Cloud Computing Law: Transactions from Coursera

Have you ever wondered what’s in the small print of cloud contracts? Or who owns the information you upload to the cloud? And who can access and control it? If so, then this course is for you! You’ll learn to identify the legal risks involved in cloud computing transactions - and to suggest possible solutions.

To understand how cloud computing works, we’ll first describe different kinds of cloud services and explain how they differ from in-house IT in terms of control, access, and cybersecurity. To understand how the law applies to cloud computing transactions, we’ll focus on the contracts between cloud providers and their customers. You’ll learn to identify and interpret key contract terms and to assess whether customers might negotiate better terms with providers. Finally, we’ll explain how English law protects trade secrets and copyright works stored in the cloud.

If you’re a lawyer, this course will be your guide to cloud infrastructure and supply chains. If you have a technical or commercial background, this course will introduce you to key legal issues in contracts and intellectual property. In short, if you’re interested in how the law applies to cloud computing, this course is for you.

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Cloud Computing

This week, we cover the basics of cloud computing. We look at how cloud computing technology works and how it differs from traditional, in-house IT. We explain that cloud is not 'one thing': instead, there are different service types and deployment models, as well as so-called 'layered' services. We then look at the legal implications of different cloud services. Finally, we consider the importance of data location and the relationship between cloud customers and providers. By the end of this week, you will be able to identify the legal and regulatory risks that a potential cloud customer should consider.

Standard Cloud Contracts

The relationship between the cloud customer and the provider is governed by contract. Cloud contracts set out the parties' rights and obligations. They also cover issues such as choice of law and forum, liability in case of breach of contract, how changes might be made, and what happens when a contract is terminated. This week, we look at the clauses typically found in standard cloud contracts and what these might mean in practice for both customers and providers. We highlight how these clauses can differ per provider - and how cloud contracts differ from other IT contracts, such as those for outsourcing and IP licensing. By the end of this week, you should describe the terms a cloud customer is likely to find in standard cloud contracts.

Negotiated Cloud Contracts

Standard cloud contracts typically favour the provider. However, large businesses or government departments can sometimes negotiate more favourable terms with cloud providers. This week, we look at the factors that influence whether cloud providers will negotiate terms with customers, as well as the terms customers want to negotiate - and how those negotiations typically develop. By the end of this week, you will be able to describe a cloud customer's prospects for negotiating contract terms with a cloud provider.

Intellectual Property in the Cloud

This week, we look at questions of 'ownership' of information stored, created, processed, and distributed in cloud environments. We examine the information flows between cloud providers and their customers and distinguish between content that is stored and processed by users, from information generated by cloud providers. We'll see that, although intellectual property law may determine ownership rights in relevant information, the law does not necessarily achieve what parties to cloud computing transactions expect or need. Moreover, in practice, ownership may be less important than control over, and access to, information. By the end of this week, you will be able to describe how a cloud customer can protect and control information in the cloud.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for lawyers seeking to gain a specific understanding of Cloud Computing

In-depth analysis of legal risks in Cloud Computing transactions

Experienced instructors with expertise in Cloud Computing law

Teaches key contract terms and negotiation strategies

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 Law: Transactions with these activities:

Review general cloud architecture and concepts

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Familiarize yourself with basic cloud concepts before diving into the course to enhance comprehension.

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Review online materials on cloud computing fundamentals.
Identify the key characteristics of cloud services.
Distinguish between different types of cloud deployment models.

Explore tutorials on cloud service models and offerings

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Deepen your understanding of various cloud service models and offerings to prepare for course content.

Browse courses on Cloud Service Models

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Access online tutorials from reputable sources such as Coursera, edX, or AWS Academy.
Follow the tutorials to learn about different cloud service offerings (e.g., IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
Consider specific examples and use cases to solidify your comprehension.

Practice identifying and contrasting cloud contracts

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Engage in exercises to sharpen your ability to analyze and compare cloud contracts.

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Gather sample cloud contracts from providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Examine the contracts and identify key terms related to service level agreements, pricing, and data protection.
Compare and contrast the different contracts, noting similarities and differences.

Two other activities

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Participate in discussion forums on cloud compliance and security

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Engage with peers in online discussions to explore legal implications and best practices related to cloud compliance and security.

Browse courses on Cloud Compliance

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Join online forums dedicated to cloud computing.
Identify discussions on topics related to cloud compliance and security.
Actively participate by sharing your insights and engaging with other participants.

Mentor junior colleagues or students on cloud legal issues

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Solidify your understanding of cloud legal issues by sharing your knowledge with junior colleagues or students.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior colleagues or students in the field of cloud computing law.
Share your knowledge and expertise on cloud contracts, compliance, and intellectual property.
Provide guidance and support to help mentees develop their understanding of cloud legal issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Cloud Computing Law: Transactions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cloud Security Architect

A Cloud Security Architect is responsible for the security of cloud-based solutions for an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for the implementation and management of cloud-based solutions for an organization. This course will provide you with the hands-on experience you need to succeed in this role, including a strong foundation in cloud computing law and transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Cloud Software Engineer

A Cloud Software Engineer is responsible for the development of cloud-based software solutions for an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Software Engineer

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud-based solutions for an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Legal Counsel

A Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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IT Security Analyst

An IT Security Analyst is responsible for the security of an organization's IT systems and networks. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of IT projects for an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for the design and development of websites. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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IT Consultant

An IT Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to organizations on IT-related matters. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for the development and maintenance of software applications. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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IT Auditor

An IT Auditor is responsible for the auditing of an organization's IT systems and processes. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer is responsible for the sale of IT products and services to clients. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for the analysis and interpretation of data for an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and management of a product for an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of cloud computing law and transactions.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure and resources. This course may be useful for preparing for a career in this field, as it will provide you with a strong foundation in cloud computing law and transactions, which are becoming increasingly important in today's business world.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager