Course Material for CSIT243 Exam Preparation

This course material now includes expanded examples, additional context, and
deeper insights to ensure comprehensive preparation for the CSIT243 examination.

Module I: Introduction to Cloud Computing

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—including servers,

storage, databases, networking, software, and more—over the internet (“cloud”). It
allows businesses and individuals to access technology resources on demand without
owning the underlying infrastructure.

Benefits for Businesses:

1. Scalability: Resources can be scaled up or down based on demand.

2. Cost Efficiency: Reduces upfront costs for hardware and maintenance.

3. Accessibility: Enables access to resources from anywhere with an internet

connection.

Expanded Example:

• Netflix: Uses cloud computing to store and stream videos worldwide. By

leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS), Netflix can scale its infrastructure to
accommodate spikes in user demand during popular releases or holiday
seasons.

Additional Context: Cloud computing also enables rapid innovation. For instance,
startups can develop and deploy applications without significant capital investment
in physical infrastructure, levelling the playing field with larger enterprises.

Cloud Deployment Models

1. Public Cloud: Hosted by third-party providers; resources are shared among

multiple users.

o Example: Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform.

o Use Case: Hosting websites for small businesses.

2. Private Cloud: Dedicated infrastructure for a single organization.

o Example: Banks using private clouds for sensitive financial data.

o Use Case: Storing confidential government or healthcare data.

3. Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds, enabling data sharing
between them.

o Example: A company storing sensitive data on a private cloud while

using a public cloud for collaborative tasks.
Expanded Example: An e-commerce company might use a hybrid cloud to store
customer purchase history in a private cloud (for security) while hosting its product
catalogue on a public cloud for scalability and faster access.

Main Layers of Cloud Computing

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources.

o Example: AWS EC2 for virtual machines.

o Additional Context: Suitable for businesses needing flexibility and control

over their infrastructure.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers tools and frameworks for app

development.

o Example: Google App Engine.

o Additional Context: Ideal for developers who want to focus on coding

without worrying about managing the underlying platform.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet.

o Example: Microsoft 365.

o Additional Context: SaaS reduces the need for software installation and
updates, providing users with immediate access to new features.

Module II: Cloud Computing for Everyone

Features of Cloud Computing

1. On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision resources as needed.

2. Broad Network Access: Accessible via standard devices.

3. Resource Pooling: Resources are shared among multiple customers.

4. Rapid Elasticity: Resources can scale dynamically.

5. Measured Service: Pay-as-you-go pricing model.

Expanded Example:

• Amazon Prime Video: Leverages elasticity to scale its streaming services during
global live events or the release of a new blockbuster film.

Comparison with Traditional Computing: Unlike traditional on-premises setups, cloud

computing provides flexibility and eliminates the need for dedicated hardware.

Testing as a Service (TaaS)

Cloud-based testing services allow businesses to test applications in virtual

environments.

Example: Load-testing an e-commerce site before a holiday sale.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective.

• No need for physical infrastructure.

• Scalable to simulate real-world conditions.

Expanded Use Case: A gaming company uses TaaS to test multiplayer online game
performance under peak traffic conditions before launch.

Public Cloud for Small Businesses

Pros:

• Cost-effective for startups.

• No need for infrastructure management.

• Scalability to meet growing demands.

Cons:

• Security concerns.

• Limited customization.

• Potential data residency issues.

Expanded Example: A bakery using Dropbox to share recipes and marketing materials
while Google Ads runs analytics campaigns to target customers.

Module III: Governance in the Clouds

Governance as a Service (GaaS)

Provides tools and policies to manage cloud resources effectively.

Use Case:

• Automating compliance checks in a financial institution.

• Monitoring resource usage to optimize costs.

Expanded Example:

• Healthcare: A hospital using GaaS to ensure compliance with HIPAA

regulations by monitoring and securing electronic health records (EHR).

Challenges in Cloud Governance

1. Data Security and Privacy: Ensuring sensitive data is protected.

2. Policy Implementation: Enforcing consistent governance across multiple cloud

environments.

