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Cloud Computing Primer

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Anh Le

Explore cloud computing basics without installing anything!

This course is designed for semi-technical and business learners, providing a solid foundation of cloud computing basics. Learners will build an understanding of how software as a service (SaaS) works as well. The modules in this course cover cloud computing basics, considerations for SaaS adoption, techniques for SaaS success and growth, as well as provide an exploratory SaaS experience for learners.

Explore cloud computing basics without installing anything!

To allow for a truly hands-on, self-paced learning experience, this course is video-free. Assignments contain short explanations with images and suggested exploration examples, building a deeper understanding by doing. You'll benefit from instant feedback from a variety of assessment items along the way, gently progressing from quick understanding checks (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and un-scrambling answer blocks) to small, approachable exercises that take minutes instead of hours.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Cloud Computing Primer

This module introduces learners to the three primary cloud computing service models: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). In addition, four cloud deployment models will also be introduced: public, private, community, and hybrid.

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Provides building blocks for a solid foundation in cloud computing fundamentals

Develops a thorough understanding of SaaS (Software as a Service)

Offers a hands-on learning approach with no video content

Presents various techniques for successful SaaS adoption and expansion

Provides instant feedback through various assessment items

Introduces cloud deployment models such as public, private, and hybrid

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Reviews summary

Saas cloud computing primer for business

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in cloud computing, specifically focusing on Software as a Service (SaaS) for semi-technical and business learners. Learners appreciate its hands-on, self-paced approach and video-free format, which facilitates practical understanding through small, approachable exercises and instant feedback. While it offers a clear overview of SaaS considerations and applications, some may find its depth limited for advanced technical roles, as it prioritizes conceptual understanding over deep implementation. It is largely considered a good starting point for those new to cloud computing concepts.

Non-video format is a significant aspect for self-paced learning.

"I liked that the course was video-free; I could read at my own pace and focus on the images and exercises."

"Initially I was unsure about the video-free format, but it actually allowed me to absorb the information more effectively without distractions."

"For someone who prefers reading and hands-on activities over lectures, this course's format is ideal."

Excellent for concepts, but less suited for deep technical expertise.

"While the course is great for understanding the business side of SaaS, I wished for more in-depth technical details or implementation examples."

"It's a fantastic primer for beginners, but if you're already familiar with cloud infrastructure, you might find it too basic."

"I was hoping for more hands-on coding or configuration, but it focuses more on strategic understanding, which is still valuable for its target audience."

Appreciated for its practical, activity-based learning style.

"I really benefited from the hands-on exercises and the instant feedback; it made learning much more engaging than just watching videos."

"The small, approachable exercises were perfect for reinforcing concepts quickly and building my confidence by doing."

"Learning by doing, as encouraged by the course, really solidified my understanding of how SaaS applications work in practice."

Specifically helpful for business and semi-technical roles.

"This course perfectly matched my need to understand cloud concepts from a business perspective without needing to become a developer."

"I'd highly recommend this for project managers or sales professionals who need to grasp SaaS without getting lost in technical minutiae."

"It really helped me understand the considerations for SaaS adoption and expansion from a strategic point of view."

Provides essential SaaS concepts for non-technical roles.

"I found this course incredibly helpful for understanding the core concepts of SaaS and cloud models without getting bogged down in too much technical jargon."

"As a business professional, I needed a good overview of cloud computing, and this primer delivered a clear and concise introduction to SaaS."

"This course gave me a solid foundation for discussing SaaS strategies in my work, even without a deep IT background."

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 Cloud Computing Primer: Software as a Service (SaaS) with these activities:

Review basic computing concepts

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Review the basics of computer science to refresh your understanding of cloud computing concepts.

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Revisit concepts of data structures and algorithms.
Review operating system concepts, including multitasking and memory management.
Explore introductory cloud computing topics, such as virtualization and cloud deployment models.

Explore SaaS vendor websites

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Gain practical insights into SaaS offerings by exploring vendor websites.

Browse courses on Software As A Service (SaaS)

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Visit websites of major SaaS providers, such as Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365.
Review product offerings, pricing models, and customer testimonials.
Identify key features and benefits of SaaS applications relevant to your industry or role.

Complete hands-on SaaS exercises

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Solidify your understanding of SaaS concepts through practical exercises.

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Sign up for free trials or demo accounts of SaaS applications.
Explore different SaaS features and functionalities.
Complete guided tutorials or exercises provided by SaaS vendors.

Two other activities

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Develop a SaaS adoption plan

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Apply your understanding of SaaS to create a plan for implementing it within an organization.

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Identify business needs and objectives that SaaS can address.
Research and select suitable SaaS applications based on business requirements.
Develop a migration plan and timeline for transitioning to SaaS.
Identify potential challenges and risks, and develop mitigation strategies.

Contribute to open-source cloud projects

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the growth of the cloud computing community.

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Explore open-source cloud projects and identify areas where you can contribute.
Fork a project and make changes or add new features.
Submit pull requests and participate in code reviews.
Collaborate with other developers and learn from their expertise.

Career center

Learners who complete Cloud Computing Primer: Software as a Service (SaaS) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs and manages cloud computing systems. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer builds and maintains cloud computing systems. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

A Cloud Security Engineer ensures the security of cloud computing systems. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make decisions. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to store and process data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to build models and make predictions. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to store and process data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer works to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to build and deploy applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

IT Manager

An IT Manager oversees the IT operations of an organization. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to connect and manage devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and marketing of a product. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to deliver products to customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to manage projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer works with customers to identify and solve their technical problems. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to sell and support cloud-based solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to build and deploy applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages and maintains computer systems. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to manage and maintain cloud-based systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for technical products and services. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to document cloud-based solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites. This course may be useful for this career because it provides a foundation in cloud computing basics, including Software as a Service (SaaS), which can be used to build and deploy websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Cloud Computing Primer: Software as a Service (SaaS).

Cloud Computing

Save

Offers comprehensive coverage of cloud computing concepts, including SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, providing a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...

Hardcover

(中文) Cloud Computing: Concepts. Technology and...

Paperback

Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &...

Kindle Edition

Machine Learning for Cloud Management

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This academic text provides a deep dive into cloud computing principles and paradigms, offering a comprehensive foundation for the course's technical concepts.

Machine Learning for Cloud Management

Hardcover

$$$$

Machine Learning for Cloud Management

Kindle Edition

$$$

Mastering Cloud Computing

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Offers a comprehensive overview of cloud computing technologies, from concepts to applications, providing a valuable reference for the course's technical aspects.

Mastering Cloud Computing: Foundations and...

Kindle Edition

$$$

The DevOps Handbook

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Provides a comprehensive guide to DevOps implementation, offering valuable insights into the practices and principles involved.

The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...

Paperback

The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...

Kindle Edition

Microservices Patterns

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Offers a practical guide to service-oriented design and management, extending the course's exploration of SaaS applications and adoption techniques.

Microservices Patterns: With examples in Java

Paperback

Microservices Patterns: With examples in Java

Kindle Edition

The Phoenix Project

Save

Fictionalized account of a DevOps transformation, offering a unique and engaging way to learn about the concepts.

The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...

Paperback

The Phoenix Project

Paperback

The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...

Kindle Edition

Cloud Computing: A Practical Approach

Save

Provides a practical guide to cloud computing implementation and management, extending the course's focus on SaaS considerations and adoption techniques.

Cloud Computing, A Practical Approach

Paperback

Cloud Computing: A Practical Approach

Kindle Edition