Please provide your answers below each of the given questions. It is requested not to remove the questions and their marks from this template.

Part 1: Creating a Student Account in Microsoft Azure

1. Present a screenshot of the Microsoft Azure primary window as per Step 16. (2 marks)

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2. Present a screenshot of the Microsoft Azure Subscription window as per Step 24. (2 marks)

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Part 2: Explaining the Terminology and Concepts of Cloud Computing

APA (7th edition) format should be used to cite and reference answers. On the next page, provide reference list entries under “References”.

1. Explain what is cloud computing in two to three sentences. (1 mark)

The delivery of computer services over the internet is termed as cloud computing. These services include storage, servers, databases, networking, analytics, software, and intelligence. Cloud computing is the base for innovative technologies; thus, it allows quicker innovation, flexible resource allocation and cost savings by scaling up or down as per business requirements.

2. Describe what a cloud computing data centre is in two to three sentences. (1 mark)

Data centres are the utility centres that include cooling, electricity, network access, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), where businesses can assemble their data processing, storage, and communication resources and networks. Organisations and businesses store and handle large amounts of data, making data centres a critical resource for daily operations, which house applications, services, and data.

3. Explain in sentence and/or point form what the below cloud computing services offer. Provide at least one example of a provider or company that offers each service. For each service, your answer should not exceed three sentences. (3 marks)

a. Software as a Service (SaaS):

A SaaS cloud service provider can charge an entire software solution. Users can access and use cloud-based apps via the Internet (SaaS), providing customers with email, calendaring, and office software, like Microsoft Office 365. Customers frequently use web browsers to access a business app rented over the Internet. The service provider's data centre houses the supporting infrastructure, middleware, app software, and app data. The service provider will ensure the app's usability, security, and privacy along with the appropriate service agreement.

b. Platform as a Service (PaaS):

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing technique in which a third-party provider provides hardware and software to clients via the Internet. These tools are commonly used in application development, allowing developers to deploy in-house hardware and software to develop or run a new application. PaaS products are frequently marketed as simple and easy to use. An organisation may find the migration to PaaS appealing due to the potential cost savings over on-premises alternatives.

c. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offers computation, storage, and networking capabilities on a pay-as-you-go basis. By shifting infrastructure to an IaaS service, one can reduce on-premises data centre maintenance, save money on hardware, and obtain real-time business insights. IaaS solutions enable us to scale our IT resources up and down in response to demand, aid with the speed of application deployment, and overall system resilience.

References

Microsoft’s Beginner’s Guide to Cloud Computing: A Comprehensive Overview of the Technology

Have you been hearing about cloud computing and wondering what it entails? This technology, which is rapidly gaining popularity, allows users to store and access data and applications over the internet instead of on local hard drives or servers. In this guide, we will provide a clear and simple explanation of cloud computing and its different types, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).

We will start with the basics: what is cloud computing? Basically, it involves accessing and managing resources, such as files and applications, through the internet, instead of hosting them on local devices or servers. This provides significant advantages, including cost savings, easier scalability, improved accessibility, and higher reliability and security.

One of the most common types of cloud computing is IaaS. This approach involves renting virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, networking, and security, from a third-party provider. The provider is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the hardware and software, while the user can focus on deploying and managing their own applications and services.

Another type of cloud computing is PaaS, which provides a platform for building and deploying apps over the internet. This typically includes tools and frameworks for development, testing, and deployment, as well as support for multiple programming languages and operating systems. PaaS helps developers to focus on creating software, without having to worry about infrastructure management.

Data centers are a crucial component of cloud computing, serving as the physical location where servers and storage devices are located. They are typically large facilities with advanced power and cooling systems, as well as robust security measures. Data centers can be owned by cloud computing providers or leased from third-party vendors.

In conclusion, cloud computing is a powerful and flexible technology that has revolutionized the way we store and access data and applications. By understanding the basics of cloud computing, as well as its different types including IaaS, PaaS, and data centers, you can make informed decisions about how to leverage this technology for your own business or personal needs.