Identifying Key Features of IaaS Cloud Model
Short answer
C The defining feature of the IaaS model is the ability to respond immediately to spikes in demand through elastic scaling of virtual resources.
Question
Key Takeaways
The main trap is confusing IaaS with on-premises control (Option A); remember that IaaS manages hardware, not your hardware.
This page explains why elasticity is the correct answer for IaaS features in the 300-420 exam, distinguishing it from PaaS and SaaS capabilities.
Common mistake: Candidates often choose Option A because they associate 'service' with control, but IaaS providers own the hardware. Option D is also tempting if one confuses IaaS with PaaS integration benefits.
Expert Analysis
Core Concept: Cloud Service Models
The question asks for a defining feature of the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model. To answer this, one must distinguish IaaS from Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) based on responsibility and capability.
Why Option C is Correct: A primary characteristic of IaaS is elasticity. Providers offer virtualized computing resources over the internet that can be scaled up or down instantly to meet demand. This allows organizations to handle traffic spikes without provisioning physical hardware in advance. The comments correctly identify this on-demand scalability as the key differentiator.
Why Other Options are Incorrect: Option A (Autonomy and control over hardware): This is a common trap. In IaaS, you have control over the operating system*, applications, and network configurations, but the underlying physical hardware is managed by the provider. Complete hardware autonomy is not a feature of any public cloud model; it is a feature of on-premises infrastructure.
- Option B (Improved remote application performance): Performance depends on network latency and application design, not the service model itself. This is not a defining feature.
- Option D (Simple integration of applications and data): This describes PaaS, where the platform handles integration, middleware, and database management, allowing developers to focus on code. IaaS requires the user to manage these integrations.
The question tests the understanding that IaaS provides scalable infrastructure while abstracting away physical hardware management.
Exam Strategy
When analyzing cloud models, map responsibilities strictly: IaaS = OS/Apps/Data; PaaS = Runtime/DB/Middleware; SaaS = Application only. Eliminate options that suggest user control over physical assets (hardware) as incorrect for all public cloud models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IaaS provide control over physical hardware?
How does IaaS differ from PaaS regarding integration?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 2 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 2
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MJ23_ccnp 👍 5 Answered CCORRECT Answer: C A. autonomy and control over hardware → Not true. You do not control hardware in IaaS; the provider does. You control only virtual resources. B. improved remote application performance → Not guaranteed; depends on design and provider. D. simple integration of applications and data → More characteristic of PaaS or SaaS, not IaaS. IaaS = elastic, on-demand scaling
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G_Singh12 👍 1 Answered CA defining feature of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is its on-demand elasticity. It allows organizations to scale up computing power, storage, and networking resources automatically or instantly to handle unexpected spikes in user traffic or demand, and scale back down when the surge subsides.
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