Chapter 8: Emerging Technologies (Segregated Content)

Cloud computing, in simple terms, means storing files on a place that is not the local hard drive

. It is a network technique that allows organizations to share resources using the internet. Cloud
computing is a combination of software and hardware-based computing resources delivered as
a networked service, allowing companies to scale up to massive capacities instantly without
investing in new infrastructure, training personnel, or licensing new software

This chapter details various emerging technologies, including cloud computing models (IaaS,
PaaS, SaaS), mobile computing, virtualization, and virtual organizations

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Question 1: What do you understand by Public cloud? Also discuss its major advantages in brief.

Layman Summary: A public cloud is a shared computing platform, similar to a public utility,
where the physical hardware is owned and operated by a third-party provider (like Google or
Amazon). Its costs are spread across many users, meaning businesses can use it on a flexible
"pay-as-you-go" basis, making it very quick to deploy IT resources and scale capacity up or down
instantly.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

Define Public Based on shared physical hardware which is owned and operated by
1
Cloud. third-party providers

. This environment can be used by the general public (individuals, corporations)

What are the cost Offers utility billing (low-cost, pay as you go approach) by
2
advantages of Public Cloud? spreading infrastructure costs across a number of users

. Users incur no hardware or maintenance costs

What are the performance advantages of Public Allows for the rapid deployment of IT
3
Cloud? resources
. Highly scalable and reliable, allowing businesses to scale compute power up and down in
minutes as demands change

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Question 2: What is Private cloud? Also explain its major advantages in brief.

Layman Summary: A private cloud is a cloud computing environment built exclusively for a
single organization. It gives the organization the benefits of cloud technology (like scalability)
while keeping all the data and services behind its own firewall. This is ideal for firms that need
strict control over their data security.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

1 Define Private Cloud. A type of cloud computing dedicated to a single organization

. It resides within the boundaries of an organization and is used exclusively for its benefits (also
called internal clouds)

What are the primary advantages of Minimizes security concerns because services are
2
Private Cloud? hosted behind a firewall

. Gives companies direct control over their data. Addresses concerns regarding data security
and control which may be lacking in a public cloud environment

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Question 3: Write short notes on Hybrid Cloud? What are the advantages of Hybrid cloud?

Layman Summary: A hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud environments, allowing
them to work together. This provides great flexibility, enabling companies to host sensitive or
critical work on the private, secure side, while using the lower-cost public cloud for less critical
resources, such as testing and development.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

1 Define Hybrid A cloud computing environment that uses a mix of on-premises, private
 Cloud. cloud, and public cloud services

. Workloads can move between private and public clouds as computing needs and costs change

How is a Hybrid An enterprise can deploy a private cloud for sensitive or critical
2 Cloud typically workloads, but use a third-party public cloud (like Google Compute
utilized? Engine) to host less-critical resources (e.g., test and development)

What are the advantages of Hybrid It is highly scalable and gives the power of both private
3
Cloud? and public clouds

. Provides better security than the public cloud. Services are provided and managed by the
service providers, reducing management effort from the end user side

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Question 4: Explain Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) model of cloud computing.

Layman Summary: IaaS is the most fundamental cloud service, providing the basic computing
building blocks like processing power, memory, storage, and networks virtually, usually over the
internet. The user gets to run their own software and applications on this virtual hardware
without needing to own or maintain the physical IT equipment themselves.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Front
Card Back (Answer)
(Question)

A hardware level service that provides core computing resources

What is
1 (processing power, memory, storage, and networks) for cloud users to run
IaaS?
their applications on demand

What does IaaS abstract and It changes computing from a physical infrastructure to a
2
manage? virtual infrastructure

. Users maximize utilization of computing capacities without having to own and manage their
own resources
.

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Question 5: Explain Platform as a service (PaaS).

Layman Summary: PaaS delivers a complete environment needed to develop, deploy, and
manage applications (including the operating system, server software, and tools) all via the
cloud. This means developers can immediately start coding without worrying about setting up
or licensing the underlying infrastructure.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Front
Card Back (Answer)
(Question)

What is Provides the users the ability to develop and deploy an application on the
1
PaaS? development platform provided by the service provider

In traditional development, the application would be developed

How does PaaS differ from
2 locally and hosted centrally, often requiring licensing-based
traditional development?
software. PaaS provides the platform directly

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Question 6: Explain Software as a service (SaaS).

