Fundamentals of Cloud FinOps from Coursera

This is the Course 1 of 3 Course Series on Cloud FinOps.

Fundamentals of Cloud FinOps is a comprehensive course is designed to navigate the complexities of cloud computing economics, focusing on optimizing costs while leveraging the full power of the cloud. It comprises four modules that sequentially build knowledge from cloud computing basics and pricing strategies to the specialized field of Cloud Financial Operations (FinOps) and practical tools for cost billing and governance. Each module is crafted to address different facets of cloud cost management, including understanding cloud service models, deploying cost-effective cloud strategies, applying FinOps principles, and utilizing cost management tools. Through this course, participants will gain a holistic view of how to efficiently manage and optimize cloud expenditures in any organization, ensuring that cloud investments align with business objectives while fostering a culture of financial accountability and cross-functional collaboration.

Module 1 provides a foundational understanding of cloud computing, including its key characteristics, service and deployment models, and a comparison with traditional on-premises infrastructure. It also delves into the critical aspect of cloud pricing, explaining why understanding pricing is essential and the factors that influence the costs of cloud services.

Module 2 delves into the specialized field of Cloud Financial Operations (FinOps), a practice designed to maximize the financial efficiency of cloud spending in a scalable and predictable manner. It introduces the fundamentals of FinOps, its significance in cloud management, and the foundational elements that underpin this discipline. The module further explores the operational domain and capabilities of FinOps, providing insights into its practical application within businesses to ensure cost-effective cloud service usage. Through understanding personas involved in FinOps, key principles, phases, and the maturity cycle, learners will grasp how FinOps integrates with modern business strategies to optimize cloud investments.

Module 3 equips with a comprehensive understanding of cloud billing and cost management, essential for overseeing cloud expenditures and governance. It starts by explaining the hierarchy of cloud accounts and the structure of cloud billing, offering foundational knowledge on how cloud costs are organized and reported. The module progresses to explore various tools designed for managing these costs, including both cloud-native and third-party solutions, and demonstrates their application in real-world scenarios. Through this module, participants will gain insights into effective strategies for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing cloud spending, ensuring financial accountability and governance in cloud environments.

Module 4 focuses on integrating Cloud Financial Operations (FinOps) principles within engineering roles, highlighting how engineers can contribute to cost efficiency in cloud environments. It explores the synergy between engineering practices and FinOps, fostering cross-functional collaboration and promoting a culture of cost accountability across teams.

The course is designed for professionals involved in managing and optimizing cloud expenditures, including cloud financial analysts, IT and cloud engineers, finance and procurement teams, business leaders, and operations managers. It offers comprehensive insights into cloud computing economics, focusing on cost optimization and financial accountability, making it ideal for anyone responsible for aligning cloud investments with business objectives and promoting cross-functional collaboration to achieve cost efficiency in cloud environments.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Cloud Basics and Cloud Pricing

Introduction to Cloud FinOps

Introduction to Cost Billing and Governance Tools

Cloud FinOps for Engineers

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of the fundamentals of cloud computing, including cloud service and deployment models, and pricing strategies, which is standard in the industry and highly relevant in academic settings

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in cloud financial operations (FinOps), including its principles, phases, and the maturity cycle

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners in cloud cost management, including the hierarchy of cloud accounts, billing structure, and monitoring tools

Provides practical knowledge of cloud billing and cost management tools, which is essential for managing cloud expenditures and governance

Equips engineers with the principles of Cloud Financial Operations (FinOps), enabling them to contribute to cost efficiency in cloud environments

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 Fundamentals of Cloud FinOps with these activities:

Review foundational cloud concepts

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Refresh your understanding of core cloud concepts before the course starts to ensure a smooth transition.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing Basics

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Review course materials or online resources.

Compile a glossary of cloud FinOps terms

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Build your understanding of key cloud FinOps terminology by compiling a comprehensive glossary.

Browse courses on Cloud FinOps

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Collect terms from course materials and industry resources.
Define terms clearly and concisely.
Organize terms alphabetically or by category.

Review cloud computing fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud service models, and deployment models to lay a strong foundation for the course.

View Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology &... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1 and 2 of the book.
Take notes on key concepts.
Summarize the main points in your own words.

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Practice cloud pricing exercises

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Enhance your understanding of cloud pricing strategies by solving practical exercises and scenarios.

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Solve exercises from online platforms or textbooks.
Calculate cloud costs based on different pricing models.
Analyze cost optimization strategies.

Follow tutorials on Cloud FinOps tools

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Gain hands-on experience with cloud FinOps tools to enhance your practical skills.

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Identify cloud FinOps tools.
Follow video or written tutorials.
Apply tools to real-world scenarios.

