Explain Cloud Computing architecture.

Ans:

Cloud computing architecture is divided into two main components: the Front End and the
Back End:

Front End:

The Front End refers to the user-facing part of the cloud computing architecture that users
interact with directly. It comprises three key parts:

1. Software

o This includes software that runs on the user's side, allowing access to cloud
services.

o Typically, this takes the form of web browsers (e.g., Chrome) or client-side
applications (e.g., Google Drive app).

2. User Interface

o The user interface is the part that users interact with directly to perform tasks
on the cloud.

o For example, the Gmail interface for sending and receiving emails or the text
editor in Google Docs.

3. Client Device/Network

o The client-side hardware or network used to access cloud services, such as

a user’s PC, tablet, or smartphone.

o These devices typically do not require significant computing power since

most processing happens on the cloud.

Back End:

The Back End refers to the server-side infrastructure that powers the cloud. It includes core
components such as servers, storage, and applications, generally managed by the cloud
provider. The Back End consists of the following:
1. Application

o Refers to the server-side interface provided to the user.

o It processes requests from the front end, ensuring smooth operation of cloud
applications.

2. Service

o Handles specific tasks within the cloud, such as data storage, web hosting,
or application development.

o Examples include Amazon S3 for storage and Google App Engine for
development.

3. Cloud Runtime

o Acts as the environment where services run, akin to an operating system for
the cloud.

o Built using virtualization technology, enabling multiple environments (or

runtimes) to run on a single server. Hypervisors like VMware or Oracle VM
create and manage these runtimes.

4. Storage

o Where all the data required for cloud services is stored.

o It includes hard drives, SSDs, and persistent storage technologies like Intel
Optane.

5. Infrastructure

o The backbone powering cloud services, including hardware like CPUs, GPUs,
motherboards, and network cards.

o Specialized components like accelerator cards are also used for advanced
tasks.

o Additionally, infrastructure includes management and security services:

▪ Management: Middleware that dynamically allocates system

resources between front and back ends.

▪ Security: Virtual firewalls, data redundancy, and failover mechanisms

ensure system security and reliability.
Explain and Compare Cloud Service Models.

Ans:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides virtualized infrastructure resources such as servers, storage, networks, and
operating systems over the cloud. It is ideal for users who require high control and
customization for their environments, as it allows them to configure, manage, and utilize
these resources according to their specific needs.

Examples:

• Public IaaS: Pay-per-use resources from cloud providers (e.g., AWS EC2).

• Private IaaS: Internal IT teams providing resources for specific users or business
partners.

Characteristics of IaaS:

1. Resource Virtualization

o Offers virtualized computing resources (e.g., servers, storage, and networks)

that users can manage and configure as required.

2. Full Control Over Infrastructure

o Users have complete control over the operating system, middleware, and
runtime environments, enabling deep customization.

3. On-Demand Availability (Shared Across Models)

o Resources are provisioned whenever needed, ensuring flexibility and

immediate access.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS provides a pre-configured environment with integrated tools, libraries, and

frameworks for developing, deploying, and scaling applications. It abstracts infrastructure
management, enabling developers to focus solely on application creation without worrying
about the underlying hardware.

Examples:

• Public PaaS: Platforms like Google App Engine for application development.

• Private PaaS: Dedicated platforms set up within an organization for internal use.

Characteristics of PaaS:

1. Development Environment

o Offers tools, libraries, and frameworks, simplifying the application

development lifecycle.

2. Abstracted Infrastructure Management

o The provider manages servers, storage, and networking, allowing developers

to focus on coding and deployment.

3. Scalability and Elasticity (Shared Across Models)

o Automatically adjusts resources to handle application demands, ensuring

efficient performance.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers fully functional software applications through the cloud, hosted by providers
and accessed via the internet. Consumers benefit from ready-to-use solutions without the
need to manage underlying infrastructure or perform maintenance tasks.

Examples:

• Public SaaS: Google Workspace applications like Gmail and Google Docs.

• Private SaaS: Organizations hosting software for secure, internal use.

