CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

What scaling method allows for handling sudden increases in workload by temporarily using another cloud?

1. Horizontal scaling

2. Cloud bursting

3. Vertical scaling

4. Pooling

The correct answer is: Cloud bursting

Cloud bursting is a scaling method designed specifically to accommodate unexpected spikes in workload by leveraging additional cloud resources temporarily. This approach enables an organization to maintain performance during peak demand without the need for a permanent cloud resource investment. Essentially, when the primary cloud infrastructure reaches its capacity limit, the data or processing needs can be offloaded to a secondary, external cloud service. This method is particularly beneficial for applications with fluctuating workloads, as it allows for flexibility and cost-effectiveness. By utilizing additional cloud resources only when necessary, organizations can optimize their cloud spending while ensuring that user experience remains unaffected during traffic surges. In contrast, horizontal scaling involves adding more machines or instances to distribute the load evenly, whereas vertical scaling refers to upgrading the existing machine by adding resources like CPU and memory. Pooling typically relates to resource management and allocation strategies rather than addressing workload surges. Thus, cloud bursting is the most pertinent choice for managing sudden increases in workload effectively.