How to Learn Cloud Computing and Choose a Cloud Platform

Businesses across industries, as well as individuals, are moving their data to the cloud. The reasons are many: ease of access, affordability, and increasing storage limits. Learning cloud computing will put you at the forefront of handling data and improve the odds of your business’s success. 

To learn cloud computing, you don’t need a number of specialized skills in tech. You simply need a passion for driving business growth and a willingness to adapt to the technology workplace of the future. There are plenty of great cloud computing courses and online resources to teach you more about this technology.

Identify your best learning style and use this guide to select the best cloud computing courses for you. 

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the process of delivering IT resources via the Internet. Tools and applications such as servers, databases, networks, different hardware and software, operating systems, and data storage can all use cloud computing.

Companies can use the computing power and databases from providers such as Amazon Web Services instead of physical data centers and servers. With nothing more than an Internet connection, they get help with data backup, big data analytics, software development, user application testing, virtual desktops, and disaster recovery.

There are three main types of clouds for organizations and businesses. There is a public cloud where the computing infrastructure is located on the premises of the service provider. The provider delivers these services to clients and is responsible for maintenance. 

A private cloud, by contrast, is essentially used by one party. The infrastructure can be located at the premises of the provider or the business. This is highly reliable and offers maximum security and control.

A hybrid cloud, meanwhile, describes the fruitful combination of a public and private cloud. The organization hosts primary applications on its servers while the provider stores secondary applications. 

A multi-cloud is a fourth type of cloud, similar to hybrid, that utilizes multiple storage devices in one architecture.

Cloud services have evolved to better help clients over the years. You should first choose which cloud architecture will serve you best. Most cloud computing services are categorized as a platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS), or serverless.

What Is Cloud Computing Used For?

Cloud computing has revolutionized industry, streamlining various business models. Businesses use cloud computing to save on costs, optimize processes, increase productivity, and raise performance.

Below are some of the primary uses of cloud computing.

Create Cloud Applications

You can utilize cloud applications for mobile devices, web applications, or an application programming interface (API). You can also use Kubernetes, microservices architectures, DevOps, and containers to build your applications.

Test Applications 

You not only can build applications using cloud computing but it can also help you run penetration tests. Use cloud infrastructure to scale your application development. 

Store Data

Cloud services provide companies with a reliable storage facility for their data. You can easily retrieve your data from anywhere, at any time, and at any speed. And while using these services companies won’t be continually worrying about maintenance. 

Many businesses rely on cloud services to back up and recover essential data. It rids businesses of the usual retrieval processes in disaster recovery and is much cheaper and faster.

Analyze Data

Cloud computing can help teams collaborate more efficiently. All relevant data is stored in one place, easing the process of analysis. You can also use artificial intelligence and machine learning to interpret your information.

For example, retailers can use information extraction methods to discover buying patterns of consumers. Cloud computing can help significantly in developing efficient marketing strategies.

Learn Cloud Computing: Step-by-Step 

Learning cloud computing is relatively straightforward. Below are the essential steps to tackle this technology.

1. Understand Cloud Computing

First, learn cloud computing’s fundamental concepts. You can use the resources listed below to study the platform and services.

2. Select a Service

Next, familiarize yourself with a cloud computing service. You can opt for Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Alibaba Cloud, IBM Cloud, or Digital Ocean. Don’t forget to research the service provider and understand its terms of service.

3. Watch Tutorials and Webinars

Online resources are a great way to grow your knowledge base in cloud computing. Don’t hesitate to attend a webinar to learn more about this platform and service.

4. Enroll in a Course

This is an effective way to learn any new skill and develop connections in the industry. In this guide, you will find credible courses in which to enroll.

5. Practice

The more you practice, the better you’ll become at using cloud computing. Gather real-world experience and you’ll be an expert in no time. 

The Best Cloud Computing Courses

There are plenty of online, free, and paid programs available for you to develop skills in cloud computing. Honing this new ability will help you stand out in the IT crowd. 

Below are some of the best available programs to learn cloud computing. 

Cloud Architect Master’s Program

This is the best program for you to build skills in AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. The instructors will help you master various architectural principles and services as well as deploy scalable applications.

