1. Compare the similarities and differences between traditional computing and the computing clouds launched in recent years. Also discuss possible convergence of the two computing paradigms in the future.
2. An increasing number of organizations in industry and business adopt cloud systems. Answer the following questions regarding cloud computing:
a. List and describe the main characteristics of cloud computing systems.
b. Discuss key enabling technologies in cloud computing systems.
c. Discuss different ways for cloud service providers to maximize their revenues.
d. Characterize the three cloud computing models using suitable examples.

Answer and explanation:

(1)

Resilience and Elasticity  

The information and applications hosted in the cloud are evenly distributed across all the servers, which are connected to work as one. Therefore, if one server fails, no data is lost and downtime is avoided. The cloud also offers more storage space and server resources, including better computing power. This means your software and applications will perform faster.  

Flexibility and Scalability

Cloud hosting offers an enhanced level of flexibility and scalability in comparison to traditional data centres. The on-demand virtual space of cloud computing has unlimited storage space and more server resources. Cloud servers can scale up or down depending on the level of traffic your website receives, and you will have full control to install any software as and when you need to. This provides more flexibility for your business to grow.

Automation

A key difference between cloud computing and traditional IT infrastructure is how they are managed. Cloud hosting is managed by the storage provider who takes care of all the necessary hardware, ensures security measures are in place, and keeps it running smoothly. Traditional data centres require heavy administration in-house, which can be costly and time consuming for your business. Fully trained IT personnel may be needed to ensure regular monitoring and maintenance of your servers – such as upgrades, configuration problems, threat protection and installations.  

Running Costs

Cloud computing is more cost effective than traditional IT infrastructure due to methods of payment for the data storage services. With cloud based services, you only pay for what is used – similarly to how you pay for utilities such as electricity. Furthermore, the decreased likelihood of downtime means improved workplace performance and increased profits in the long run.  

Security  

Cloud computing is an external form of data storage and software delivery, which can make it seem less secure than local data hosting. Anyone with access to the server can view and use the stored data and applications in the cloud, wherever internet connection is available. Choosing a cloud service provider that is completely transparent in its hosting of cloud platforms and ensures optimum security measures are in place is crucial when transitioning to the cloud.

2(a)The five main characteristics of cloud computing systems are given below:

On-demand self-service: That is used when needed

Broad network access: That is ubiquitous, that is, it is everywhere

Multi-tenancy and resource pooling: That is sharing of resources

Rapid elasticity and scalability : Deploy only the amount of resources needed at a time

Measured service: Pay for what you use

(b)The five key enabling technologies in cloud computing systems are given below:

(c). The three different ways for cloud service providers to maximize their revenues:

Development : Here the revenue comes from subscriptions paid by the customers.These also testing a new market for development.

Reselling : Using a pre-developed service or a cloud-based application- if it works really well. Then it can be ported to an on-premises solution thus bringing is a large possibility of prospective consumers.These also testing a new market for deployment.

Hosting: Server hardware is very expensive thus cloud computing is marketed as a good solution for  disaster recovery solutions for customer data and profits are made as per subscription or dynamic virtual resource renting approach

(d)The characteristics of three cloud computing models using suitable examples is given below:  

IAAS: This provides virtualized computing resources over cloud i.e over the internet. Here the cloud provider will host the infrastructure components which are traditionally present in an on-premises data center, hardware,servers etc. For example: Google Compute Engine, Linode

PAAS: This usually provides a platform as a service which allows the customers to develop, run, and manage applications. The users do not have to undergo the the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure which is typically associated with developing and launching an app if they are using a PAAS. Examples are AWS Elastik beanstalk, Apache Stratos

SAAS:In this model model the customer is  provided with access to application software which is often referred to as "on-demand software". For example Google Drive, PayPal etc