Module 1: Cloud Concepts Flashcards
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is renting resources, like storage space or CPU cycles, on another company’s computers. You only pay for what you use. The computing services offered vary but they typically include: Computer power Storage Networking Analytics
What are containers?
Containers provide a consistent, isolated execution environment for applications. They’re similar to VMs except they don’t require a guest operating system. Instead, the application and all its dependencies is packaged into a “container” and then a standard runtime environment is used to execute the app. This allows the container to start up in just a few seconds, because there’s no OS to boot and initialize. You only need the app to launch.
What is serverless computing?
Serverless computing lets you run application code without creating, configuring, or maintaining a server. The core idea is that your application is broken into separate functions that run when triggered by some action. This is ideal for automated tasks - for example, you can build a serverless process that automatically sends an email confirmation after a customer makes an online purchase.
How does serverless computing differ from VMs and containers?
The serverless model differs from VMs and containers in that you only pay for the processing time used by each function as it executes. VMs and containers are charged while they’re running - even if the applications on them are idle.
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
It’s cost-effective. It’s scalable. It’s elastic. It’s current. It’s reliable. It’s global. It’s secure.
The ability to keep services up and running for long periods of time is called what?
High availability
The ability to increase or decrease resources for any given workload is called what?
Scalability
The ability to automatically or dynamically increase or decrease resources as needed is called what?
Elasticity
The ability to react quickly is called what?
Agility
The ability to remain up and running even in the event of a component or service no longer functioning is called what?
Fault tolerance
The ability to recover from an event which has taken down a cloud service is called what?
Disaster recovery
The ability reach audiences around the globe is called what?
Global reach
The ability deploy resources in datacenters around the globe to address latency is called what?
Customer latency capabilities
The ability for users to predict what costs they will incur for a particular cloud service is called what?
Predictive cost considerations
The ability to do things more cheaply and more efficiently when operating at a larger scale in comparison to operating at a smaller scale.
Economies of Scale
What is Capital Expenditure (CapEx)?
CapEx is the spending of money on physical infrastructure up front, and then deducting that expense from your tax bill over time. CapEx is an upfront cost, which has a value that reduces over time.
What is Operational Expenditure (OpEx)?
OpEx is spending money on services or products now and being billed for them now. You can deduct this expense from your tax bill in the same year. There’s no upfront cost. You pay for a service or product as you use it.
What is the consumption-based model?
End users only pay for the resources that they use.
What are some benefits to the consumption-based model?
No upfront costs. No need to purchase and manage costly infrastructure that they may or may not use to its fullest. The ability to pay for additional resources when they are needed. The ability to stop paying for resources that are no longer needed.
What is a Public Cloud?
A public cloud is owned by the cloud services provider (also known as a hosting provider). It provides resources and services to multiple organizations and users, who connect to the cloud service via a secure network connection, typically over the internet.
Describe the Public Cloud Model characteristics.
Ownership. This is the resources that an organization or end user uses. Examples include storage and processing power. Resources do not belong to the organization that is utilizing them, but rather they are owned and operated by a third party such as the cloud service provider. Multiple End Users. Public cloud modes may make their resources available to multiple organizations. Public Access. This provides access to the public. Availability. This is the most common cloud-type deployment model. Connectivity. Users and organizations are typically connected to the public cloud over the internet using a web browser. Skills. Public clouds do not require deep technical knowledge to set up and use its resources.
Describe a use case scenario for a Public Cloud.
A common use case scenario is deploying a web application or a blog site on hardware and resources that are owned by a cloud provider. Using a public cloud in this scenario allows cloud users to get their website or blog up quickly, and then focus on maintaining the site without having to worry about purchasing, managing or maintaining the hardware on which it runs.
What is a Private Cloud?
A private cloud is owned and operated by the organization that uses the resources from that cloud.
Describe the characteristics of the Private Cloud model.
Ownership. The owner and user of the cloud services are the same. Hardware. The owner is entirely responsible for the purchase, maintenance, and management of the cloud hardware. Users. A private cloud operates only within one organization and cloud computing resources are used exclusively by a single business or organization. Connectivity. A connection to a private cloud is typically made over a private network that is highly secure. Public access. Does not provide access to the public. Skills. Requires deep technical knowledge to set up, manage, and maintain.
