2.B) What are the major distributed computing technologies that led to cloud computing? – 7 Marks
Answer:-
The major distributed computing technologies that led to the development of cloud computing are:
- Mainframes
- First examples of large computational facilities using multiple processing units.
- Highly reliable, “always-on” systems capable of transparent failure tolerance and massive data processing.
- Enabled centralized computing but lacked the distributed nature of modern systems.
- Cluster Computing
- Emerged as a cost-effective alternative to mainframes and supercomputers.
- Utilized interconnected commodity machines to form a single cohesive system managed by software tools.
- Allowed high-performance computing for a broader audience (e.g., universities, research labs).
- Offered scalability and flexibility by adding machines as needed.
- Grid Computing
- Evolved from clusters to provide large-scale computational power and storage across geographically dispersed nodes.
- Modeled after utility systems, allowing users to consume resources dynamically, much like electricity or water.
- Facilitated resource sharing between organizations and enabled long-distance connectivity through the Internet.
- Introduced the concept of utility computing, which is central to cloud computing.