Q18Cloud Computing
Question
Describe the NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture in detail with its various components and actors.
Answer
The NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture defines five major actors: Cloud Consumer, Cloud Provider, Cloud Auditor, Cloud Broker, and Cloud Carrier.
The NIST architecture is a conceptual model that discusses the requirements, uses, characteristics, and standards of cloud computing. It defines five primary actors:
1. Cloud Consumer: The person or organization that maintains a business relationship with, and uses service from, Cloud Providers. 2. Cloud Provider: The entity responsible for making a service available to interested parties. They manage the computing infrastructure required for providing the services, run the cloud software, and deliver services through network access. 3. Cloud Auditor: A party that can conduct independent assessment of cloud services, information system operations, performance, and security of the cloud implementation. 4. Cloud Broker: An entity that manages the use, performance, and delivery of cloud services, and negotiates relationships between Cloud Providers and Cloud Consumers. 5. Cloud Carrier: An intermediary that provides connectivity and transport of cloud services from Cloud Providers to Cloud Consumers (e.g., telecom providers).
