and managed by the ASP, who provides it to customers as a service. This model is known as Software as a Service (SaaS). Therefore, the statement "It offers Software as a Service" is true about an application service provider.

Virtualization plays a crucial role in cloud computing by optimizing the utilization of computing resources. It allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, thereby maximizing the efficiency and capacity of the hardware. This enables better resource allocation and utilization, leading to cost savings and improved performance. By abstracting the underlying hardware, virtualization also provides flexibility and scalability, allowing for easy provisioning and management of resources in the cloud environment. Overall, virtualization is essential in cloud computing as it enables efficient and effective utilization of computing resources.

The company is using a utility billing model in this scenario. This model allows the company to easily increase or reduce the resources needed in the cloud environment based on demand. They are billed for the actual usage of resources, similar to how utility services like electricity or water are billed based on consumption. This allows the company to effectively manage their computational resources and reduce costs by only paying for what they use.

Grid computing is a distributed computing model where tasks are divided and allocated among multiple computers in a network. This allows for parallel processing and efficient utilization of resources. Therefore, the statement "The tasks are divided among the computers" is true for grid computing.

Automation increases the effectiveness of an IT organization by reducing the manual intervention needed for deploying and managing IT services. This means that repetitive tasks can be automated, allowing IT professionals to focus on more strategic and complex activities. By reducing manual intervention, automation also helps to minimize errors and improve efficiency. Additionally, automation can help streamline processes, ensure consistency, and increase productivity within the IT organization.

A cloud computing environment enables users to access systems regardless of their location. This means that users can access their files, applications, and data from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility and accessibility are one of the key advantages of cloud computing, as it allows users to work remotely, collaborate with others, and access their resources on-demand.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is the correct answer because it accurately describes a distribution model in which applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to users. In this model, the service provider manages the infrastructure, platform, and software, allowing users to access and use the software over the internet without needing to install or maintain it on their own devices. This model offers convenience, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for users, as they can easily access and use the software on demand without the need for extensive hardware or software resources.

In a cloud environment, virtual machines communicate with each other using a common mechanism known as a virtual private bridge. Each instance is assigned a private IP address, which allows them to connect and communicate with other instances within the same virtual private bridge. This ensures secure and isolated communication between the virtual machines, as they are not directly accessible from the outside network. Using private IP addresses also helps in efficient utilization of IP address space and provides better scalability in a cloud environment.

The company should provide an HTTP REST API because it is a widely adopted and standardized web technology that allows users to provision new server capacity from a variety of different interface technologies. RESTful APIs are flexible, scalable, and can be easily integrated into different applications and programming languages. It also follows the principles of the HTTP protocol, making it easy to use and understand.

IT resource consolidation and virtualization can help companies deliver services by allocating computing resources more efficiently and reducing maintenance costs. By consolidating multiple physical servers into virtual machines, companies can optimize their resource usage and improve overall efficiency. This allows them to make better use of their existing hardware and reduce the need for additional equipment. Additionally, virtualization can streamline maintenance processes by allowing for easier management and deployment of applications and updates. This ultimately leads to cost savings and improved service delivery for the company.

In a true cloud environment, adding new resources to support increased demand typically incurs negligible incremental maintenance costs. This is because cloud services are designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing companies to easily add or remove resources as needed without significant additional expenses. Therefore, the company can accommodate the four times increase in demand without incurring substantial costs.

Elasticity is the term used in cloud computing to describe the nature of IT infrastructure that allows for dynamic scaling based on the demand for resources. This means that the system can automatically adjust its capacity to handle increased or decreased workload, ensuring that the necessary resources are available when needed and avoiding unnecessary resource allocation during periods of low demand. This flexibility is a key characteristic of cloud computing, allowing businesses to efficiently manage their IT infrastructure and optimize resource utilization.

The WebSphere Application Server Hypervisor Edition uses the Open Virtualization Format as its virtualization standard. This format allows for easy deployment and management of virtual machines across different virtualization platforms.