Layman Summary: SaaS is software delivered over the internet, typically accessed through a
web browser (like using an online email service). The user doesn't install or manage the
application; the cloud provider hosts it, handles all updates automatically, and makes it available
from any internet-connected device.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Front
Card Back (Answer)
(Question)

A model where a provider hosts an application and makes it available to

1 What is SaaS?
customers over the Internet

.
 What are key operational benefits Updates will usually be deployed automatically by the
2
of SaaS? cloud provider

. Offers cross device compatibility, making it ideal for those who use phones, tablets, and
different computers

What are usage features of Accessible from any location with an internet-enabled
3
SaaS? device

. Applications can often be customized to suit the needs and branding of a particular customer

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Question 7: Explain, in brief, the characteristics of Cloud Computing.

Layman Summary: Cloud computing is defined by being highly flexible (agility), capable of
servicing large audiences (scalability), sharing computing power among users (resource
pooling), and being billed based on actual usage (pay-per-use) via service agreements.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing Scalability is high (enabling service for

1
(Performance)? larger audiences)

. Agility to provision exactly what the business wants (CPU, memory, disk space). Rapid
Elasticity (quickly scale resources up or down)

Key Characteristics of Cloud Services are provided in Pay-Per-Use Mode based on

2
Computing (Service Model)? SLAs (Service Level Agreements)

. On demand, self-service

Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing The cloud works in the ‘distributed mode’
3
(Distribution)? environment

. Resource Pooling (sharing resources among users and tasks)

.

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Question 8: Briefly discuss the advantages of Cloud Computing.

Layman Summary: Cloud computing offers massive, almost unlimited storage, eliminating
worries about running out of space. It is highly cost-efficient because it replaces expensive
traditional licensing fees with pay-as-you-go models. It also allows for quick system deployment
and easy access to information from any location with internet access.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

Advantages related to Storage and Provides Almost Unlimited Storage

1
Recovery? capacity

. Makes the entire process of backup and recovery much simpler

Advantages related to Cost and Cost Efficiency (available at cheaper rates than traditional
2
Deployment? desktop software and licensing fees)

. Provides the advantage of quick deployment (system can be fully functional in a matter of
minutes)

Advantage related Easy Access to Information from anywhere with an Internet connection,
3
to Access? moving beyond time zone and geographic location issues

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Question 9: Discuss the various roles of IT in cloud computing.

Layman Summary: The IT department plays several critical roles in the cloud environment.
Developers build the necessary systems, Administrators control access and user accounts, and
Governance teams ensure the system meets organizational and external standards.
Furthermore, IT must manage security and privacy, evaluate the financial impact (cost vs.
automation), and mitigate the risks associated with connectivity and data security.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

Role of IT: Development and Developers are needed in increasing numbers due to the
1
Administration? rapid acceptance of cloud computing

. Administrators are the guardians and legislators of the IT system, responsible for control of
user access (passwords, user creation)

Role of IT: Governance Governance team monitors the standards of cloud computing and
2
and Security? determines broader collaboration needs

. Security and privacy are high priorities, as reliable security is essential for the cloud business
to succeed

Role of IT: Financial and Risk IT operations must evaluate Bandwidth Requirement as it
3
Management? is a potential bottleneck

. IT must analyze Financial Impact, noting that cloud computing implicitly automates some
administrative and management functions. They also perform Mitigation of Risk (data security,
connectivity, malicious actions)

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Question 10: Write short notes on Mobile Computing.

Layman Summary: Mobile computing is a technological approach that allows users to access
services and transmit data while physically moving between locations. It solves the critical
business problem of mobility by enabling communication and data access from remote, on-the-
move devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

Define Mobile A technological paradigm that allows users to access services and
1
Computing. transmit data while moving from one location to another

2 What is the primary benefit of Solves the biggest problem of business people on the
 mobile computing? move, which is mobility

. It allows users to transmit data from remote locations to other remote or fixed locations

List common Mobile Personal digital assistant/enterprise digital assistant,

3
Computing devices. Smartphone, Tablet computer, and Laptops

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Question 11: Explain some of the limitations of mobile computing.

