Question

Conduct online research of your own to find more information on cloud
computing. Focus on the following:
a. Identify the various properties of cloud computing, and the
corresponding enabling technologies.
b. Formulate descriptions for each cloud computing property, as well as
its enabling technology.
2. Using any application of your ch

Answer 1

Certainly! Here’s a detailed assessment of cloud computing, along with its various properties and enabling technologies.

### 1. Properties of Cloud Computing and Corresponding Enabling Technologies

#### a. On-Demand Self-Service
**Description**: Users can automatically provision computing resources without requiring human interaction with service providers. This allows customers to request and manage resources intuitively from a console or interface.

**Enabling Technology**: Virtualization technology enables on-demand self-service by creating virtual instances of hardware, thereby allowing resources to be allocated dynamically based on user demand.

#### b. Broad Network Access
**Description**: Cloud services are accessible over the network and can be used on various devices like desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Accessibility enhances usability and mobility for users.

**Enabling Technology**: Web-based applications and APIs enable broad network access by providing a unified access point for users across different devices and platforms.

#### c. Resource Pooling
**Description**: Cloud providers pool resources to serve multiple clients using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand.

**Enabling Technology**: Virtualization combined with load balancing enables resource pooling by creating an elastic environment that automatically assigns resources based on real-time user demand, optimizing resource efficiency.

#### d. Rapid Elasticity
**Description**: Cloud services can swiftly scale up or down based on demand, allowing users to demand resources as needed and release them when not in use. This elasticity ensures that organizations pay only for what they use.

**Enabling Technology**: Containerization and orchestration technologies (e.g., Kubernetes) allow for rapid elasticity by managing and scaling containerized applications in response to fluctuations in demand.

#### e. Measured Service
**Description**: Resource usage is monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both providers and consumers. This allows users to track their consumption and helps in billing based on usage models.

**Enabling Technology**: Cloud management platforms and billing systems enable the measurement of services, incorporating metrics for usage tracking and performance monitoring.

### 2. Application of Cloud Computing

**Example Application: Cloud-based Document Collaboration Tool (e.g., Google Workspace)**

Google Workspace functions as a cloud-based productivity and collaboration tool that embodies all properties of cloud computing:

- **On-Demand Self-Service**: Users can create, share, and manage documents without needing permission through IT or administrators.
- **Broad Network Access**: Accessible from any internet-connected device, ensuring that users can collaborate from anywhere.
- **Resource Pooling**: Google servers handle thousands of users simultaneously while managing load with a multi-tenant architecture.
- **Rapid Elasticity**: If demand increases (e.g., during peak usage for editors), Google Workspace can allocate additional resources automatically without interrupting service.
- **Measured Service**: Google offers insights into document usage, such as viewer counts and edit history, and billing is comed in proportion to storage and service use.

### Conclusion

Cloud computing continues to evolve, driven by the enabling technologies that enhance its core properties. By leveraging these properties, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, scalability, and flexibility in their operations. Whether it's increased mobility with broad network access or optimized costs through measured services, cloud computing offers significant advantages across various sectors.