In a SaaS environment, customers do not need to worry about installing patches in the virtual instances because the responsibility of patch management lies with the service provider. The service provider automatically installs patches on the clients' behalf, ensuring that the software is up to date and secure. This allows customers to focus on using the software without having to allocate time and resources for patch installation and maintenance.

Access to critical data is better controlled in a private cloud environment because in a private cloud, the infrastructure is dedicated to a single organization, providing them with more control over security measures and access controls. This allows for stricter security protocols and the ability to customize security measures to meet the specific needs of the organization. In a public cloud, the infrastructure is shared among multiple organizations, which can increase the risk of unauthorized access to critical data.

A bare metal hypervisor is a type of virtualization software that runs directly on server hardware, without the need for an existing operating system. It provides virtual machines with timesharing resources, allowing multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on the same physical server. This eliminates the need for a separate license for the native operating system and allows for maximum efficiency and resource utilization.

One benefit of a cloud computing environment is that it maximizes server utilization by implementing automated provisioning. This means that the cloud system can automatically allocate and manage resources based on demand, ensuring that servers are used efficiently and effectively. By dynamically adjusting resources, the cloud environment can optimize server utilization and minimize wasted capacity, leading to cost savings and improved performance.

The subscription billing model allows companies to have a predetermined and recurring costs for services used in a cloud environment. With a subscription, companies pay a fixed amount on a regular basis, typically monthly or annually, to access and use the services provided by the cloud provider. This allows for predictable costs and budgeting, as companies know exactly how much they will be charged for the services they require.

The cloud provider is using the Platform as a Service (PaaS) delivery model. In this model, the provider offers a complete platform, including infrastructure, development tools, and runtime environment, to customers. Customers can build and deploy applications on this platform without having to worry about managing the underlying infrastructure. PaaS allows for greater flexibility and scalability in application development and deployment.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is the correct answer because it is a delivery model in cloud computing that provides users with access to virtual machines. In an IaaS environment, users can rent virtualized hardware resources such as servers, storage, and networking components, allowing them to deploy and manage their own applications and software without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure. This model offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness to users, as they can easily scale their resources up or down based on their needs.

In cloud computing, resources are treated independently, meaning that each resource can be accessed and utilized separately. On the other hand, in cluster computing, the resources are seen as a single system, implying that they are interconnected and work together as a unified entity. This distinction highlights the different approaches and architectures used in these two computing paradigms.

The scenario that best illustrates the benefits of using a hybrid cloud is an enterprise that needs highly controlled storage and access to their data. This enterprise already has a large existing infrastructure but requires additional resources for testing and developing new solutions. By utilizing a hybrid cloud, they can maintain control over their sensitive data while also having the flexibility to scale their infrastructure as needed for their projects. This allows them to efficiently manage their resources and meet their specific requirements without compromising security or performance.

AJAX is the correct answer because it is a technology used in client-side browser code that allows for asynchronous communication with back-end systems. It enables the browser to send requests to the server and receive data without needing to refresh the entire web page. This makes it a suitable technology for querying back-end systems for data from cloud services, as it allows for real-time updates and dynamic content on web-based management consoles provided by cloud service providers.

This statement is true because cloud computing can indeed be delivered as utility computing. Utility computing is a model where computing resources, such as storage and processing power, are provided on-demand and billed based on usage, similar to how utilities like electricity or water are billed. Cloud computing, on the other hand, refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, allowing users to access and use resources remotely. In this context, cloud computing providers can offer utility computing as one of the delivery models, allowing users to pay for the resources they consume.

A cluster computing environment can be deployed in a cloud computing environment. This means that a cluster computing system, which is a group of interconnected computers working together, can be set up and utilized within a cloud computing infrastructure. In other words, cloud computing provides the necessary resources and infrastructure to support the deployment and operation of a cluster computing environment. This allows for the efficient and scalable processing of large amounts of data and complex computations.

The easiest approach when beginning to adopt a cloud computing deployment model is to try it out in a testing environment. This allows for experimentation and learning without the risk of impacting production systems or data. It provides an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the cloud platform, test different configurations, and assess the feasibility and benefits of cloud computing before fully committing to it. By starting in a controlled testing environment, organizations can gain confidence and experience before moving on to more critical stages such as staging or production.

