Features of cloud computing Exam Questions

Award one mark for each correct feature, up to a maximum of two marks from:

• One copy of the file is stored in the cloud
• All staff can access the same file
• Changes made by one member of staff are seen by everyone/live updates
• There is only one version of the file/no multiple copies or versions
• Staff can work on the file at the same time
• The file is always up to date
• Staff can access the file from different devices/locations with an internet connection

Do not accept: cost/cheaper/saves money on its own – this is not a feature of a single shared instance of a file

Accept any other appropriate response.

Award one mark for each correct way, up to a maximum of two marks from:

• All users have the same version of the software/application
• All users have the same features in the software
• Files are saved in compatible/same file types/formats so all users can open them
• Software updates automatically so all users have the same up-to-date version
• Everyone works on one shared file instead of making copies so there are no different versions
• Version history/version control shows which file is the latest version
• No need for users to install different versions

Do not accept: cost/cheaper on its own, as this is a reason for using cloud software, not a way of keeping consistency between users

Accept any other appropriate response.

Award one mark for each correct benefit, up to a maximum of two marks from:

• Staff all see the latest/up-to-date version of the file
• More than one member of staff can edit the file at the same time, and changes are seen by everyone straight away (live editing/live updates)
• No multiple/duplicate copies of the file are created
• Avoids conflicting versions/overwritten or lost work
• Saves staff time as they do not need to search for the latest copy
• The file does not need to be emailed/sent to staff, so no attachments or external storage are needed
• Less storage needed/(Reduced) storage space used as duplicate copies are not saved
• Work is more accurate as everyone is using the same data

Do not accept benefits of online software rather than of a shared file, e.g. automatic updates, no need for in-house IT staff, a monthly subscription instead of buying the software

Accept any other appropriate response.

Award one mark for a correct benefit and one mark for a justification for that benefit, up to a maximum of two marks.

• Staff can give feedback on a recipe without changing the text (1) so the recipe stays the same until a change is agreed (1)
• Staff can reply to a comment (1) so they can discuss a recipe/production plan in the document (1)
• A comment shows who wrote it (1) so staff know who to ask about the suggestion (1)
• Comments are saved with the document (1) so staff can look back at past suggestions (1)
• Staff can put a comment next to the relevant part of the recipe (1) so others can see exactly what it refers to (1)

Allow mix and match if it makes sense

Do not accept: 'quicker'/'easier' on its own

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Award one mark for a correct benefit and one mark for a justification for that benefit, up to a maximum of two marks.

• Only one copy of the file exists (1) so staff do not need to email copies to each other (1)
• Changes are made to the one file (1) so staff do not have to merge different copies together (1)
• The file is only stored once (1) so the company does not need to pay for extra storage (1)
• Staff always open the same file (1) so there is only one place to look for the latest information (1)

Allow mix and match if it makes sense

Do not accept: answers about backing up files on their own

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Award one mark for a correct way and one mark for a justification for that way, up to a maximum of two marks.

• Staff can live edit a document at the same time (1) so they can add their updates without waiting for others to finish (1)
• Staff can add comments to a file (1) so other staff can read suggestions/questions next to the relevant part (1)
• Changes can be tracked (1) so staff can see who made each change and accept or reject it (1)
• There is a chat facility (1) so staff can ask questions and get replies without leaving the document (1)
• Files can be shared with access rights (1) so only the staff who need to edit can do so (1)
• There is a version history (1) so staff can roll back to an earlier version if a mistake is made (1)

Allow mix and match if it makes sense

Do not accept: 'it is quicker'/'easier' on its own or answers about cloud storage/backup

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Award one mark for a correct benefit, one mark for a justification for that benefit, and one mark for an expansion of the justification, up to a maximum of three marks.

• Only one copy of the file is kept (1) so designers do not save their own separate copies (1) which means one designer's changes are not lost when another saves the file (1)
• All designers use the same file (1) so everyone sees the latest changes as they are made (1) so no time is wasted checking which copy is the newest one (1)
• Designers can work on the file at the same time (1) because the file is held in one place in the cloud (1) so the design is finished more quickly (1)
• There is only one version of the file (1) so designers cannot work on an out-of-date copy (1) which means a poster is not printed with old artwork (1)

Do not allow mix and match

Do not accept: designers being able to log in from home/remote access

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Award one mark for a correct way, one mark for a justification for that way, and one mark for an expansion of the justification, up to a maximum of three marks.

