1.1 Cloud Technology & Business Flashcards
(20 cards)
Define:
cloud technology
The delivery of computing services over the internet.
These services may include servers, storage, databases, networking, and software.
Instead of owning physical hardware, users access scalable and flexible resources on demand from cloud providers like Google Cloud.
What are two major reasons that organizations adopt cloud technology?
- To improve agility and scalability
- Reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).
Cloud adoption enables rapid innovation and operational efficiency by eliminating hardware constraints.
True or False:
Cloud technology increases time to market for new services.
False
Cloud accelerates time to market by enabling faster deployment and testing of services.
Define:
digital transformation
in a business context
The use of modern digital technologies to create or modify business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing market demands.
It involves redesigning business relationships with customers, employees, and partners.
How did the following transform business?
- Printing Press
- Industrial Revolution
- Internet
- Printing Press: Enabled mass communication
- Industrial Revolution: Enabled automation
- Internet: Enabled global digital connectivity
Cloud is seen as the next leap, enabling on-demand access to scalable digital infrastructure.
What is one potential drawback of cloud computing often cited by businesses?
Vendor lock-in
Although cloud has many benefits, businesses must evaluate how easily they can migrate or integrate across providers.
Fill in the blank:
Cloud adoption can reduce ________ by eliminating the need for physical infrastructure.
capital expenditures (CapEx)
The cloud replaces upfront investments with a pay-as-you-go model (OpEx).
List three common drivers of digital transformation.
- Market competition
- Changing customer expectations
- Technology advancement
Businesses transform to remain competitive and responsive to evolving demands.
Why is cloud considered a paradigm shift similar to historical technology revolutions?
It fundamentally changes how businesses operate, innovate, and deliver value.
Like the industrial revolution, cloud adoption redefines infrastructure, labor, and time-to-value.
Scenario:
A retail chain uses cloud to analyze real-time sales data across stores. What business benefit does this provide?
Faster and more informed decision-making.
Cloud enables real-time analytics and centralized data access.
True or False:
Digital transformation is primarily about upgrading IT infrastructure.
False
It’s also about business process reengineering, customer experience, and cultural change.
Give an example of a real company that leveraged cloud technology to transform its business.
Spotify used cloud to stream music at scale and improve global delivery.
Other examples include PayPal, Twitter, and Snap for secure, scalable, and real-time services.
Explain how the cloud supports innovation.
It offers on-demand resources and services that allow rapid experimentation and prototyping.
This accelerates idea testing and lowers the barrier to entry for innovation.
How does the cloud improve business agility?
It enables organizations to respond quickly to market changes and customer demands.
Cloud tools allow for rapid scaling, deployment, and updates.
Fill in the blank:
With cloud computing, organizations pay for resources on a ________ basis.
consumption
This model is also referred to as pay-as-you-go (OpEx), aligning cost with actual usage.
What kind of organizational culture shifts does digital transformation encourage?
- Agile collaboration
- Cross-functional teams
- Continuous learning
Culture is as critical as technology in successful transformation.
How does cloud technology improve customer experience?
It enables personalized, real-time, and scalable services.
Cloud infrastructure supports low-latency apps and access to user data for personalization.
Scenario:
A startup launches an app globally without buying servers. What makes this possible?
Cloud’s global infrastructure and scalable compute resources.
Cloud eliminates the need for capital-intensive global infrastructure.
Describe how cloud adoption helps manage uncertainty.
It enables organizations to scale resources up or down based on demand, helping manage volatile workloads.
This reduces waste and improves cost-efficiency during uncertain periods.
True or False:
Digital transformation is a one-time project.
False
It’s an ongoing journey requiring continuous adaptation to technology and market trends.
