Cloud Computing Applications, Part 1: Cloud Systems and Infrastructure

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cloud-applications-part1

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Cloud Computing Applications, Part 1: Cloud Systems and Infrastructure** In today's digital age, cloud computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern information technology, reshaping how businesses operate and interact with data. If you're looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of this transformative technology, **Coursera’s "Cloud Computing Applications, Part 1: Cloud Systems and Infrastructure"** is an excellent starting point. **Course Overview** "Cloud Computing Applications" is the first of a two-part series designed to provide learners with an extensive grasp of cloud computing and big data technologies. This course dives deep into the various facets of cloud computing, meticulously explaining the different technologies that comprise this revolutionary concept. Given the pervasive influence of cloud computing in enterprise systems today, this course aims to equip you with knowledge and skills that will be crucial for navigating the future of computing. **Syllabus Highlights** 1. **Course Orientation**: The course kicks off with an orientation module that familiarizes you with the learning environment and your fellow classmates. It sets the groundwork for the technical skills necessary for success throughout the course. 2. **Module 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing**: This module lays the foundational concepts of cloud computing, focusing on economic principles that justify its use. You'll be introduced to essential topics such as software-defined architectures and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). 3. **Module 2: Foundations: Containers, Virtual Machines, JVM**: Diving deeper into the technical side, this module explores virtualization technologies, including Docker and Kubernetes. A comparative analysis of IaaS offerings from major providers, such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, will help you understand their unique strengths. 4. **Module 3: MAAS, PAAS, Web Services**: This module introduces key cloud services including Metal as a Service (MAAS), Platform as a Service (PAAS), and the role of web middleware in cloud computing. You'll gain insights into how these services interconnect to empower cloud environments. 5. **Module 4: Storage Solutions**: The final module addresses data storage in cloud environments, covering big data, cloud file systems, object storage, and various storage solutions such as Amazon S3 and Dropbox API integration. Understanding these components is vital for anyone involved in data management and storage. 6. **Course Conclusion**: As the course wraps up, you will find guidance on your next learning steps and have the opportunity to reflect on your course experience. **What to Expect** Enrolling in this course means engaging with a wealth of knowledge through lectures, hands-on assignments, and stimulating discussions with peers. The course is structured to cater to various learning paces, ensuring that both beginners and those with some knowledge of cloud computing can benefit. **Recommendation** I highly recommend "Cloud Computing Applications, Part 1: Cloud Systems and Infrastructure" for anyone interested in understanding the pivotal role of cloud computing in today’s tech landscape. Whether you're an IT professional looking to upskill, a student exploring career options, or simply curious about cloud technologies, this course provides a solid foundation. As the first part of a two-course series, this course seamlessly sets you up for further exploration and advanced topics covered in the follow-up course. Overall, it’s an enriching educational experience that brings you closer to becoming proficient in cloud computing—a field that is only set to grow in importance in the foreseeable future. **Conclusion** With its thorough syllabus, expert instructors, and engaging content, Coursera’s "Cloud Computing Applications, Part 1" is a must-take course for anyone aiming to thrive in the cloud computing domain. Take this opportunity to enhance your understanding and position yourself favorably in an increasingly cloud-centric world.

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Welcome to the first module of the course! In this module, we will introduce the concept of cloud computing and the economical foundations that make cloud computing make sense. We then introduce some fundamental concepts including software defined architectures and cloud services. We end the module by introducing you to the low level cloud computing service offered, infrastructure as a service.

Welcome to the second module! Here, we cover virtualization and containers with deeper focus, including lectures on Docker, JVM and Kubernates. We finish up week two by comparing the infrastructure as a service offering by the big three: Amazon, Google and Microsoft.

Welcome to the third module, where we introduce Metal as a Service (provision real hardware in the cloud), Platform as a Service (provide a platform to run user code on) and Web Middleware as the glue technology that empowers cloud computing.

Welcome to the last and final module of the cloud computing course! So far we have covered various methods of running certain computations on the cloud. Now it's time to focus on data storage in the clouds. In this module, we introduce big data and cloud file systems such as HDFS and Ceph, cloud object stores such has Open Stack Swift or Amazon S3, virtualized block storage devices such as Amazon EBS and archival storage options like the Amazon Glacier. Finally, we conclude the module with introducing the DropBox cloud API that enables developers to quickly integrate cloud storage options in their applications.

You will find out where to go next after completing this course and be able to share any thoughts you have on this course experience.