• Live editing (1) so several staff can add dishes to the same menu plan at once (1) so the plan is finished in less time (1)
• Comments/notes (1) so the chef can leave a note about a dish next to it for the events manager (1) so the manager can reply without sending a separate email (1)
• Tracking changes (1) so every edit made by each member of staff is recorded (1) so the manager can reject a change that is wrong (1)
• Version history (1) as it shows each saved change made to the menu plan (1) so staff can go back to an earlier version if something is deleted by mistake (1)
• File sharing/access rights (1) so the chef can be given edit rights and the events manager view-only rights to the menu plan (1) so only the right staff can make changes to it (1)
• Chat facility/chat (1) so staff can discuss an order while looking at the same plan (1) so they do not have to leave their work to ask a question (1)
• Video conferencing (1) so staff can hold the planning meeting online from different sites (1) so they do not need to travel to the kitchen (1)

Allow: examples of collaboration tools, e.g. shared documents, live chat

Do not accept: 'quicker' or 'easier' on its own; 'everyone can work at the same time' without naming a collaboration tool

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Award one mark for a correct reason, one mark for a justification for that reason, and one mark for an expansion of the justification, up to a maximum of three marks.

• The software updates automatically (1) as the provider brings out the new versions (1) so the company does not have to install the updates on each computer itself (1)
• There is no need for in-house IT staff (1) because the provider is responsible for maintaining the software (1) so the company does not pay a technician to fix it (1)
• It is cost effective (1) as the company pays a monthly subscription rather than buying the software (1) so the company does not pay a large amount before it starts using it (1)
• The software is scalable (1) as the provider can add or remove user accounts when needed (1) so the company only pays for the users it has at the time (1)

Do not allow mix and match.

Allow: 'no manual updates needed' or 'the provider does the updates' for the automatic updates reason.

Allow: 'cost effective'/'cheaper' where it is justified with the monthly subscription or the lack of IT staff.

Do not accept: 'cheap' or 'cost effective' on their own; answers about cloud storage rather than online applications.

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

A description of an online application. To include three from

• Software/application that runs on a remote server/on the cloud/on the provider's server (1)
• Not installed on the user's own computer/device (1)
• Accessed over the internet/with an internet connection (1)
• Used through a web browser/browser (1)
• The provider maintains/updates the software for the organisation (1)

Do not accept: 'an application that is online'/'software that is used online' on its own

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

A description of how consistency of version between users is achieved. To include three from

• All staff use the same online application/software (1) so everyone has the same features and file types (1)
• Documents are saved in the same file type/format (1) so any member of staff can open them (1)
• Changes are saved/synchronised to the shared file (1) so all staff see the most up-to-date version (1)
• Staff do not save their own copies/duplicates of the file (1) so no conflicting versions are created (1)

Award a maximum of three marks.

Do not accept: answers relating to cloud storage, e.g. the amount of storage space the software gives the company.

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

A description of a single shared instance of a file. To include three from

• Only one copy of the file is stored (1) on the cloud server/in a central location (1)
• All staff open the same file (1) rather than saving their own copies (1)
• More than one member of staff can work on the file at the same time (1) and changes appear for everyone straight away/live (1)
• No member of staff works on an out-of-date copy (1) so work is not overwritten/lost (1)

Do not accept: answers about emailing the file to staff or staff saving separate copies

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Award one mark for each correct collaboration feature and one mark for a justification of each feature, up to a maximum of four marks.

• Live editing (1) so several team members can edit the same plan at the same time (1)
• Comments (1) so team members can leave feedback on a section of the plan for others to read/reply to (1)
• Chat facility (1) so team members can discuss the plan without leaving the document (1)
• Version history (1) so the team can see what has been changed and go back to an earlier version if needed (1)
• File sharing with access rights (1) so the team can decide which members can view or edit the plan (1)

A justification that is no more than 'quicker' or 'easier' on its own is not creditworthy.

Do not accept: answers about storing or backing up files (cloud storage).

Allow mix and match only if the whole response makes sense and the justification matches the feature named.

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Award one mark for each correct benefit and one mark for a justification of each benefit, up to a maximum of four marks.

