Emerging Trends in ICT: Pervasive and Cloud Computing

Sixty practice flashcards covering pervasive computing and cloud computing based on two lecture sources.

What is the definition of pervasive computing according to DFN1?

An emerging trend associated with embedding microprocessors in day-to-day objects, allowing them to communicate information so that people are unaware of their presence.

What is another term used interchangeably with pervasive computing?

Ubiquitous computing.

How do pervasive computing and mobile computing differ in terms of device use?

Mobile computing is represented by devices users hold, carry, or wear (like handsets), while pervasive computing is invisible and embedded into both mobile and stationary objects.

What does pervasive computing signify by its existence?

It signifies systems that are totally connected and consistently available everywhere.

What are the three core technologies that comprise pervasive computing?

Micro electronic technology, Digital communication technology, and The Internet standardization.

What does Micro electronic technology provide for pervasive computing devices?

It gives small powerful devices and displays with low energy consumption.

What does Digital communication technology provide for pervasive computing?

Higher bandwidth and higher data transfer rates at lower costs with world wide roaming.

What is the purpose of Internet standardization in pervasive computing?

To provide a framework for combining all components into an interoperable system with security, service, and billing systems.

Name three standardization bodies mentioned in Source 1.

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T).

What three components merged to create a pervasive computing environment?

Wireless communication, consumer electronics, and computer technology.

What are the future expectations for portable personal assistant devices in pervasive computing?

They will have high speed, wireless communication, lower power consumption, data storage in persistent memory, a coin sized disk device, and small colour displays.

What is a key characteristic of pervasive computing concerning system integration?

Many devices can be integrated into one system for multi-purpose uses, such as a Smart home.

How does personalization benefit a user in a pervasive computing environment?

It adapts the system to user preferences so that no PC knowledge is required for the user to manage the system.

List four common applications of pervasive computing.

Retail, Healthcare, Tracking, and Car information Systems.

What is the role of sensors in pervasive computing evolution?

They are used for applications such as fleet management, pipeline components, lighting systems, and appliances.

How is pervasive computing expected to change the retail industry?

Consumers will use pervasive devices to complete shopping lists at home and send them to the supermarket for delivery.

What is the purpose of bar code readers on mobile computers in manufacturing?

Tracking the product during manufacture.

Define data mining as described in the lecture notes.

The process of finding anomalies, patterns and correlations within large data sets to predict outcomes.

What is a distinct problem or challenge with pervasive computing?

It is not entirely secure because devices combine in an ad hoc manner within the pervasive network.

What must be developed to ensure tighter security in pervasive networks?

Trust models.

List three specific disadvantages mentioned that can impede pervasive computing security.

Frequent line connections that are broken, slow connections, and expensive operating costs.

What are the objectives for Topic 2: Cloud Computing?

Define Cloud Computing, explain the environment, list specific uses, characteristics, and services provided.

How does DFN1 define Cloud Computing?

A framework for allowing convenient, on-demand network access to a shared collection of configurable computing resources with minimal management effort.

What is the pricing model for cloud computing according to DFN2?

Pay-as-you-go pricing.

Instead of buying physical data centers, what can a business access from a cloud provider?

Technology services such as computing power, storage, and databases on an as-needed basis.

How does cloud-based storage differ from local storage?

Cloud-based storage saves files to a remote database rather than a proprietary hard drive or local storage device.

Why is cloud computing named as such?

Because the information being accessed is found remotely in the cloud or a virtual space.

Name four major corporate players in cloud computing service delivery.

Infratel, Paratus, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

What is a unique feature of the Microsoft Azure cloud model?

It allows clients to keep some data at their own sites.

Alibaba Cloud is a subsidiary of which group?

The Alibaba Group.

Give two examples of cloud storage platforms used by individuals.

Google Drive and Dropbox.

What are the three main types of cloud computing services?

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS).

What is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)?

A model where consumers purchase the ability to access and use an application or service hosted in the cloud.

Identify a benchmark example of SaaS.

Salesforce.com.

What was Microsoft's cloud computing option for Microsoft® Office $2010$?

Office Web Apps.

What level of control do consumers have in Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)?

Consumers control and manage operating systems, applications, storage, and network connectivity, but not the cloud infrastructure itself.

What does Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) enable consumers to do?

Purchase access to platforms to deploy their own software and applications in the cloud.

What is the 'Shared Infrastructure' characteristic of cloud computing?

It uses a virtualized software model to share physical services, storage, and networking across multiple users.

Define the 'Dynamic Provisioning' characteristic.

The automatic provision of services based on current demand requirements using software automation.

What is the 'Managed Metering' characteristic?

The use of metering for reporting and billing so consumers are charged based on actual usage during the billing period.

Define the Private Cloud deployment model.

Cloud infrastructure deployed, maintained, and operated for a specific organization, either in-house or by a third party.

What is a Community Cloud?

Cloud infrastructure shared among a number of organizations with similar interests and requirements to limit capital expenditure.

What is a Public Cloud?

Cloud infrastructure made available to the public on a commercial basis by a cloud service provider.

Define the Hybrid Cloud model.

A combination of two or more clouds (private or public) that allow data and applications to be moved from one to another.

How does cloud computing provide cost savings for companies?

It reduces capital expenditures (CapEx) and allows companies to use operational expenditures (OpEx) for computing capabilities.

What is the benefit of scalability in cloud computing?

Companies can start with small deployments and grow rapidly to satisfy consumer demands at peak times.

How does reliability support business continuity in the cloud?

By using multiple redundant sites for service delivery and disaster recovery.

Why is maintenance less of a burden for cloud consumers?

Cloud service providers perform system maintenance, and access is through APIs that do not require installations on PCs.

How does 'Agility' benefit cloud users?

It allows users to quickly spin up resources and deploy technology services in minutes, facilitating faster innovation.

What are the two most prominent 'hot button' challenges in cloud computing?

Security and Privacy.

What is a recommended way to address cloud security and privacy challenges?

Hybrid cloud deployment, where sensitive information is stored internally while allowing it to be used in the cloud.

What is the challenge regarding cloud standards?

Clouds have documented interfaces but no universal standards yet, making interoperability unlikely.

Which group is developing an Open Cloud Computing Interface?

The Open Grid Forum.

Which organization is working on cloud computing standards and practices?

The Open Cloud Consortium.

Why is the 'Continuously Evolving' nature of the cloud a challenge?

User requirements and technology for networking and storage never remain static, especially in public clouds.

Name a US compliance law affecting cloud computing mentioned in the text.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).

Which region has legislative backing for data protection across all member states?

The European Union (EU).

What is a major difference between US and EU data protection?

The EU has one legislative backing for all member states, while in the US, data protection can vary from state to state.

Overall, what does the cloud computing model provide?

A shared pool of resources including data storage space, networks, computer processing power, and specialized applications.

Identify one way cloud communication services can be accessed.

Web APIs or media control interfaces.