Characteristics of SaaS:

1. Ready-to-Use Applications

o Provides fully operational applications that users can access instantly

without installation or maintenance.

2. Multi-Tenant Architecture

o Supports multiple users on a shared platform while maintaining data

isolation.

3. Pay-as-You-Go Pricing (Shared Across Models)

o Billing is based on actual usage, aligning costs with consumption patterns.

Comparison of Service Models:

Explain and Compare Cloud Deployment Models.

Ans:

1. Public Cloud:

Public clouds are managed by third-party

providers and made available to the public over
the internet. They operate on a pay-as-you-go
billing model, making them highly cost-efficient
and accessible.

Advantages:

1. Cost Efficiency:

o Minimizes IT infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for on-premises

hardware, enabling businesses to handle peak loads effectively.

2. Startup-Friendly:

o Provides ready-to-use IT resources without requiring significant upfront

investment, making it ideal for small enterprises.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Control:

o Users have minimal control over the infrastructure and must rely on the
provider for updates and maintenance.

2. Potential Security Concerns:

o Shared resources among multiple users may expose sensitive data to higher
risks of unauthorized access.

Examples:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure.
2. Private Cloud:

Private clouds operate on dedicated infrastructure,

offering exclusive access to computing resources for
a single organization. They are tailored to meet
specific business requirements and compliance
needs.

Advantages:

1. Enhanced Control and Security:

o Provides full control over infrastructure, ensuring robust data privacy and
compliance.

2. Customizability:

o Infrastructure can be tailored to meet specific performance, security, and

regulatory requirements.

Disadvantages:

1. Higher Costs:

o Significant upfront investment and ongoing operational expenses are

required to maintain private cloud infrastructure.

2. Limited Scalability:

o Rapid scalability may be challenging without adding more hardware

resources.

Examples:

• VMware Cloud, OpenStack, IBM Cloud Private.

3. Hybrid Cloud:

A hybrid cloud integrates public and

private clouds, enabling organizations to
balance scalability and security by using
each environment for specific tasks.
Advantages:

1. Scalability with Control:

o Combines the scalability of public clouds with the security of private clouds,
allowing on-demand resource allocation.

2. Cost Optimization:

o Businesses can optimize costs by shifting workloads between public and

private clouds based on demand and sensitivity.

Disadvantages:

1. Complexity in Management:

o Managing a hybrid environment requires expertise and tools to ensure

smooth integration and efficient operations.

2. Potential Security Risks:

o Data transfer between public and private clouds may introduce

vulnerabilities, necessitating robust security measures.

Examples:

• Microsoft Azure Stack, AWS Outposts, Google Anthos.

4. Community Cloud

Community clouds are designed for organizations with

shared goals or industries. Resources are shared among
multiple organizations, enabling collaboration while
maintaining specific compliance standards.

Advantages:

1. Shared Costs and Resources:

o Reduces individual expenses by sharing infrastructure and services across

organizations with similar requirements.

2. Collaboration and Compliance:

o Facilitates collaboration and meets industry-specific compliance needs

effectively.
Disadvantages:

1. Complexity in Shared Management:

o Dividing responsibilities among participants may lead to coordination

challenges and inefficiencies.

2. Limited Resource Availability:

o Resource allocation may be constrained when serving a large number of

participants.

Examples:

• Government or industry-specific clouds, such as healthcare clouds or education

sector clouds.

Comparison of Deployment Models:

Define SLA.

Ans: A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a formalized agreement between a cloud service
provider and a client that outlines the expected performance, responsibilities, and metrics
for the services provided.

Different Levels of SLA:

1. Customer-based SLA 2. Service-based SLA 3. Multilevel SLA

Parameters in SLA:

1. Availability 2. Latency 3. Reliability 4. Accountability 5. Warranties

Define SLO.

Ans: SLOs are specific performance targets within a Service Level Agreement (SLA), such
as 99.9% uptime or a 2-second response time. They define measurable goals that a service
provider must meet to ensure quality. By setting clear expectations, SLOs also help both
parties track and assess service performance over time.

Differentiate between SLA and SLO. (Any 2 points)

Ans: