- LPU MCA Semester 1
- CAP470
- Unit 2
CAP470 · Unit 2: Cloud computing architecture
NIST reference model, cloud cube model and business models
10 practice questions · in the MTE and ETE syllabus
Key points
- NIST has five actors: consumer, provider, auditor, broker, carrier
- The cube has four dimensions
- Auditor assesses, broker intermediates, carrier transports
- Pay-per-use follows the measured service idea
The NIST cloud reference architecture defines five actors.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Cloud consumer | uses services from providers |
| Cloud provider | makes services available |
| Cloud auditor | independently assesses services, security and performance |
| Cloud broker | manages use, performance and delivery, and negotiates between consumers and providers |
| Cloud carrier | provides connectivity and transport |
The Jericho Forum cloud cube model describes cloud formations along four dimensions: internal or external, proprietary or open, perimeterised or de-perimeterised and insourced or outsourced.
Business models include pay-per-use (metered billing, matching measured service), subscription (recurring fee for access), freemium (free basic tier with paid upgrades) and reserved or committed-use contracts.
Exam trap: the carrier moves data and the broker intermediates; they are not the same actor.
Try two questions
Which actor negotiates relationships between cloud consumers and multiple providers and may combine services?
- Cloud auditor
- Cloud carrier
- Cloud consumer
- Cloud broker
Show the answer
D. A cloud broker manages use, performance and delivery of services and arranges relationships.
Why not A: The auditor assesses rather than negotiates.
Why not B: The carrier handles transport.
Why not C: The consumer is the customer, not the intermediary.
Which pair is one dimension of the cloud cube model?
- Public or hybrid cloud
- Proprietary or open
- Fast or slow
- Small or large
Show the answer
B. Proprietary versus open describes who owns the technology and whether it is portable.
Why not A: These are deployment models, not a cube dimension.
Why not C: Speed is not a dimension of the cube model.
Why not D: Size is not a dimension of the cube model.