Layman Summary: Mobile computing is hindered by transmission interferences (weather,

terrain, distance from signal points) and power issues (need for green IT to save battery).
Furthermore, human interaction is difficult because screens and keyboards are typically small,
and there are potential health hazards (driver distraction, interference with sensitive medical
devices).

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

Technical/Environmental Transmission interferences (weather, terrain, and range

1
Limitations. from the nearest signal point)

. The need for greener IT to save power or increase the battery life

Human/Health Human interface with device (screens and keyboards tend to be

2
Limitations. small)

. Potential health hazard (people who use mobile devices while driving are often distracted; cell
phones interfere with sensitive medical devices)

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Question 12: Explain some of the tangible benefits of mobile computing.

Layman Summary: Mobile computing is a versatile technology that improves the quality and
accessibility of information, increasing efficiency. It allows staff to access corporate services and
the corporate knowledge base from any job location, and it enhances management
effectiveness by improving information flow and control over the mobile workforce.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

It is a versatile and strategic technology that increases information

General Benefits of
1 quality and accessibility, enhances efficiency, and improves
Mobile Computing.
management effectiveness

Access and Knowledge Facilitates access to corporate services and information at any
2
Benefits. time, from anywhere

. Provides remote access to the corporate Knowledgebase at the job location

Management Control Enables improved management effectiveness by enhancing

3
Benefit. information flow and ability to control a mobile workforce

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Question 13: Explain various categories/devices of mobile computing.

Layman Summary: Mobile devices range from standard Laptops to specialized smaller devices.
These include Ultra books (lightweight, stylish laptops), Netbooks (small, low-power laptops for
basic tasks), Tablet PCs (integrated electronic touch screens, sometimes hybrid or ruggedized),
E-Book Readers (for reading digital books with long battery life), and Smartphones (advanced
phones with high-resolution screens and sophisticated operating systems like Android or iOS).

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

1 Mobile Device Categories (Laptops/Small PCs). Laptops (notebooks)

. Ultra books (stylish, lightweight laptops). Netbooks (small, light, low-power notebook
computer suitable for web browsing)

2 Mobile Device Categories Tablet PCs (integrated electronic touch screen; may be
 (Touch/Specialized). slate, hybrid, or rugged)

. E-Book Readers (for reading digital books and periodicals, designed for minimal power
consumption)

Smartphones (mobile phone with highly advanced features, high-

Mobile Device
3 resolution touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, running systems like
Category (Handheld).
Android, iOS, or Windows Mobile)

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Question 14: What is virtualization? What are its various types?

Layman Summary: Virtualization is a broad term for creating an abstraction layer that makes
one physical resource appear as many virtual resources, or many physical resources appear as
one virtual resource. It is used to separate resources like servers, user desktops, networks, and
storage from the underlying physical hardware.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

A broad term referring to creating many virtual resources from one

Define
1 physical resource or creating one virtual resource from one or more
Virtualization.
physical resources

What is the effect of It is used to separate resources (like networking, storage,

2
virtualization? hardware) from their underlying physical reality

What are the Types of Server Virtualization, Client / Desktop / Application

3
Virtualization? Virtualization, Network Virtualization, and Storage Virtualization

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Question 15: Explain Server Virtualization.

Layman Summary: Server virtualization allows a single physical server to host multiple
independent virtual servers (Guest OSs) simultaneously. It dramatically boosts the utilization
rate of the physical hardware and makes resources easier to deploy and manage, often leading
to server consolidation and high availability.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

What is Server The ability to run multiple server operating systems (Guest OS)
1
Virtualization? simultaneously on a single physical host server

Leads to Server Consolidation (reducing the number of physical

What are the benefits of
2 servers needed), High Availability (easier maintenance, rapid
Server Virtualization?
provisioning), and Improved Utilization of physical resources

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Question 16: Explain Client / Desktop / Application Virtualization.

Layman Summary: This form of virtualization separates the user's computing experience
(desktop or application) from the physical device they are using. This can involve running
applications locally with virtual file systems (Application Virtualization) or running the entire
desktop from a central server (Hosted Desktop Virtualization). Benefits include reduced
downtime and centralized management of software.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

What is Client / Desktop / Refers to the abstraction of the user computing

1
Application Virtualization? experience from the physical device

Local Application Virtualization maintains separation and

Differentiate Local and
2 cleanness from the user's physical machine using virtual registries
Hosted Virtualization.
and file systems (e.g., Microsoft SoftGrid)

. Hosted Desktop Virtualization expands this to the entire desktop, running on a central server
(e.g., Microsoft Terminal Services)
.

