PDF CLO-002 Study Guide

Orchestration is the process of coordinating multiple automated tasks to create a dynamic and complex workflow1. Orchestration can simplify and streamline the management of cloud resources and services by integrating different scripts, tools, and platforms2. Creating a new script to coordinate all of the existing scripts into one is an example of orchestration, as it involves managing multiple automated tasks to accomplish a larger goal, such as provisioning a virtual machine and updating a change management database. Automation, on the other hand, refers to automating a single task or a small number of related tasks, such as obtaining an IP or populating information in a database1. Automation does not require coordination or decision-making, unlike orchestration. Collaboration and federation are not related to the question, as they refer to the interaction and integration of different cloud providers or users, not the automation or orchestration of cloud tasks3. References: Orchestration vs Automation: The Main Differences - phoenixNAP; Cloud Automation vs Cloud Orchestration: Understanding the Differences; CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Cloud Computing Concepts, pages 85-86.

SaaS stands for Software as a Service, which is a cloud service model that gives the most responsibility to the provider. In SaaS, the provider delivers the entire software application to the customer over the internet, without requiring any installation, configuration, or maintenance on the customer’s side. The customer only needs a web browser or a thin client to access the software, which is hosted and managed by the provider. The provider is responsible for the security, availability, performance, and updates of the software, as well as the underlying infrastructure, platform, and middleware. The customer has no control over the software, except for some limited customization and configuration options. The customer pays for the software usage, usually on a subscription or pay-per-use basis.

SaaS is different from other service models, such as PaaS, IaaS, or BPaaS. PaaS stands for Platform as a Service, which is a cloud service model that provides the customer with a platform to develop, run, and manage applications without worrying about the infrastructure. The provider is responsible for the infrastructure, operating system, middleware, and runtime environment, while the customer is responsible for the application code, data, and configuration. IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service, which is a cloud service model that provides the customer with the basic computing resources, such as servers, storage, network, and virtualization. The provider is responsible for the physical infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for the operating system, middleware, runtime, application, and data. BPaaS stands for Business Process as a Service, which is a cloud service model that provides the customer with a complete business process, such as payroll, accounting, or human resources. The provider is responsible for the software, platform, and infrastructure that support the business process, while the customer is responsible for the input and output of the process. References: Cloud Service Models - CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ (CLO-002) Cert Guide, What is SaaS? Software as a service explained | InfoWorld, What is SaaS? Software as a Service Explained - Salesforce.com, What is SaaS? Software as a Service Definition - AWS

 A baseline is a standard or reference point that is used to measure and compare the current state of a system or process. A baseline can be established for various aspects of a system, such as performance, security, configuration, functionality, or quality. A baseline can help to identify deviations, anomalies, or changes that occur over time, and to evaluate the impact of those changes on the system or process. A baseline can also help to restore a system or process to its original or desired state, by providing a reference for corrective actions. In this case, the organization has experienced repeated occurrences of system configurations becoming incorrect over time, which can affect the security, reliability, and functionality of the systems. After implementing corrections on all system configurations across the enterprise, the CISO purchased an automated tool that will monitor system configurations and identify any deviations. In the future, the organization should use a baseline to identify incorrectly configured systems, by comparing the current system configurations with the baseline system configurations that were established after the corrections. A baseline can help the organization to detect and prevent configuration drift, which is the gradual but unintentional divergence of a system’s actual configuration settings from its secure baseline configuration. A baseline can also help the organization to apply configuration management, which is the process of planning, identifying, controlling, and verifying the configuration of a system or process throughout its lifecycle. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Cloud Security, Section 4.2: Cloud Security Concepts, Page 153. What a Baseline Configuration Is and How to Prevent Configuration Drift - Netwrix1 Configuration Baselines - AcqNotes2

 A proof of value (POV) is a method of testing a cloud solution before fully adopting it, to ensure that it meets the company’s operations and business processes. A POV can help a company avoid failure of a cloud project by validating the feasibility, functionality, and benefits of the cloud solution, and identifying any gaps or issues that need to be resolved. A POV can also help a company compare different cloud solutions and select the best one for their needs. A POV is different from a proof of concept (POC), which is a more technical demonstration of the cloud solution’s capabilities and performance. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Certification Study Guide, Second Edition (Exam CLO-002), Chapter 3: Cloud Planning, Section 3.2: Cloud Adoption, Subsection 3.2.2: Proof of Value1