Introduction to Cloud Computing

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

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to Cloud Computing **Overview** Embarking on a journey into cloud computing has never been easier, thanks to the "Introduction to Cloud Computing" course offered on Coursera. This self-paced, beginner-friendly course is ideal for anyone seeking to gain foundational knowledge in cloud computing—whether for school, business, or a career shift. In an age where digital transformation is paramount, possessing a grasp of cloud technology is invaluable. **Course Content** The course is structured into five comprehensive modules, each designed to equip you with essential cloud computing knowledge. 1. **Overview of Cloud Computing**: The first module lays a solid foundation by defining cloud computing and exploring its five essential characteristics. Learners will dive into the history and evolution of cloud computing, understanding its benefits, especially the pay-as-you-go model. By analyzing case studies of businesses that have successfully adopted cloud solutions, you’ll see firsthand the tangible benefits of cloud computing. This introductory knowledge sets the stage for deeper exploration into the realm of cloud technologies. 2. **Cloud Computing Models**: In this module, you’ll investigate the three primary cloud service models: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Understanding the differences, advantages, and crucial components of each model is essential for anyone looking to leverage cloud services effectively. The module also covers various deployment models, allowing learners to appreciate how different organizations might utilize these services according to their specific needs. 3. **Components of Cloud Computing**: This section delves into the infrastructure that supports cloud computing. You'll learn about virtualization, the distinction between virtual machines and bare metal servers, and how to establish a secure networking presence. Furthermore, you’ll explore different storage types—Direct Attached, File, Block, and Object Storage—and their respective strengths, preparing you for practical applications. 4. **Emergent Trends and Practices**: Cloud computing is a rapidly evolving field. This module addresses contemporary trends like hybrid multi-cloud environments and serverless computing. Understanding DevOps and cloud-native applications showcases the dynamic environment of modern software development and deployment, enhancing your adaptability in the industry. 5. **Cloud Security, Monitoring, and Career Paths**: Security is a cornerstone of cloud computing, and this module addresses key concepts such as Identity and Access Management and cloud encryption. Additionally, you'll learn how organizations utilize monitoring solutions, explore various cloud adoption case studies, and discover a plethora of career options available in this expanding field. A hallmark of the course is the **Final Project** where you will deploy a containerized application on the cloud, utilizing serverless technology—all without needing programming expertise. This hands-on project ensures that learners can apply their knowledge in practical settings, interoperating with real-world tools. **Recommendation** I highly recommend the "Introduction to Cloud Computing" course on Coursera for several reasons: - **Accessibility**: The self-paced nature and beginner-friendly approach make it suitable for anyone, regardless of technical background. - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: From foundational theories to hands-on implementation, the course covers critical aspects of cloud computing relevant today. - **Real-World Application**: The mix of theoretical knowledge and practical projects provides a well-rounded experience that can directly enhance your understanding and skills in cloud computing. - **Career Opportunities**: With cloud computing becoming increasingly crucial across various sectors, this course prepares you for potential job roles in a high-demand field. Whether you are a student, a working professional looking to advance your career, or someone intrigued by the technology landscape, this course presents an excellent starting point for your cloud computing journey. For anyone eager to embrace the future of technology, enrolling in this course is a strategic move that will provide you with essential skills and knowledge.

Syllabus

Overview of Cloud Computing

In Module 1, in the first lesson, you will learn the definition of cloud computing and its five essential characteristics. In the next topic, you will learn about the history and evolution of cloud computing and the benefits of the pay-as-you-go feature of cloud computing. The third topic will describe the key considerations, benefits, and challenges of cloud computing. You will next discuss some common cloud service providers. In the second lesson, you will learn the need for cloud adoption by businesses. You will then discuss some case studies of businesses that benefitted from cloud adoption. In the third lesson, you will learn about emerging technologies like IoT, AI, Blockchain, and so on that leverage cloud’s scalability and processing power to provide value to individuals and businesses alike, supported by some case studies.

In Module 2, you will learn about the different types of service and deployment models of cloud computing. The first lesson covers the three main service models available on the cloud—Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). You will learn the differences between each model, the advantages of each, and the key components of cloud infrastructure. The second lesson goes over the four main deployment models available on the cloud—public, private, hybrid, and community. You will learn what deployment models are and the differences and advantages of each model. At the end of the module, you will create an account on IBM Cloud.

In Module 3, you will learn about the various components of a cloud computing architecture, such as the virtualization of virtual machines and bare metal servers, and the difference between virtual machines and bare metal servers. You will learn the different types of virtual machines, how to build a secure cloud networking presence, how container-based technologies work, and the benefits of a Content Delivery Network. In the second lesson, we will also familiarize you with the four main types of cloud storage—Direct Attached, File, Block, and Object Storage. You will learn the differences in how they can be accessed, the capacity they offer, how much they cost, the types of data they are best suited to store, and their read-write speed.

In Module 4, you will learn about the use cases and challenges of emergent trends in cloud computing, such as hybrid multi-cloud, serverless computing, and microservices. Additionally, this module will teach you about the core concepts and benefits of cloud native applications, the role of DevOps in addressing some of the complexities of cloud computing, and how organizations can benefit from modernizing their applications.

In Module 5, you will learn about elements of cloud security, including Identity and Access Management and cloud encryption. This module will cover how organizations leverage cloud monitoring solutions to optimize business benefits. It will familiarize you with cloud adoption case studies in different industry verticals, and the various career opportunities and job roles available in the field of cloud computing today.

In this module, you will complete a final project to deploy a containerized application on the cloud using a serverless technology (no programming experience needed). You can also demonstrate your knowledge of cloud computing by completing an optional assessment based on a cloud architecture design case study.