What is a key benefit of High Availability is a benefit, as downtime can be minimized

3
Desktop Virtualization? with replication and fault tolerant hosted configurations

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Question 17: Explain Network Virtualization.

Layman Summary: Network virtualization combines physical network components (like routers
and switches) into a single, logical virtual network. This consolidation simplifies management,
allows administrators to prioritize traffic (quality of service), and enables the dynamic allocation
of network resources.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

The abstraction of network devices or the ability to combine

What is Network
1 physical networks into one virtual network for overall
Virtualization?
simplification of management

What operational capabilities does Allows for the prioritization of traffic (e.g.,
2
Network Virtualization provide? bandwidth throttling and quality of service)

What is the management Consolidation of physical networks into one virtual network for
3
benefit? overall simplification of management

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Question 18: Explain Storage Virtualization.

Layman Summary: Storage virtualization separates the logical storage (how the user sees the
data) from the physical storage hardware. This enables data to be moved between physical
devices without stopping access (data migration) and allows for the centralized management of
storage resources.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

What is Storage The process of abstracting logical storage from physical

1
Virtualization? storage

What are the methods and Often provided as a feature of array controllers, network
2
classifications? switches, or stand-alone network appliances

. Classified as in-band (symmetric) or out-of-band (asymmetric)

What are the key Data Migration (data can be easily migrated between storage locations
3
benefits? without interrupting live access)

. Improved Utilization (usage of storage devices can be balanced). Centralized Management

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Question 19: What is virtual organisation? What are its various characteristics?

Layman Summary: A virtual organization (also called a network or modular organization) is a

social network where boundaries are removed, and individuals work from physically dispersed
or mobile locations. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the backbone used to
coordinate their skills and resources to achieve common goals, prioritizing flexibility to respond
to market changes.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

Define Virtual A network of cooperation made possible by ICT, which is flexible

1
Organisation. and comes to meet the dynamics of the market

. It is a boundary less organization in which all horizontal and vertical boundaries are removed

What is the central Consists of individuals working out of physically dispersed work
2
mechanism? places or mobile devices

. ICT is the backbone that coordinates activities and combines the workers' skills and resources
.

Characteristics (List Flat organization, Dynamic, Informal communication, Power flexibility,

3
1). and Multi-disciplinary (virtual) teams

Vague organizational boundaries, Goal orientation, Customer orientation,

Characteristics
4 Home-work, Absence of apparent structure, Sharing of information, and
(List 2).
Staffed by knowledge workers

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Question 20: What are the various types of virtual organisation?

Layman Summary: Virtual organizations are structured based on how they utilize internal and
external resources. They can be Outsourced (relying on outside suppliers for major functions),
Internal (using dispersed teams linked by IT within one company), or Completely Virtual (a
tightly linked network of partners, suppliers, and distributors, often without physical walls).

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

1 Name the types of Virtual Organisation. Outsourced, Internal, and Completely Virtual

Describe Outsourced and Internal Virtual Outsourced: Rely heavily on external suppliers
2
Organisations. for key functions

. Internal: Use dispersed teams/workers linked by ICT within a single company

Companies without walls that are tightly linked to a large

Describe Completely
3 network of suppliers, distributors, retailers, customers, and
Virtual Organisations.
partners

. Example: Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) and the development efforts of
the PC by IBM

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Question 21: Write short notes on XML.

Layman Summary: XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a standard code language designed
specifically for storing and transporting data, not for displaying it (unlike HTML). Its tags are
defined by the user (self-describing), and because it is platform and language independent, it is
internationally accepted and widely used by corporations for data interfaces with databases and
applications.

Flashcards for Quick Revision:

Card Front (Question) Back (Answer)

1 What is XML? A mark-up language designed to store and transport data

. It is not a replacement for HTML

What are the key technical features of XML tags are not predefined (you must define your
2
XML? own tags)

. It is platform independent and language independent

Why is XML Its international acceptance makes it truly powerful, as many

3 considered corporations use XML interfaces for databases, programming, office
powerful? applications, and mobile phones