The site has plenty of resources. There are over 60 online lessons, more than 100 self-paced video lectures, and additional resources to help you pass the program’s exams.

If you want an in-depth understanding of various cloud services, this is the course for you.

Introduction to Cloud Computing on Amazon AWS for Beginners

This Udemy course is an exceptional option for beginners who would like to master the basics of AWS. You’ll learn about the cloud’s fundamental systems, general cloud computing concepts, and move from a cloud beginner to an advanced user. 

There are lessons on configuring storage services and uploading files using Amazon EBS, EFS, and S3. You will also learn how to create a platform as a service, create serverless architectures, and design coupled services with Amazon SQS and Amazon SNS. 

This is a great program to start learning cloud computing and acquire your AWS certification.

MicroMasters Program in Cloud Computing

This edX program will take you through the different cloud technologies like Google Cloud Azure, AWS, and other infrastructures. You will strengthen your skills in legal and compliance issues as well as security mitigation. You can also learn best practices.

The course features plenty of assignments and quizzes to help you apply different concepts and get you ready for real-world scenarios.

Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1 

These lessons, offered through Coursera, will help you learn the various techniques, algorithms, and design philosophies of cloud computing. You will also complete exercises in preparation for real-life use cases. 

This certification course requires you to have prior knowledge of C++ or any other top programming language. You must pass the assessment to earn certification.

Cloud Computing Sales

This Udemy course will help you sell various cloud computing solutions to companies with on-premise computing resources. You will build essential skills in generating leads, qualifying prospects, and offering credible solutions. You will also learn how to apply the newest methodologies for adding value with Enterprise Value Integration.

The instructor ensures you are actively involved in projects so that you develop project management techniques. For this excellent course, you will need to have extensive knowledge of customer relationship management.

Cloud Computing Certification & Training

This self-paced Pluralsight training teaches you various infrastructure types and their uses.  The program has three difficulty levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. These lessons will help you acquire vital skills to set up cloud computing in your business.

The instructor covers topics in Microsoft Azure, AWS fundamentals, and cloud security parameters. 

Cloud Computing Basics: Enhance Your Career as a Cloud Engineer

These Udemy-hosted lessons will help you understand different cloud computing technologies and architectures. No prior experience is required. It’s perfect for acquiring the right foundation in cloud computing. 

This is an excellent course for beginners, graduates, mid-level engineers, and senior managers. You will receive a certificate of completion after you finish the course. Also, you will have lifetime access to their resources.

Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing

Offered by Simplilearn in collaboration with CalTech, this program covers topics in AWS, Azure, and GCP. You will also come across different services like Amazon S3, Azure App Services, and AWS Lambda.

It is a great way to start designing and deploying scalable and reliable applications involving the cloud. You will work with Google Cloud Platform, AWS, and Microsoft Azure.

The 12-month course will also provide you with a membership in the Center for Technology and Management Education (CTME) at CalTech, multiple hands-on projects to complete, and integrated labs to practice your skills on. 

Become a Cloud Developer Nanodegree Program

This Udacity Nanodegree Program is essential to become a full-stack web developer on AWS. You must have extensive experience in web development or coding before signing up for this course. If you don’t know how to code, you may be able to learn for free.

The program features topics such as microservices, cloud-based foundations, and full-stack apps on AWS. You will also cover serverless technologies, work on a capstone project, and learn different microservice architecture patterns.

The Complete Cloud Computing Course for Beginners

This Udemy course features a wide array of topics on cloud computing. It’s an exceptional beginners’ course in cloud computing technologies, infrastructure, private cloud models, and planning. In addition, you will learn about cloud computing architecture.

The instructor teaches students about the public cloud model, hybrid cloud model, community cloud model, and software as a service. There are no prerequisites.

Is Learning Cloud Computing Right for You? 

Learning cloud computing is right for any developer today. With the cloud at your fingertips, you can better handle all your scalability, flexibility, and cybersecurity needs.

Today, more businesses are using the cloud for storage and collaboration. Most people utilize the cloud without knowing it. For example, if you are on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, you are already an active user.

The prevalence of cloud computing services is growing. And the courses above will teach you all you need to know about this important technology.