With whom does a service provider dictate both the technology and operational procedures being made available to the cloud consumer?

The correct answer is that a cloud service provider is responsible for dictating both the technology and operational procedures made available to the cloud consumer. This is because cloud service providers develop and deliver cloud-based services, which include infrastructure, platforms, or software that consumers can utilize.

By design, the cloud service provider sets the standards, technologies, and operational frameworks that underpin their offerings. This includes decisions about resource allocation, data management, security protocols, and operational processes. Consumers of these services rely on the service provider's expertise and infrastructure to deliver the services as advertised, which means that they adhere to the provider's established technologies and operational guidelines.

In contrast, other entities such as cloud resellers or cloud services brokerages serve different roles. Resellers typically repackage and sell cloud services from various providers rather than dictating the underlying technology or procedures. Cloud services brokerages act as intermediaries, helping consumers navigate and manage multiple cloud services from different providers, whereas managed service providers focus on managing and maintaining services on behalf of their clients without typically dictating the core technologies used. Therefore, the most accurate description of the entity that dictates both technology and operational procedures is indeed the cloud service provider.