3. Cost Management: Avoiding resource overuse.

Expanded Example: A multinational corporation struggles to enforce consistent
policies across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud due to differing capabilities and
interfaces.

Service Directory in Cloud Environments

A service directory lists all available cloud services, simplifying resource management.

Importance:

• Helps track service usage.

• Enables efficient resource allocation.

Expanded Example: AWS Service Catalog allows organizations to create and

manage approved services, helping an IT team standardize development tools across
departments.

Module IV: Working from Services to Clouds and Cloud Services

Storage as a Service

Enables businesses to store data in the cloud without maintaining physical storage
devices.

Use Cases:

• Backup and disaster recovery.

• Archiving old records.

Expanded Example: A law firm uses Amazon S3 to archive thousands of legal

documents, ensuring secure storage with easy retrieval for compliance audits.

Task Management in Cloud Collaboration Tools

Cloud-based tools like Trello and Asana enhance teamwork by providing task
assignments, progress tracking, and deadline management.

Expanded Example: A marketing team uses Trello to track campaign deliverables,

with team members updating task statuses in real time.

Meta Services in Cloud Computing

Meta services integrate multiple cloud services to offer seamless functionality.

Difference from Traditional Services: Meta services enable orchestration and

automation across various cloud platforms, unlike isolated traditional services.

Expanded Example: AWS Lambda triggering data processing workflows that integrate
with S3, DynamoDB, and CloudWatch for real-time event-driven architectures.
Module V: Outside Cloud Storing and Sharing

Cloud Storage in Modern Businesses

Features:

• Scalability: Expand storage as needed.

• Cost-effectiveness: Pay only for what you use.

• Accessibility: Access from any device.

Impact on Adoption:

1. Reduced IT Costs: Eliminates hardware maintenance.

2. Improved Collaboration: Enables remote access and file sharing.

Expanded Example: A design firm using Adobe Creative Cloud for collaborative
projects, allowing designers in different locations to share and update files in real time.

Online File Storage vs Web Conferencing Tools

• Online File Storage: Focuses on storing and sharing files.

o Example: Google Drive.

• Web Conferencing Tools: Enables virtual meetings and screen sharing.

o Example: Zoom.

Expanded Applications: Online file storage complements web conferencing tools by

allowing meeting participants to share and collaborate on documents in real-time
during calls.

Practice Questions with Expanded Answers

1. Define cloud computing and list three benefits it offers for businesses.

Answer: Cloud computing delivers IT resources over the internet. Benefits include
scalability, cost-efficiency, and accessibility.

Real-Life Example: An e-commerce site using AWS to handle traffic spikes during sales.

Expanded Context: For startups, this model is particularly beneficial as it allows them
to compete with larger players without heavy infrastructure investments.

2. What is "Governance as a Service," and how is it used in cloud computing?

Answer: Governance as a Service provides tools for automating compliance,

monitoring resource usage, and enforcing policies. Example: A bank using GaaS to
ensure regulatory compliance.

Expanded Use Case: Universities use GaaS to ensure academic data integrity and
restrict access to sensitive research information.

3. Explain the concept of "Testing as a Service" in cloud computing.

Answer: TaaS uses cloud environments to test software applications cost-effectively.
Example: Testing an app’s scalability under simulated high traffic.

Expanded Context: TaaS also accelerates the development lifecycle by providing

pre-configured test environments that reduce setup time.

4. Compare public, private, and hybrid clouds.

Answer: Public clouds are shared and cost-effective, private clouds are secure but
expensive, and hybrid clouds balance both. Example: A hybrid setup for a retail
business managing sensitive payment data.

Expanded Context: Hybrid clouds are especially useful for industries like finance and
healthcare, where compliance requires secure data storage alongside public-facing
services.

5. Discuss the importance of integrating scheduling and task management tools

in cloud services.

Answer: Scheduling tools improve productivity by organizing tasks and deadlines.

Example: Using Microsoft Teams for project management and collaboration.

Expanded Example: Large-scale event planning relies on tools like Asana to assign
tasks across multiple teams, ensuring real-time updates and seamless communication.