• No need for in-house IT staff (1) as the provider is responsible for maintaining the applications (1)
• Automatic updates (1) so the company does not have to update the software on every computer itself (1)
• Cost effective (1) as the company can pay a monthly subscription instead of buying the software/no extra hardware is needed (1)
• Scalable (1) as the company can add or remove users as required (1)
• Can be used on any device with an internet connection (1) so staff can use the applications on any computer, not only the office computers (1)
• All staff use the same version (1) so everyone has the same features and file types (1)

Do not accept 'cheap'/'cheaper'/'free' on its own as a justification is needed; responses relating to cloud storage

Allow mix and match if the response makes sense

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Award one mark for each correct benefit and one mark for a justification of each benefit, up to a maximum of four marks.

• Everyone has the same features (1) so staff can carry out the same tasks/follow the same steps as each other (1)
• Files are compatible (1) so any member of staff can open and edit a price list or label created by a colleague (1)
• Files do not need to be converted (1) so staff do not waste time saving a file in an older format (1)
• Documents look the same for all staff (1) so the price lists and labels keep the same layout/design (1)
• The provider updates the software for all users (1) so staff do not end up working with different features/file types (1)
• Staff do not need to check which version a colleague is using (1) so there are fewer mistakes/less repeated work (1)

Allow mix and match if the response makes sense

Do not accept: answers about backing up files, as these are about a different feature of cloud computing

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Responses will be credited according to the learner's demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded for other responses.

Discussion may consider

• Comments – a solicitor can add a comment beside a clause so a colleague knows which part needs checking, and the query is answered before the contract is sent
• Tracked changes – every edit is recorded, so the second solicitor can see what was changed and accept or reject each change before the contract goes to the client
• Live editing – two solicitors in different offices can work on the same contract at the same time, so the check is completed sooner and neither waits for an emailed copy
• Version history – an earlier draft can be restored if a change made during checking removes a clause by mistake
• File sharing and access rights – the contract is shared only with the solicitors checking it, so the client's details stay confidential
• Chat facilities – solicitors can discuss a clause while they are both in the document, so a query is settled without a meeting or a phone call
• Notifications – staff are alerted when a comment or change is added, so the second solicitor knows the contract is ready to check
• Single shared file – there is only one copy of the contract, so the second solicitor checks the latest draft rather than an old version

Accept any other relevant response

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; there will be major gaps or omissions; Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question; Limited discussion which contains generic assertions rather than considering different aspects and the relationship between them
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with only minor gaps or omissions; Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, but the link will not always be clear; Displays a partially developed discussion which considers some different aspects and some consideration of how they interrelate, but not always in a sustained way
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and understanding; Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, and there will be clear links; Displays a well-developed and logical discussion which clearly considers a range of different aspects and considers how they interrelate, in a sustained way

Responses will be credited according to the learner's demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded for other responses.

Discussion may consider

• One copy only – editors and authors always know that the file they have open is the latest one for that book
• No duplicated files – staff do not waste time searching through several saved copies to find the newest one
• Changes appear in one place – a correction made by an editor is seen by the author straight away
• No emailing drafts – the file is shared rather than sent, so outdated copies are not left on people's computers
• Work at the same time – an editor can check the text while the designer works on the same project
• Access from anywhere – authors and freelancers can open the file with an internet connection, so they do not need to visit the office
• Backed up by the provider – the book project is not lost if one editor's laptop fails
• Version history – the team can restore an earlier version of the file if a change causes a problem

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; there will be major gaps or omissions; Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question; Limited discussion which contains generic assertions rather than considering different aspects and the relationship between them
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with only minor gaps or omissions; Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, but the link will not always be clear; Displays a partially developed discussion which considers some different aspects and some consideration of how they interrelate, but not always in a sustained way
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and understanding; Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, and there will be clear links; Displays a well-developed and logical discussion which clearly considers a range of different aspects and considers how they interrelate, in a sustained way

Responses will be credited according to the learner’s demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded for other responses.

