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AWS Services Overview for IT Professionals

Rafael Lopes, Alex G., and Oksana Hoeckele

This foundational course will strengthen your understanding of AWS Services. The instructors will teach basic topics regarding computing, networking, storage, database, monitoring, security, serverless, containers, databases, and cost optimization. We will map AWS Services and features to different technical roles in cloud computing. For example, the instructors will provide an overview of Amazon S3 from the perspective of a Solutions Architect, a Security Analyst and a Data Scientist, highlighting and explaining the top features that these roles will use.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1

This week covers the foundations of the AWS Cloud infrastructure. You'll learn about various compute, networking, and storage offerings on AWS. You'll also review each offering through the lenses of different IT professions.

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what should give you pause

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Suitable for beginners, this course strengthens foundational knowledge of AWS Services

Instructors teach from various perspectives: Solutions Architect, Security Analyst, and Data Scientist

Explores aspects of cloud computing relevant to different technical roles

Covers core cloud computing concepts: computing, networking, storage, database, monitoring, security, serverless, containers, and cost optimization

Provides an overview of cost-management tools to assist in optimizing cloud expenses

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Reviews summary

Foundational aws for it professionals

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and comprehensive overview of AWS services, making it particularly valuable for those new to cloud or needing to understand the broader AWS ecosystem. Learners praise its ability to provide a solid foundational understanding of key areas like compute, storage, networking, security, and cost optimization. The course is noted for its approach of mapping AWS services to different IT professional roles, such as Solutions Architect and Security Analyst, which many find highly relevant. While effective as an introduction, some suggest it is a high-level overview and may not satisfy those seeking deep technical dives or extensive hands-on practice.

Complex concepts are explained clearly for beginners.

"The instructors do a great job explaining complex concepts simply."

"The explanations were clear and the structure made it easy to follow."

"As someone new to cloud, I found the concepts broken down very well."

Effectively maps AWS services to various professional roles.

"It really helped me connect how different services relate to various IT roles."

"The practical scenarios for architects and security analysts were particularly insightful."

"I found it valuable for understanding different perspectives on AWS service utilization."

Provides a strong conceptual foundation in AWS services.

"This course is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of AWS services."

"Fantastic introduction to AWS. I was completely new to cloud and this course laid a very clear path."

"It gave me a great foundation for further study and understanding what services are available."

A high-level overview, not suitable for deep technical practice.

"I found some sections a bit too high-level... manage your expectations regarding technical depth."

"While it's an overview, it hits the main points well. Wish there were more hands-on labs..."

"It felt more like a marketing overview than a technical course, lacking practical examples or deep dives."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in AWS Services Overview for IT Professionals with these activities:

Join or create a study group

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Improve understanding of AWS and its application by collaborating with peers

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Identify peers in this course or online forums
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials
Collaborate on AWS projects or labs

Watch AWS Solution Architect Associate videos

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Gain additional insights and practical tips from AWS experts

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Identify relevant Solution Architect Associate videos on YouTube or AWS website
Watch the videos and take notes on key concepts
Review your notes and apply the learnings to your studies

Read "AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide

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Build a solid foundation in AWS and its services for preparing for the AWS Architect certification.

View AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide... on Amazon

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Obtain the book
Read the first few chapters to identify high-yield topics
As you complete each section of the course, revisit the related materials in this book
Take practice tests from this book

Five other activities

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Follow the AWS services labs

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Improve understanding of AWS services by completing the hands-on labs provided by AWS

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Obtain access to AWS console
Review the lab instructions
Follow the labs step-by-step
Troubleshoot any issues encountered

Create a mind map or flashcards

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Develop an effective visual representation of the key AWS services and concepts

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Identify the main topics and subtopics
Decide how to structure the information visually
Create the mind map or flashcards

Solve AWS practice problems

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Test and reinforce understanding of AWS services and concepts by solving practice problems

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Identify practice problems online or in AWS documentation
Attempt to solve the problems without referring to course materials
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement

Build a simple AWS project

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Gain practical experience by building and deploying your own AWS application

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Identify a simple AWS project idea
Design and plan your project architecture
Implement your project using AWS services
Deploy and test your project

Contribute to the AWS community

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Give back to the AWS community and deepen understanding by contributing to open-source projects

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Identify open-source AWS projects on GitHub or AWS forums
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute
Write code, fix bugs, or provide documentation

Career center

Learners who complete AWS Services Overview for IT Professionals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs, builds, and manages cloud computing systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design and implement cloud solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Cloud Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer builds and maintains cloud computing systems. They work with Cloud Architects to design and implement cloud solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Cloud Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer works with developers and operations teams to build and deploy cloud-based applications. They use their knowledge of cloud computing and AWS services to help teams deliver applications quickly and efficiently. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a DevOps Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud networking solutions. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud networking and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Network Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, builds, and maintains cloud security systems. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud security solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud security and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Security Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer builds and maintains data pipelines. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud data solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Data Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud data solutions and then use those systems to analyze data and build models. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect designs and implements cloud solutions for clients. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design and implement cloud solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Solutions Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

IT Manager

An IT Manager oversees the IT operations of an organization. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for an IT Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

IT Director

An IT Director oversees the IT operations of an organization. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for an IT Director.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Director

CTO

A CTO is responsible for the technology strategy of an organization. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a CTO.

See salaries and explore the career path for CTO

CIO

A CIO is responsible for the technology strategy of an organization. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a CIO.

See salaries and explore the career path for CIO

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make better decisions. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud data solutions and then use those systems to analyze data and build models. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst helps businesses understand their needs and then designs and implements solutions to meet those needs. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects. They work with Cloud Architects and Cloud Engineers to design and implement cloud solutions and then manage those systems on a day-to-day basis. This course can help you build a foundation in cloud computing and AWS services, which are essential skills for a Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in AWS Services Overview for IT Professionals.