Introduction to Cloud Computing from edX

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Begin your cloud computing mastery with this easy-to-follow, self-paced course. Gain the essential knowledge needed to understand cloud computing from a business perspective and as a hands-on cloud practitioner.

This course immerses you in the world of notable cloud service providers, including AWS, Google, IBM, and Microsoft. Explore their offered services and examine real-world applications through industry-specific case studies. You'll also dive into cloud adoption and its connection with technologies such as blockchain, analytics, and AI.

Discover the diverse cloud service models—Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS)—and deployment models—public, private, and hybrid. You'll grasp the core elements of cloud infrastructure, including VMs, networking, storage types, and CDNs. You’ll learn about emerging trends like Hybrid Multicloud, Microservices, Serverless, DevOps, Cloud Native, and Application Modernization. Learn the basics of cloud security, monitoring, and understand various roles in the cloud industry.

Throughout the course, you’ll hear from subject matter experts who will share their insights into Cloud technology and work as a Cloud Practitioner.

You'll gain hands-on experience, having deployed an application on IBM Cloud—a shareable project that makes for an impressive employment portfolio addition!

Whether you're an executive, manager, student, or professional seeking familiarity with cloud computing terminology and concepts, or you aim for a solid grounding in cloud computing for a career as a cloud engineer, full stack developer, DevOps engineer, service reliability engineer, or cybersecurity analyst, this course is your starting point.

What's inside

Learning objectives

After completing this course, a learner will be able to:
Define cloud computing and explain essential characteristics, history, the business case for cloud, and the emerging technologies enabled by cloud.
Describe cloud service models, including iaas, paas, saas
Describe public, private, and hybrid cloud deployment models.

Explain cloud infrastructure components.
Explain emerging cloud-related trends, including hybrid, multicloud, microservices, serverless, cloud native, devops, and application modernization.
List and describe services of popular cloud platforms, including aws, microsoft azure, google cloud, ibm cloud, alibaba cloud, and others.

After completing this course, a learner will be able to:
Define cloud computing and explain essential characteristics, history, the business case for cloud, and the emerging technologies enabled by cloud.
Describe cloud service models, including iaas, paas, saas
Describe public, private, and hybrid cloud deployment models.
Explain cloud infrastructure components.
Explain emerging cloud-related trends, including hybrid, multicloud, microservices, serverless, cloud native, devops, and application modernization.
List and describe services of popular cloud platforms, including aws, microsoft azure, google cloud, ibm cloud, alibaba cloud, and others.

Syllabus

Module 1: Overview of Cloud Computing

Introduction and Learning Objectives

Definition and essential characteristics of cloud computing

Expert Viewpoints: Definition and Essential Characteristics of Cloud Computing

History and Evolution of Cloud Computing

Key Considerations for Cloud Computing

Key Cloud Service Providers and Their Services

Cloud Adoption - No Longer a Choice

Expert Viewpoints: Cloud Adoption Benefits and Use Cases

Cloud Adoption - Some Case Studies

Internet of Things on the Cloud

Artificial Intelligence on the Cloud

Blockchain and Analytics on the Cloud

Module 2: Cloud Computing Models

Overview of Cloud Service Models

Infrastructure-as-a-Service

Platform-as-a-Service

Software-as-a-Service

Public Cloud

Private Cloud

Hybrid Cloud

Expert Viewpoints: Cloud Computing Service and Deployment Models

Community Cloud

Module 3: Components of Cloud Computing

Overview of Cloud Infrastructure

Virtualization and Virtual Machines Explained

Types of Virtual Machines

Bare Metal Servers

Secure Cloud Networking

Containers

Expert Viewpoints: Components of Cloud Computing

Basics of Cloud Storage

File Storage

Block Storage

Object Storage Overview

Object Storage - Tiers and APIs

Content Delivery Networks

Expert Viewpoints: Cloud Storage

Module 4 - Emergent Trends and Practices

Hybrid Multi-Cloud

Microservices

Serverless Computing

Cloud Native Applications

DevOps on the Cloud

Application Modernization

Expert Viewpoints: Cloud Native and Emergent Cloud Trends

Module 5: Cloud Security and Monitoring, Case Studies, and Jobs

What is Cloud Security - Part 1

What is Cloud Security - Part 2

Policies and Principles of Access Management

Identity and Access Management

Cloud encryption

Cloud Monitoring Basics and Benefits

Cloud Monitoring Benefits

Case Studies in Different Industry Verticals

Career Opportunities and Job Roles in Cloud Computing

Expert Viewpoints: Job Market for Cloud Computing

Final Project: Deploy an application on the cloud

HONORS Assignment: Architect a Cloud-based solution

Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces and defines cloud computing, its history, characteristics, evolution, and foundational technologies, hence forming a solid base for aspiring practitioners

Covers various Cloud service and deployment models, providing comprehensive understanding of cloud architecture

Explores different Cloud infrastructure components such as virtualization, networking, storage, and CDNs, aiding in technical understanding of cloud operations

Examines emerging Cloud trends and practices such as hybrid, multicloud, microservices, DevOps, and serverless, keeping learners abreast with industry innovations

Provides insights into Cloud security and monitoring, ensuring learners are aware of potential risks and mitigation strategies

Offers hands-on experience through deploying applications on IBM Cloud, enabling learners to apply their knowledge practically

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 Introduction to Cloud Computing with these activities:

Review cloud computing concepts and key providers

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Ensures a solid foundation and refreshes knowledge of core concepts before diving into the course.

