Cloud Computing Concepts: Virtualization, Deployment Models and Web Evolution

Posted on Nov 5, 2026 in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences

a) Define Computing Paradigms.
Computing paradigms are different models or approaches used to perform computation and process data, such as parallel, distributed, and cloud computing.

b) Differentiate between Grid Computing and Cloud Computing.
Grid computing combines resources from multiple computers to solve large tasks, whereas cloud computing provides on-demand computing services over the internet.

c) List the three Cloud Service Models.

1. IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service

2. PaaS – Platform as a Service

3. SaaS – Software as a Service

d) Classify the cloud deployment models with one example for each.

Public Cloud – AWS

Private Cloud – An organization’s private data center

Hybrid Cloud – Combination of public and private clouds

Community Cloud – Cloud shared by government organizations

e) Define Public Cloud.
A public cloud is a cloud infrastructure provided by a third-party provider over the internet and shared by multiple users.

f) Differentiate between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0.
Web 2.0 focuses on user-generated content and interaction, whereas Web 3.0 focuses on semantic data, decentralization, and intelligent services.

g) What is Pervasive Computing? Mention one application.
Pervasive computing integrates computing into everyday objects and environments. Application: Smart home automation.

h) Identify the most suitable cloud deployment model for an organization that requires high security and exclusive infrastructure.
Private Cloud, because it provides dedicated infrastructure and greater control over security.

i) Explain the role of a Virtual Machine (VM) in virtualization.
A virtual machine is a software-based computer that runs its own operating system and applications on shared physical hardware.

j) Define Virtualization in Cloud Computing.
Virtualization is the technology of creating virtual versions of computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networks, from physical hardware.

1. Explain the Concept of Virtualization and Discuss Its Advantages in Cloud Computing with Suitable Examples

Virtualization is a technology that creates virtual versions of physical resources such as servers, storage, networks, and operating systems. It allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical computer.

Concept of Virtualization

Virtualization uses a software layer called a hypervisor to create and manage virtual machines. Each VM has its own operating system, applications, and allocated resources.

Types of Virtualization:

1. Server Virtualization: Divides one physical server into multiple virtual servers.

2. Storage Virtualization: Combines multiple storage devices into a single logical storage unit.

3. Network Virtualization: Creates virtual networks independent of physical network hardware.

4. Desktop Virtualization: Allows users to access desktops remotely.

5. Application Virtualization: Runs applications in an isolated virtual environment.

Advantages:

1. Cost Reduction: Reduces hardware purchasing and maintenance costs.

2. Resource Utilization: Uses CPU, memory, and storage efficiently.

3. Scalability: Allows resources to be increased or decreased easily.

4. Isolation: Problems in one VM generally do not affect other VMs.

5. Flexibility: Supports different operating systems on the same hardware.

6. Easy Backup and Recovery: VM images can be backed up and restored.

7. Energy Efficiency: Reduces the number of physical servers and power consumption.

8. Quick Deployment: New virtual machines can be created rapidly.

Example:

Amazon EC2 allows users to create virtual servers on AWS physical infrastructure without purchasing their own servers.

2. Explain the Cloud Deployment Models with Suitable Use Cases

Cloud deployment models describe how cloud infrastructure is owned, managed, and made available to users.

1. Public Cloud:

A public cloud is owned and managed by a third-party provider and provides services over the internet to multiple customers.

Advantages: Low initial cost, high scalability, and easy access.

Example: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud.

Use case: Startups hosting websites and applications.

2. Private Cloud:

A private cloud is dedicated to a single organization and can be managed internally or by a third party.

Advantages: Greater control, security, and customization.

Example: An organization operating its own cloud using OpenStack.

Use case: Banks and hospitals handling confidential information.

3. Hybrid Cloud:

A hybrid cloud combines private and public cloud environments, allowing data and applications to move between them.

Advantages: Flexibility, improved resource usage, and better workload management.

Example: Private infrastructure combined with AWS.

Use case: A bank stores sensitive customer data privately but uses the public cloud for its website.

4. Community Cloud:

A community cloud is shared by organizations with common security, policy, or operational requirements.

Advantages: Shared costs, collaboration, and common security standards.

Example: A cloud infrastructure shared by government departments.

Use case: Multiple hospitals sharing a healthcare information system.

3. Compare Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 with Respect to Features and Applications (10 Marks)

Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 represent different stages in the evolution of the World Wide Web.

Web 2.0 emphasizes user interaction and content sharing, whereas Web 3.0 emphasizes decentralized applications, semantic technologies, and greater user control over digital assets.

Web 2.0:

Web 2.0 is the interactive web in which users can create, share, and modify content.

Features:

User-generated content.
Social networking and collaboration.
Dynamic and interactive websites.
Centralized platforms and services.
Cloud-based applications.
User comments, reviews, and media sharing.

Applications:

Facebook and Instagram
YouTube
Wikipedia
Google Docs
Blogs and online shopping websites

Web 3.0:

Web 3.0 is commonly associated with decentralized applications and blockchain, while the semantic web is another important vision of Web 3.0.