Modular Assignment 1 - Applied Cloud Computing
1. Evolution of Computing Paradigms (Grid → Cluster →
Distributed → Utility → Cloud)
Computing has evolved significantly over the years.
Grid Computing: Multiple independent systems collaborate to solve large problems, often in
scientific research.
Cluster Computing: Interconnected computers work together as a single system, offering high
availability and parallel processing.
Distributed Computing: Tasks are divided across geographically separated systems with
message-passing communication.
Utility Computing: IT resources are provided on-demand and billed like utilities.
Cloud Computing: Combines the above with virtualization, scalability, elasticity, and service-based
models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
2. NIST Cloud Computing Reference Model Implementation
The NIST model defines cloud computing with five essential characteristics, three service models,
and four deployment models. For TechStartup Innovations:
• Service Models: IaaS (AWS EC2, Azure VM), PaaS (Google App Engine, AWS Elastic
Beanstalk), SaaS (Office 365, Salesforce).
• Deployment Models: Public Cloud (AWS, Azure), Private Cloud (VMware, OpenStack), Hybrid
Cloud (mix for sensitive workloads).
• Essential Characteristics: On-demand self-service, Broad network access, Resource pooling,
Rapid elasticity, Measured service.
3. Cloud vs Traditional Computing
Aspect Traditional On-Premises Cloud Computing
Scalability Limited, requires hardware purchase Elastic, scale up/down on demand
Cost Model CapEx – upfront investment OpEx – pay-as-you-go
Maintenance High – IT team manages servers Low – managed by provider
Uptime 99.5% (as per case) 99.9%+ with SLAs
Flexibility Rigid infrastructure Flexible, API-driven
4. Benefits, Risks, and Challenges of Cloud Adoption
Benefits: Cost efficiency, scalability, reduced maintenance, global accessibility, improved uptime.
Risks: Vendor lock-in, security/privacy concerns, compliance issues.
Challenges: Migration complexity, staff skill gap, cost optimization management.
5. Comparison Matrix: Cloud vs Cluster vs Grid Computing
Feature Cluster Grid Cloud
Resource Management Centralized Decentralized Virtualized & automated
Scalability Limited Moderate High & elastic
Cost Model Hardware investment Shared collaboration Pay-as-you-go
Use Case High-performance tasks Scientific research Business applications, startups
6. Open Standards Strategy and Vendor Selection
Adopting open standards ensures interoperability and avoids vendor lock-in. TechStartup
Innovations can use tools like Kubernetes (open-source container orchestration) and APIs
compliant with OpenStack. Vendor selection criteria: pricing (AWS, Azure, GCP), regional
availability, compliance certifications, support. Recommendation: Start with AWS (broad
ecosystem, scalability) and consider hybrid/multi-cloud strategy for resilience.