Chapter 15 Q1: List and discuss the five key characteristics of cloud computing. Chapter 17: Smallwood (2014) discussed that most records are useful for only a short time, but other records may need

The five characteristics of cloud computing include on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service (Smallwood, 2014).

On-demand self-service implies that a computing consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as network storage and server time as needed automatically without the need to require human interaction with the provider of the service (Smallwood, 2014). This increases efficiency and convenience.

Broad network access means that computing capabilities are available over the network and can be accessed through standard mechanisms that allow use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms, such as laptops, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants (Smallwood, 2014).

Resource pooling means that the provider of computing resources brings together resources to serve multiple consumers through the use of a multi-tenant model, with different virtual and physical resources that are dynamically assigned and reassigned based on the demand of each consumer (Smallwood, 2014). No consumer has control or knowledge over the location of the resources provided but can specify the location at a higher level of abstraction.

Rapid elasticity means that computing capabilities can be elastically and rapidly provided, which may also include automatic provision, to quickly scale out, and rapidly release to quickly scale in (Smallwood, 2014). The computing consumer may view the provision of computing services and resources to be unlimited and may purchase in any quantity at any time.

Measured service means that cloud systems are designed to automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at a certain level of abstraction that is appropriate for the kind of service required (Smallwood, 2014). The use of resources can be controlled, monitored, and reported, which fosters transparency for the provider and consumer.

Reference

Smallwood, R. F. (2014). Information governance: Concepts, strategies, and best practices. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons, Inc.