Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) in Intro to Computing - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Identify the correct cloud service model for a virtual machine

You rent a virtual machine from a cloud provider. You install your own operating system and software on it. Which cloud service model does this describe?

A Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

B Platform as a Service (PaaS)

C Software as a Service (SaaS)

D Function as a Service (FaaS)

💡 Hint

Think about who manages the operating system and software.

In IaaS, you get virtual machines or servers to manage yourself, including OS and software installation. PaaS provides a platform to deploy apps without managing OS. SaaS delivers ready-to-use software.

❓ trace

intermediate

Trace who manages what in PaaS

In a Platform as a Service (PaaS) model, which of the following is typically managed by the cloud provider?

A Local hardware devices

B Application code and data

C Operating system and runtime environment

D User interface design

💡 Hint

Consider what the platform provides to developers.

In PaaS, the cloud provider manages the OS and runtime environment, while the user manages application code and data.

❓ Comparison

advanced

Compare SaaS and PaaS in terms of user control

Which statement best describes the difference in user control between SaaS and PaaS?

A SaaS users control the software features; PaaS users control the underlying hardware

B SaaS users control only software settings; PaaS users control application code but not OS

C SaaS users control the operating system; PaaS users control the network settings

D SaaS users control the platform; PaaS users control the software updates

💡 Hint

Think about what users can change or develop in each model.

SaaS users typically only configure software settings. PaaS users develop and control application code but not the OS or hardware.

❓ identification

advanced

Identify the cloud model from a real-world example

Which cloud service model is best represented by an online email service like Gmail?

A Network as a Service (NaaS)

B Platform as a Service (PaaS)

C Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

D Software as a Service (SaaS)

💡 Hint

Consider if the user installs or manages the software.

Gmail is a ready-to-use software accessed over the internet, which is typical of SaaS.

🚀 Application

expert

Choose the best cloud model for a custom web app development

A startup wants to develop and deploy a custom web application quickly without managing servers or operating systems. Which cloud service model should they choose?

A Platform as a Service (PaaS)

B Software as a Service (SaaS)

C Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

D Database as a Service (DBaaS)

💡 Hint

Think about which model lets developers focus on app code without managing OS or hardware.

PaaS provides a ready platform for app development and deployment, abstracting server and OS management.