Cloud Technology Flashcards
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is using the internet to provide services that would normally be provided by a local area network (LAN) by using remote services to store data.
What does SaaS stand for and mean?
Software as a Service (SaaS) provides applications that run on remote computers – in the cloud – and that connect to users’ computers via the internet, often in a web browser.
What does PaaS stand for and mean?
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides cloud-based services such as software development tools and
database management, that support the building and delivery of cloud-based applications.
What does IaaS stand for and mean?
Infrastructure as a Service) (IaaS) provides computing resources that may include servers, networking,
storage, and data center space
Advantages of Cloud Computing
Cost effective
Easy to access data from anywhere with an internet connection
Additional storage provided without having to purchase more hardware
Reduction in carbon footprint
No need for business to hire IT staff to manage data
NB backup/unlimited storage not enough, they need to be qualified.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Some providers limit bandwidth/storage space allowance/cost of increasing bandwidth allowance can be high
Reliance on cloud providers technology
Reliance upon broadband providers technology
Security concerns/hacking
Additional customer support required in event of difficulty
How does cloud technology impact gaming?
Cloud gaming enables a user to play games that are stored remotely on a server or server farm. A client program, which is stored on the user’s computer, connects to the game provider’s server to retrieve and run the game. This is sometimes called gaming on demand.
Explain video streaming in regard to cloud gaming
In the video streaming approach the game is stored on the game provider’s servers. It is also executed on these servers to produce video, which is then streamed to the user’s computer.
Explain file streaming in regard to cloud gaming
In the file streaming approach the game is stored on the game provider’s servers but it is executed on the user’s computer. The game code is normally downloaded incrementally: sufficient code is downloaded to enable the play to begin – the remaining code is then downloaded in the background while the user is playing. This is sometimes known as progressive downloading.
Advantages of video streaming in regard to cloud gaming
- Advantage: Can be used with a relatively low spec computer. All that is needed is the ability to display video.
Disadvantages of video streaming in regard to cloud gaming
- Disadvantage: Requires a reliable broadband connection with sufficient bandwidth so that gameplay is not interrupted
Advantages of file streaming in regard to cloud gaming
- Advantage: Can be used over a relatively low bandwidth connection.
Disadvantages of file streaming in regard to cloud gaming
- Disadvantage: Requires that the user have a computer with sufficient power and specification to execute the game
Explain the impact of cloud technology on file storage
Google Drive and Dropbox are two file storage and sharing services that are in common use.
It enables anyone with an account to store files in the cloud; to access them over an internet connection, and to share them privately or publicly.
Automatic saving takes places and the cloud providers can recover any lost files so data is never lost.
Explain the impact of cloud technology on file sharing
Allows employees to share files from anywhere in the world. A user can upload & share files to the cloud and other users can edit them, allowing for collaborative working. This means there needs to be a process of synchronization so if when user edits a file others can see it.
e.g. google docs & Microsoft 365
