cloud computing and storage

Question 1

what is the cloud

Answer 1

another name for services offered via the internet.
the cloud can be split into two major areas;
- cloud storage
- cloud computing

Question 2

cloud storage

Answer 2

allows users to store files and data on the internet.
- tends to be more sophisticated than offline storage

features often include;
- data stored in multiple locations
- a professional company will manage the data

Question 3

cloud storage features

Answer 3

further features include;
- synchronisation across multiple devices to the cloud
- 24/7 availability
- redundancy (multiple copies of data are stored in different locations to ensure data is always available even if one copy become unavailable)
- multiple file versions
- only pay for storage used (increasing offline storage requires the purchase of new disks but cloud storage normally charges for the amount used)
- scalability (ability of storage system or cloud computing resources to increase in size)

Question 4

data centres

Answer 4

buildings that are dedicated to storing computer servers
- professional engineers will manage the computers
- the buildings will have temp. control and air conditioning
- uptimes for data centres are often better than 99.99%

Question 5

what protections need to be in place to protect data in data centres?

Answer 5

security;
- door entry locks (biometric & physical)
- security staff & cctv
- fire protection systems

backups;
- power backups including diesel generators and batteries
- backups of the data both onsite & offsite

Question 6

access rights

Answer 6

cloud storage allows different users to be given different rights
- one or more users may have ownership rights or manager rights which will allow them to change access rights and delete files
- the most basic right is the read or view right
- edit, write or modify rights allow users to make changes to a file

Question 7

cloud computing

Answer 7

online applications do most of their computing & processing in the cloud

applications are typically accessed either through;
- a web browser
- an app on the users device
(EXAMPLES; g suite, office 365, and specialist software such as Accounting)

Question 8

online application adv.

Answer 8

access files from any browser/computer in the world

collab tools will show who is editing a file and allow messaging and chat

versions of files can be regularly saved automatically

everyone can edit the most up to date copy of a file

easy to set up new employees - no specialist software to install

Question 9

platforms

Answer 9

the computer hardware, and operating system that runs on it
- cross-platform: software that runs on many platforms
(EXAMPLE; pc running win10, iphone running ios, amazon fire stick running fire os)

Question 10

platform features

Answer 10

input method (keyboard voice touch controller)
hard disk tech (magnetic/ssd)
durability
portability
RAM
screen size

Question 11

choosing cloud platforms

Answer 11

cloud platforms rely on a different company to store and provide the service
considerations should be made for the following;
- price may increase whilst subscribed to service
- updates may happen without being wanted and may require staff training
- a different company will be responsible for the security of data being stored.

Question 12

interface across platforms

Answer 12

interfaces will differ depending on the platform used
the type of interfaces typically used may also affect the choice of platform
- office software is unlikely to target game console platforms as users want to use a keyboard interface
- people who touch type prefer a physical keyboard to a virtual one on a tablet device

Question 13

costs of online services

Answer 13

there are different models used to charge people to use cloud services
(EXAMPLE)
youtube uses the model;
- free with advertising
- paid for as monthly subscription
- family membership w/ multiple users