Cloud Concepts (25%-30%) Flashcards
What is cloud computing, and how does it differ from traditional datacenters?
Cloud computing delivers IT services over the internet, including VMs, storage, and advanced services like AI. Unlike traditional datacenters, it allows rapid scaling without physical constraints.
Define cloud computing
What is the shared responsibility model?
The cloud provider manages physical infrastructure, while the consumer handles data, access security, and identity management. Responsibilities vary by service type (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
Describe the shared responsibility model
What are the three main cloud deployment models?
- Public cloud: Shared, cost-efficient, publicly available.
- Private cloud: Controlled, secure, single-entity use.
- Hybrid cloud: Combines public and private clouds for flexibility.
Define cloud models, including public, private, and hybrid
What is a multi-cloud setup, and how does Azure Arc support it?
Multi-cloud uses multiple cloud providers for flexibility or migration. Azure Arc manages resources across public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.
Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud model
What is the difference between CapEx and OpEx in cloud computing?
CapEx involves upfront costs for physical infrastructure. OpEx is ongoing expenses like pay-as-you-go services, enabling flexible, consumption-based spending.
Describe the consumption-based model
What are the benefits of the consumption-based model?
- Pay only for what you use
- Scale resources as needed
- Avoid upfront costs
- Reduce waste from over-provisioning
Compare cloud pricing models
What is serverless computing, and what are examples in Azure?
Serverless allows code execution without managing infrastructure. Azure Functions and Logic Apps provide event-driven compute and workflow automation.
Describe serverless
What is high availability in the cloud, and how does Azure support it?
High availability ensures resources are available when needed, regardless of disruptions. Azure provides uptime guarantees as part of its service-level agreements (SLAs).
Basic: Uptime of your server - A conscious effort to avoid downtime
Describe the benefits of high availability and scalability in the cloud
What is scalability in the cloud, and what are its two types?
Scalability adjusts resources to meet demand.
* Vertical scaling - increases resource capabilities (e.g., adding CPUs)
* Horizontal scaling - adds or removes resources (e.g., virtual machines).
V Scaling - +/- more compute power — H Scaling - +/- more servers
Describe the benefits of high availability and scalability in the cloud
What is elasticity in the cloud?
The ability of a system to quickly & easily scale up or down
* Has to involve some sort of automation
Describe the benefits of high availability and scalability in the cloud
How does reliability benefit cloud solutions, and how is it achieved in Azure?
Reliability ensures systems recover from failures and continue to function.
* Azure’s decentralized design allows resources to shift between regions during disruptions.
How is it achieved?
* Auto-scaling
* Avoid single points of failure
* Multi-region deployments
* Data backup and replication
* Health probes and self-healing
Hardware, network, power, regional outage failures
Describe the benefits of reliability and predictability in the cloud
What does predictability mean in the cloud?
Predictability ensures consistent performance (autoscaling, load balancing) and cost forecasting.
* Azure offers tools like the Pricing Calculator to estimate spending.
Describe the benefits of reliability and predictability in the cloud
How do cloud solutions enhance security and governance?
Cloud supports compliance with templates, auditing, and automatic updates.
* Azure protects against DDoS attacks and allows control over security based on service type.
Describe the benefits of security and governance in the cloud
What are the two types of manageability in the cloud?
- Management of the cloud handles scaling, monitoring, and replacing resources.
- Management in the cloud allows control via web portals, CLI, APIs, or PowerShell.
Describe the benefits of manageability in the cloud
What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and what responsibilities does it include?
IaaS provides maximum control over cloud resources.
* The cloud provider handles physical infrastructure and connectivity, while you manage operating systems, networking, storage, and databases.
Datacenter in the cloud - You manage
Describe infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
What are common use cases for IaaS?
- Lift-and-shift migration: Move on-prem workloads to IaaS.
- Testing and development: Quickly replicate and manage test environments.
Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud service type (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS)
What is Platform as a Service (PaaS), and what responsibilities does it include?
PaaS provides a managed development environment.
* The cloud provider maintains physical infrastructure, OS, databases, and development tools, while you focus on building applications.
Upload code/config - No need to manage actual server
Describe platform as a service (PaaS)
What are common use cases for PaaS?
- Development frameworks: Build cloud-based apps using built-in components.
- Analytics and business intelligence: Use tools to analyze data and improve decision-making.
Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud service type (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS)
What is Software as a Service (SaaS), and what responsibilities does it include?
SaaS offers fully developed applications like email or financial software. You manage data, connected devices, and user access, while the provider handles everything else.
Ready-to-use apps - Office 365, Onedrive, Skype
Describe software as a service (SaaS)
What are common use cases for SaaS?
Email and messaging: Examples include Gmail or Teams.
Business productivity: Tools like Office 365 or expense tracking software.
Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud service type (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS)
What are serverless services and some examples?
Paying for the service not renting of the hardware
* Functions
* Contaier Apps
* Kubernetes
* SQL Database
* Cosmos DB
