In the context of cloud computing in an IaaS model, what is managed by the service provider?

Question

In the context of cloud computing in an IaaS model, what is managed by the service provider?

1. A. Networking hardware (Correct answer)
2. B. Operating system
3. C. Hardware platform and operating system
4. D. Operating system and data

Correct Answer

Option A — A

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option A.

Key Points

• In IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), the cloud provider manages the underlying physical infrastructure — servers, storage, and networking hardware — while the customer manages the operating system, middleware, runtime and data on top.

Additional Information

• (B), (C) and (D) all assign the operating system to the provider, but in IaaS the OS is the customer's responsibility.
• That is the defining line of IaaS.

Exam Tip

• remember the cloud service ladder by how much you manage — IaaS (you manage OS upward), PaaS (you manage only apps/data), SaaS (you just use the app, e.g. Gmail).
• The more it is 'as a service', the less you manage.