Module 1: Understanding Cloud Computing Concepts

Question 1

What is the difference between MSP and CSP?

Answer 1

For a MSP (Managed Service Provider), the consumer dictates both the technology and operational procedures. A CSP (Cloud Service Provider), the service provider dictates both the technology and operational procedures.

Question 2

Name three (3) key drivers for adoption of cloud computing.

Answer 2

1. Simplicity
   - Risk reduction
   - Cost
2. Elasticity
   - Virtualization
   - Scalability
3. Business Expandability
   - Mobility
   - Collaboration and innovation

Question 3

Name four areas of concern that one must consider for utilization of the cloud?

Answer 3

1. Risk (Business/Reputational)
2. Compliance (legal/Regulatory)
3. Privacy
4. Distributed/Multi-tenant environment (Business ecosystem)

Question 4

List five potential risks with cloud computing?

Answer 4

1. governance and oversight in terms of identity management.
2. . the lack of enforcement of multi-factor authentication.
3. detective and corrective controls - lack of full implementation.
4. Lack of Preventative detection systems for each of the different types of platforms
5. Business continuity during mergers/resource transitions.

Question 5

Three (3) security benefits from going to the cloud

Answer 5

1. Improved security visibility
2. Enhanced governance/enforcement
3. Organizational transition from infrastructure centric to a data centric model.

Question 6

Name the four types of cloud models

Answer 6

1. Private cloud: owned/lease by one single organization for use by that organization.
2. Community Cloud: owned by several organizations, or a third party, and is used by that community.
3. Public cloud: Owned by a business, academic institution, a government for use by the public.
4. Hybrid cloud: a combination of two or more of other cloud types (Private (internal), Community or Public).

Question 7

Name the three cloud (3) service models

Answer 7

1. SaaS: Software as a Service.
2. PaaS: Platform as a Service
3. Iass: Infrastructure as a Service

Question 8

An individual or entity that utilizes or subscribes to cloud based or resources

Answer 8

Cloud Service Customer

Question 9

A third-party entity that manages and holds operational responsibilities for cloud-base data backup services.

Answer 9

Cloud Backup Service Provider

Question 10

Third party organization that verifies attainment of SLAs

Answer 10

Cloud Service Auditor

Question 11

Acts as a liaison between the cloud services customer and cloud services provider

Answer 11

Cloud Services Broker (CSB)

Question 12

What are the five (5) characteristics that must be met for a service or solution to be considered TRUE CLOUD COMPUTING.

Answer 12

1. On-Demand Self-service
2. Broad Network Access
3. Resource Pooling
4. Rapid Elasticity
5. Measured Service

Without all of the above characteristics, it is not possible for the user to be confident and assured that the delivery and continuity of services will be maintained inline with potential growth or sudden scaling (either upward or downward). Also, without pooling and measured services you cannot implement the cloud computing economic model.

Question 13

Which of the following are examples of cloud computing?

(a) online email/file storage services
(b) Internal Finance Server
(c) Hosted Infrastructure with online software usage

Answer 13

(a) online email/file storage services - represents SaaS

c) Hosted infrastructure with online software usage - represents XaaS (Application as a Service