What Is Cloud Computing?

With a wide range of Cloud lessons already available at a deep technical level, this lesson is aimed as an introduction to those looking at Cloud Computing from the perspective of a beginner who may have no previous experience of the topic at all.

Before implementing or adopting Cloud technology, you will want to have an understanding of what it is exactly and what options you have when thinking about your deployment. This lesson covers a wide range of Cloud Computing topics areas, providing you with a solid foundation of understanding.

We will start by defining Cloud Computing, then we will explore what this definition means. We will look at the different deployment models such as Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds before digging into what actually makes a Cloud a Cloud. Here we break down the Cloud model by looking at the key concepts and characteristics that make it so appealing to a wide range of organizations and individuals.

This lesson also looks at the different service models of Cloud Computing, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), providing examples and differences between each.

With all of these different deployment and service options, this lesson looks at ways other organizations are utilizing the Cloud with some common use cases that you may be familiar with.

Lastly, an overview is given on how typical on-premise data center solutions are reflected within the Cloud. Some people may already be aware of these solutions but are unsure of how certain infrastructure such as networks is architected from a Cloud Computing perspective. As well as networking, we will also look at Storage and compute (server) resources and how these are deployed in comparison to on-premise solutions.

Learning Objectives

The key learning objectives of this lesson will enable to student to have:

• A clear definition of what Cloud Computing is

• A comprehensive understanding of Cloud Computing

• An understanding of Cloud Computing benefits and key concepts

• An understanding of when and where to use it using the appropriate industry models

Intended Audience

This lesson is intended for anyone who wants to learn about Cloud Computing, and that may have NO or very little of it knowledge of it currently. It’s for those of you who are looking to learn more about the Cloud to decide if it's something you want to adopt within your business, or those of you that may be seeking a career move and want to learn the foundation of Cloud principles, then this lesson is certainly for you.

• Beginners to Cloud Computing

• Business Managers

Prerequisites

• A basic understanding of server hardware components

• A basic understanding of what a Data Center is

This Lesson Includes

• 35 minutes of high-definition video

• 8 lessons

• Links to key documentation by Public Cloud providers

What You'll Learn

Lesson: Introduction - This lesson provides an introduction to the trainer and covers the intended audience. We will also look at what lessons are included in the lesson and what you will gain as a student from attending the lesson.

Lesson: What is Cloud Computing? - Following this lesson the student will be able to explain what Cloud Computing is and the underlying technology that its based upon, virtualization. The student will also be aware of the primary resources of the Cloud: Compute, Storage, and Network.

Lesson: Cloud Deployment Models - Following this lesson the student will know the different deployment models available and will be able to give an understanding and distinction between Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds.

Lesson: Key Cloud Concepts -  Following this lesson the student will be able to describe what makes a Cloud a Cloud and what its key characteristics and concepts are.

Lesson: Cloud Service Models - Following this lesson, the student will be able to explain what Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) are and the differences between them.

Lesson: Common use cases of Cloud Computing - Following this lesson the student will have a comprehensive understanding of the different use cases cloud computing can have.

Lesson: How Data Center architecture is reflected in the Cloud - Following this lesson the student will understand how typical on-premise infrastructure is architected differently within the Cloud.

Lesson: Key Points - This lesson will review all of the key points of the previous lesson.

If you have thoughts or suggestions for this lesson, please contact Cloud Academy at support@cloudacademy.com.