Discussion may consider

• Live editing – the tour manager, concert manager and music librarian can update the tour plan at the same time and see each other's changes straight away, so nobody works from an old copy of the schedule
• Comments – staff can add a question next to a venue, such as whether the hall can fit the full orchestra, and others reply, so the answer stays with the plan instead of being lost in emails
• Chat facility – quick questions about travel times or rehearsal calls are answered without leaving the plan, so decisions are made faster
• File sharing and access rights – players are sent the parts and running order they need, while players' contracts are only visible to management
• Tracking changes – the team can see who moved a concert date and accept or reject it, so mistakes are spotted before the plan is sent to the players
• Version history – an earlier version of the tour plan can be restored if a change turns out to be wrong
• Notifications – staff are alerted when a colleague edits the plan or mentions them, so nobody arrives at the wrong venue

Accept any other relevant response

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; there will be major gaps or omissions; Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question; Limited discussion which contains generic assertions rather than considering different aspects and the relationship between them
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with only minor gaps or omissions; Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, but the link will not always be clear; Displays a partially developed discussion which considers some different aspects and some consideration of how they interrelate, but not always in a sustained way
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and understanding; Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, and there will be clear links; Displays a well-developed and logical discussion which clearly considers a range of different aspects and considers how they interrelate, in a sustained way

Responses will be credited according to the learner’s demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded for other responses.

Evaluation may consider

Please note: to reach Level 3, learners need to consider both benefits and drawbacks and reach a conclusion that weighs them. Answers about cloud storage or a computer’s memory do not answer the question and should not be credited.

Benefits

• Same job sheet for all staff – so nobody works from an out-of-date copy or a separate version
• Changes appear for everyone at once – so the latest customer instructions reach design and print staff straight away
• No copies to email or merge – so staff time is saved and the instructions cannot conflict
• Version history in the shared file – so an error can be rolled back instead of staff keeping their own copies
• Access rights set on the shared file – so only the staff who need to can change the job sheet

Drawbacks

• A mistake made by one member of staff – is seen by everyone using the job sheet
• A deleted or corrupted file – leaves no separate copy for staff to carry on with
• An internet connection is needed to reach the file – so work stops if the connection fails

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable material
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; there will be major gaps or omissions; Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question; Limited evaluation which contains generic assertions leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with only minor gaps or omissions; Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, but the link will not always be clear; Displays a partially developed evaluation which considers some different competing points, although not always in detail, leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and understanding; Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, and there will be clear links; Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation which clearly considers a range of different aspects and competing points, leading to a conclusion that is fully supported

Responses will be credited according to the learner’s demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded for other responses.

Evaluation may consider

Live editing

Benefits

• Two surveyors can type in the same report at once – so the report is finished more quickly
• Changes appear for everyone immediately – so colleagues do not email different copies
• One surveyor can add findings while another writes recommendations – so expertise is combined in one report

Drawbacks

• One surveyor can change or delete another person's wording – so the report may need checking
• Requires a reliable internet connection – editing stops if the connection fails

Comments

Benefits

• A senior surveyor can leave feedback next to a paragraph – without changing the report text
• Comments keep a record of questions and answers – so decisions can be checked later
• Comments can be resolved or replied to – so the report can be improved before it is sent

Drawbacks

• Comments can be missed or left unresolved – so errors may remain in the report
• Too many comments can clutter the report – making it harder to read

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable material
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; there will be major gaps or omissions; Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question; Limited evaluation which contains generic assertions leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with only minor gaps or omissions; Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, but the link will not always be clear; Displays a partially developed evaluation which considers some different competing points, although not always in detail, leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and understanding; Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, and there will be clear links; Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation which clearly considers a range of different aspects and competing points, leading to a conclusion that is fully supported

Responses will be credited according to the learner’s demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded for other responses.

Evaluation may consider

Benefits

• Accessible through a browser with an internet connection – staff can open the accounts and stock records on any office computer
• Automatic updates from the provider – all staff use the same version with the same features
• Monthly subscription instead of buying licences – no large one-off payment for the software
• No in-house IT staff needed – the provider maintains the software and the servers it runs on
• Scalable – user accounts can be added or removed as office staff numbers change

Drawbacks

• Needs a reliable internet connection – if it drops, staff cannot reach the accounts or stock records
• Ongoing subscription – can cost more over time than software bought once
• Less control over updates and features – the provider decides when these change

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Levels

• Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable material
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; there will be major gaps or omissions; Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question; Limited evaluation which contains generic assertions leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with only minor gaps or omissions; Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, but the link will not always be clear; Displays a partially developed evaluation which considers some different competing points, although not always in detail, leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and understanding; Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, and there will be clear links; Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation which clearly considers a range of different aspects and competing points, leading to a conclusion that is fully supported