The advantage of adopting a virtual private cloud model is that it allows the enterprise to manage sensitive data in a compliant and secure manner. Additionally, it provides the flexibility of choosing pricing models for select services or infrastructure. This means that the enterprise can ensure the security and compliance of their data while also having the option to optimize costs by selecting the most suitable pricing model for their specific needs.

The company wants to provide advanced collaboration services but lacks the IT resources to deploy the infrastructure. In a public cloud model, the company can leverage the services and infrastructure provided by a third-party cloud service provider. This allows the company to access the required resources without needing to invest in building and maintaining its own infrastructure. Therefore, a public cloud model would best fit the company's needs in this scenario.

Cloud computing improves reliability through the use of multiple sites because it distributes the workload and data across multiple servers and locations. This redundancy ensures that if one site or server fails, the system can automatically switch to another site or server, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous availability of resources. This approach improves the overall reliability of the cloud computing solution compared to relying on a single site or server.

By leveraging virtualization, the company can easily and quickly move assets from the data center in the warmer region to the data center in the cooler region during the summer season. This allows them to reduce operating costs by utilizing the cooler region's data center, which likely has lower energy costs. This solution builds upon the existing server virtualization techniques already in use by the company.

The components of a cloud computing environment include the client (which accesses the cloud services), the application (which runs on the cloud), the platform (which provides the necessary software and hardware infrastructure), the infrastructure (which includes servers, storage, and networking equipment), and the server (which hosts the cloud services). These components work together to enable users to access and utilize cloud computing resources.

IBM Tivoli Service Automation Manager provides virtual server provisioning as one of its functionalities. This means that it allows users to create, deploy, and manage virtual servers in a cloud environment. With this feature, users can easily provision virtual servers on-demand, enabling faster deployment of applications and resources. This functionality helps organizations optimize resource utilization, improve scalability, and enhance overall efficiency in their cloud infrastructure.

Provisioning, as an automated process related to cloud computing, refers to the management and allocation of computing resources. It involves the deployment, configuration, and management of virtual machines, storage, and networking resources in the cloud environment. This process ensures that the necessary resources are available and ready for use by users or applications. It includes tasks such as creating and configuring virtual machines, assigning storage space, and establishing network connectivity. By handling computing resource management processes, provisioning enables efficient and scalable utilization of resources in the cloud.

Metering is the computing feature that is related to utility computing. Utility computing refers to the concept of providing computing resources on-demand, similar to how utilities such as electricity or water are consumed. Metering plays a crucial role in utility computing as it enables the measurement and tracking of resource usage, allowing for accurate billing and allocation of resources. By implementing metering, organizations can effectively monitor and control their resource consumption, ensuring fair usage and cost optimization.

Virtualization is the correct answer because it allows for server consolidation, which means multiple virtual servers can be hosted on a single physical server. This leads to increased asset utilization as more servers can be accommodated in the same physical space. Additionally, virtualization reduces the need for multiple physical servers, resulting in decreased data center energy needs.

A customer who does not have the IT infrastructure to handle variable system load is the best fit for a deployment on a public cloud. Public clouds offer scalability and flexibility, allowing customers to easily adjust their resources based on fluctuating demands. This is particularly beneficial for customers who do not have the necessary infrastructure to handle sudden increases or decreases in system load. By utilizing a public cloud, they can leverage the cloud provider's infrastructure to efficiently manage their variable workload without the need for significant investments in their own IT infrastructure.

A common trait of cloud architectures is that the application automatically scales up or down based on resource needs. This means that the cloud infrastructure can dynamically allocate more computing resources to the application when there is high demand, and reduce the resources when the demand decreases. This scalability allows for efficient resource utilization and ensures that the application can handle varying workloads effectively.

The correct answer is "metered." Metered billing is a billing model that charges customers based on the amount of computing resources they use, such as computation and storage. This means that customers are billed for the actual usage of these resources, rather than a fixed or recurring fee. It offers a more flexible and cost-effective approach, as customers only pay for what they actually use.