Cloud Computing – Consolidated SAQs
and LAQs
Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
Q1. Define Cloud Computing.
Cloud computing is a model that enables on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable
computing resources (servers, storage, applications, and services) over the internet, with
minimal management effort.
Q2. What are the essential characteristics of Cloud Computing?
Key characteristics include:
1. On-demand self-service
2. Broad network access
3. Resource pooling
4. Rapid elasticity
5. Measured service.
Q3. Differentiate between Virtualization and Cloud Computing.
Virtualization abstracts computing resources (e.g., multiple VMs on one physical server).
Cloud computing builds on virtualization to deliver IT resources as on-demand services via
the internet.
Q4. What are Service Technologies and Service APIs in Cloud Computing?
Service technologies are the tools/methods that enable cloud service delivery (e.g., REST,
SOAP). Service APIs are interfaces that allow developers to interact with cloud services
programmatically.
Q5. List different Cloud Deployment Models.
The four main models are: Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, and Community Cloud.
Q6. Explain IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service – provides virtualized hardware (e.g., AWS EC2).
PaaS: Platform as a Service – provides environment to build apps (e.g., Google App Engine).
SaaS: Software as a Service – provides ready-to-use apps (e.g., Gmail, Salesforce).
Q7. What is Multi-Tenant Virtualization?
It allows multiple customers (tenants) to share the same physical cloud infrastructure while
keeping their data isolated and secure.
Q8. Define Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).
SOA is an architectural style where services are modular, reusable, and loosely coupled,
facilitating integration across platforms.
Q9. Define Virtualization.
Virtualization is the creation of virtual instances of computing resources such as servers,
storage, or networks, enabling efficient resource utilization.
Q10. Mention key benefits of Cloud Computing.
1. Cost efficiency
2. Scalability
3. Flexibility
4. Reliability
5. Reduced maintenance efforts.
Long Answer Questions (LAQs)
Q1. Explain the Cloud Computing Reference Model with a neat diagram.
The Cloud Reference Model describes how cloud services are delivered and consumed. It
includes:
- Cloud Consumers
- Cloud Providers
- Cloud Services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Cloud Deployment Models
It helps standardize understanding across providers and users.
Q2. Explain Virtualization in detail with its types.
Virtualization types include:
1. Server Virtualization
2. Storage Virtualization
3. Network Virtualization
4. Desktop Virtualization
Each type enhances efficiency, resource sharing, and flexibility in cloud environments.
Q3. Explain Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and its significance in Cloud.
SOA organizes software into reusable services with defined interfaces. In cloud computing,
SOA allows flexible, interoperable, and scalable service delivery.
Q4. Compare Cloud Deployment Models.
1. Public Cloud – owned by third parties, accessible to all.
2. Private Cloud – dedicated to a single organization.
3. Hybrid Cloud – combination of public & private.
4. Community Cloud – shared by organizations with common goals.
Q5. Explain Cloud Service Models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) with examples.
IaaS provides infrastructure (e.g., AWS EC2), PaaS provides development platforms (e.g.,
Azure App Service), SaaS provides software apps (e.g., Dropbox).
Q6. Discuss Multi-Tenant Virtualization and its challenges.
Multi-tenancy enables resource sharing while isolating tenants. Challenges: ensuring
security, performance isolation, compliance, and customization.
Q7. Explain Service Technologies and APIs in detail.
Cloud services rely on technologies like REST, SOAP, JSON, XML. APIs allow programmatic
access to these services (e.g., AWS SDK, Google Cloud APIs).
Q8. Write short notes on: (a) Cloud Security (b) Cloud Storage.
a) Cloud Security: Protects data, apps, and infrastructure with encryption, IAM, firewalls.
b) Cloud Storage: Provides scalable, on-demand storage accessible via the internet (e.g.,
Amazon S3).
Q9. Explain essential characteristics of Cloud Computing with examples.
On-demand self-service (AWS EC2), broad network access (Gmail), resource pooling (Azure
VMs), elasticity (Auto-scaling), measured service (Pay-as-you-go billing).
Q10. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Cloud Computing.
Advantages: Cost-effective, scalable, reliable.
Disadvantages: Security risks, downtime, vendor lock-in, limited control.