Browse courses on Cloud Basics

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Review materials from previous courses or online resources.
Familiarize yourself with key cloud computing providers and their offerings.

Create a cheat sheet of cloud terminologies and concepts

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Provides a quick reference for key terms and concepts throughout the course.

Browse courses on Cloud Concepts

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Gather relevant materials from course notes and other resources.
Organize and condense information into a concise and accessible format.

Read "Cloud Computing for Dummies"

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to cloud computing concepts and applications.

View Cloud Computing For Dummies on Amazon

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Read chapters on cloud service models, deployment models, and key cloud technologies.
Review case studies and examples to understand real-world applications.

Six other activities

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Solve cloud computing practice problems

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Strengthens understanding of core cloud computing concepts and decision-making.

Browse courses on Cloud Service Models

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Identify different cloud service and deployment models.
Analyze use cases and determine appropriate cloud solutions.

Follow tutorials on cloud security best practices

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Reinforces understanding of cloud security principles and implementation strategies.

Browse courses on Cloud Security Best Practices

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Identify tutorials from reputable sources.
Follow step-by-step instructions to implement security measures.

Attend a cloud computing workshop

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Provides practical insights and hands-on experience with specific cloud technologies and applications.

Browse courses on Cloud Security

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Identify a workshop aligned with your learning goals.
Participate actively in hands-on labs and discussions.

Develop a Cloud Computing environment

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Provides a hands-on understanding of cloud computing principles and infrastructure components.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing Basics

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Choose a cloud provider and service model.
Create a virtual machine and configure networking.
Deploy an application on the cloud.
Configure security measures.

Plan and design a cloud-based solution

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Provides practical experience in designing and planning a cloud-based solution, integrating multiple cloud services.

Browse courses on Cloud Solution Design

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Identify a real-world business problem.
Research and choose suitable cloud services.
Design the solution architecture and infrastructure.

Write a blog post on cloud computing trends

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Encourages research, analysis, and communication of key cloud trends and their impact on the industry.

Browse courses on Future of Cloud Computing

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Research and identify significant cloud computing trends.
Analyze the implications of these trends for businesses and individuals.
Write a well-structured and informative blog post sharing your insights.

Career center

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

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer builds and maintains cloud computing systems for organizations. This course provides a hands-on introduction to cloud computing, including how to deploy applications on the cloud. You will also learn about cloud infrastructure components, such as virtual machines, networking, and storage. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud systems that are efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, builds, and tests software applications. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to develop and deploy cloud-native applications. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as microservices and serverless computing. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based software applications that are scalable, reliable, and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs, plans, and manages cloud computing systems for organizations. This course provides a foundation in cloud computing concepts, including service models, deployment models, and infrastructure components. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as hybrid multi-cloud, microservices, and serverless computing. This knowledge will help you to design and implement cloud solutions that are scalable, reliable, and secure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Software Architect

A Software Architect designs and builds software systems. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to design and build cloud-native applications. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as microservices and serverless computing. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based software systems that are scalable, reliable, and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect designs and builds cloud computing solutions for customers. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to design and build cloud-native solutions. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as hybrid multi-cloud and cloud cost optimization. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based solutions that are successful and meet customer needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer combines software development and IT operations to deliver software faster and more reliably. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts and how they can be used to improve DevOps practices. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based DevOps pipelines that are efficient and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs, builds, and maintains computer systems. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to design and build cloud-native systems. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as hybrid multi-cloud and cloud cost optimization. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based systems that are scalable, reliable, and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects an organization's data and systems from cyberattacks. This course provides an overview of cloud computing security concepts, including how to secure cloud infrastructure and applications. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud security, such as cloud access security brokers (CASBs) and zero trust security. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based security solutions that are effective and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, builds, and maintains an organization's computer networks. This course provides an overview of cloud computing networking concepts, including how to connect cloud resources to each other and to on-premises networks. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud networking, such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV). This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based networks that are reliable and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for technical products and services. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to write documentation for cloud-based products and services. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as cloud native applications and serverless computing. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based documentation that is clear, concise, and useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems and make predictions. This course provides an introduction to cloud computing concepts, including how to store and process data in the cloud. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as big data and machine learning. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based data science solutions that are scalable and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and manages the implementation of new projects. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to use cloud computing to implement new projects. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as cloud project management and cloud governance. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based projects that are successful and meet project goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

IT Manager

An IT Manager plans and manages an organization's IT systems and resources. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to deploy and manage applications on the cloud. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as hybrid multi-cloud and cloud cost optimization. This knowledge will help you to make informed decisions about how to use cloud computing to meet your organization's needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Product Manager

A Product Manager plans and manages the development and launch of new products. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to use cloud computing to launch new products and services. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as cloud native applications and serverless computing. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based products that are successful and meet customer needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer helps customers to understand and purchase technology products and services. This course provides an overview of cloud computing concepts, including how to sell cloud computing solutions to customers. You will also learn about emerging trends in cloud computing, such as cloud cost optimization and cloud security. This knowledge will help you to build and manage cloud-based sales pipelines that are successful and meet customer needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer