One of the major developments in the computing field has been cloud computing, which enables users to do complicated computations that local devices are unable to handle. The computing power and flexibility that have made the cloud so popular do not come without challenges. It is particularly challenging to decide which resources to use, even when they have the same configuration but different levels of performance because of the variable structure of the available resources. Cloud data centers can host millions of virtual machines, and where to locate these machines in the cloud is a difficult problem. Additionally, fulfilling optimization needs is a complex problem.Reliable and Intelligent Optimization in Multi-Layered Cloud Computing Architectures examines ways to meet these challenges. It discusses virtual machine placement techniques and task scheduling techniques that optimize resource utilization and minimize energy consumption of cloud data centers. Placement techniques presented can provide an optimal solution to the optimization problem using multiple objectives. The book focuses on basic design principles and analysis of virtual machine placement techniques and task allocation techniques. It also looks at virtual machine placement techniques that can improve quality-of-service (QoS) in service-oriented architecture (SOA) computing. The aims of virtual machine placement include minimizing energy usage, network traffic, economical cost, maximizing performance, and maximizing resource utilization. Other highlights of the book include: Improving QoS and resource efficiency Fault-tolerant and reliable resource optimization models A reactive fault tolerance method using checkpointing restart Cost and network-aware metaheuristics. Virtual machine scheduling and placement Electricity consumption in cloud data centers Written by leading experts and researchers, this book provides insights and techniques to those dedicated to improving cloud computing and its services.