Develop a cloud cost optimization plan

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Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive plan to optimize cloud costs within an organization.

Browse courses on Cloud Cost Optimization

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Identify cost optimization areas.
Research best practices.
Develop a detailed plan with implementation steps.

Participate in peer discussions on cloud FinOps

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Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and expand your understanding of cloud FinOps.

Browse courses on FinOps

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Join online forums or study groups.
Contribute to discussions.
Collaborate on projects.

Connect with cloud FinOps professionals

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Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals to enhance your cloud FinOps knowledge and career growth.

Browse courses on Cloud FinOps

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Identify potential mentors on LinkedIn or industry events.
Reach out and schedule informational interviews.
Build relationships and seek advice.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Cloud FinOps will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

FinOps Manager

A FinOps Manager is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing the financial management of cloud resources. They work with cross-functional teams to develop cost optimization strategies and ensure that cloud spending is aligned with business objectives. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a FinOps Manager, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, cost management, and financial accountability. With this knowledge, you will be able to develop and implement cost optimization strategies that align with the business objectives of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for FinOps Manager

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs and implements cloud computing solutions that meet the needs of an organization. They may also work with engineering teams to ensure that cloud solutions are scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cloud Architect, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement cloud solutions that are both cost-effective and meet the needs of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Cloud Security Engineer

A Cloud Security Engineer designs and implements security measures to protect cloud computing environments from cyber threats. They may also work with engineering teams to ensure that cloud solutions are secure. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cloud Security Engineer, including an understanding of cloud security principles, cloud security tools, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement cloud security solutions that are both cost-effective and protect your organization's data and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Developer

A Cloud Developer designs and develops cloud-based applications. They may also work with engineering teams to ensure that cloud applications are scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cloud Developer, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and develop cloud applications that are both cost-effective and meet the needs of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Developer

Cloud Operations Engineer

A Cloud Operations Engineer manages and maintains cloud computing environments. They may also work with engineering teams to ensure that cloud environments are running smoothly and efficiently. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cloud Operations Engineer, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to manage and maintain cloud environments that are both cost-effective and meet the needs of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Operations Engineer

Cloud Cost Analyst

A Cloud Cost Analyst is a professional who evaluates cloud spending and usage to ensure that resources are being used efficiently and cost-effectively. They may also work with engineering teams to implement cost-saving measures. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cloud Cost Analyst, including an understanding of cloud pricing, cost management tools, and financial accountability. With this knowledge, you will be able to help organizations optimize their cloud spending and make better decisions about their cloud investments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Cost Analyst

Cloud Financial Analyst

A Cloud Financial Analyst works with cross-functional teams to develop cost optimization and financial planning for cloud environments. They work cross-functionally, helping stakeholders understand and optimize their use of cloud resources, and support key business decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cloud Financial Analyst, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to develop cost optimization and financial planning for cloud services and present your findings to key stakeholders in a way they can understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Financial Analyst

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They work to ensure that software is developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a DevOps Engineer, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to work with development and operations teams to ensure that software is developed and deployed in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Agile Coach

An Agile Coach helps teams adopt and implement agile methodologies. They work to improve team collaboration, communication, and productivity. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Agile Coach, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to help teams adopt and implement agile methodologies in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Coach

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and management of a product. They work with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, set priorities, and bring products to market. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Product Manager, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to define product requirements, set priorities, and bring products to market in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Technical Program Manager

A Technical Program Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of technical projects. They work with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Technical Program Manager, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to plan, execute, and deliver technical projects in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Program Manager

Cloud Consultant

A Cloud Consultant helps organizations adopt and implement cloud computing solutions. They work with clients to assess their needs, develop a cloud strategy, and implement cloud solutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cloud Consultant, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, cost management, and cloud security. With this knowledge, you will be able to help clients adopt and implement cloud computing solutions that are cost-effective, secure, and meet their business needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Consultant

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst works with stakeholders to identify and define business requirements. They develop and implement solutions to meet those requirements. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Business Analyst, including an understanding of cloud computing basics, cloud pricing, and cost management. With this knowledge, you will be able to identify and define business requirements for cloud-based solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst develops and implements financial plans for organizations. They work with senior management to make investment decisions and manage risk. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Financial Analyst, as it will provide you with a basic understanding of cloud computing, cloud pricing, and cost management. However, it is important to note that this course does not provide the specialized knowledge and skills required to become a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights for organizations. They work with stakeholders to develop data-driven solutions to business problems. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a Data Analyst, as it will provide you with a basic understanding of cloud computing, cloud pricing, and cost management. However, it is important to note that this course does not provide the specialized knowledge and skills required to become a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Fundamentals of Cloud FinOps

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