Learn Cloud Computing: The Best Courses and Resources

Spaces are limited more than you think, even in the digital landscape. For a company to have as much storage as possible, it has to buy hardware or any available storage devices. The rise of cloud computing, however, has helped mitigate the demand for physical space.

With cloud computing, data is stored in the digital space. And that’s just one of its many uses. Aside from storage, cloud computing also covers processing and managing data.

Learning about cloud computing is beneficial in a lot of ways. As the need for more digital space grows, so does the demand for the workforce that will develop them. 

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is simply the delivery of computing services. Data storage is the primarily known computing service as it is used even by ordinary users. Still, cloud computing also includes servers, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.

Convenience is the primary reason for cloud computing. Imagine having to lug around loads of hardware with you whenever you need it. Not only is it a hassle, but it also means being prone to physical damages and worse, misplacement.

With cloud computing, you pay less because you can just rent the services of companies that develop it. You also become more productive because it manages several tasks that you may consider tedious. Finally, cloud computing is reliable because it can back up data and restore them when needed.

Businesses rely on cloud computing because it helps them ensure continuity and cloud security for confidential data. This has led to a growing need for companies to hire more talent to build their own data centers.

What Jobs Use Cloud Computing?

Lucrative opportunities abound for jobs that use cloud-computing skills. Below are some of these, along with the salaries you can expect:

Software Engineer

A software engineer utilizes cloud computing to create and maintain systems. They can cover both hardware and software systems. One of their main roles is to identify and resolve operating systems faults.

Software engineers earn $107,510 on average. Those who work for the manufacturing and software publishing industries generally earn more, worth up to $122,000.

Database Administrator

A database administrator maintains the security of databases. They utilize cloud computing to continuously develop these databases to ensure their reliability. They also perform troubleshooting in case there’s a problem.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that database administrators receive an average pay of $93,750 per year. Cloud computing jobs may fall under this as they are responsible for data storage. In the next 10 years, the job outlook is expected to grow by 10 percent.

Full-Stack Developer

A full-stack developer is a computer programmer that can do both front- and back-end development. They make use of cloud computing to build storage and programs for websites and mobile platforms. Indeed lists full-stack developers as earning $109,668, on average. That’s without accounting for the $4,100 annual cash bonus.

Cloud Engineer

A cloud engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving the technical efficiency of cloud computing. Their roles expand to designing cloud systems and ensuring their functionality. The average cloud engineer salary stands at $115,007, plus a $10,000 cash bonus per year.

Systems Administrator

A systems administrator is in charge of installing and monitoring software and hardware. They handle the cloud platform of the organization while maintaining operating systems and other security tools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems administrators bring home $83,510 per year.

Steps to Learn Cloud Computing

To learn cloud computing, you’ll need a lot of preparation because it is part of the intricate information technology system. Cloud computing means building cloud infrastructures so equipping yourself with developer tools is a must.

It also involves developing software as a service for a lot of companies improving their data management. To mobilize yourself with enough computing powers, you’ll need a laser focus and a strong grasp on the core knowledge.

Below are some steps you can take to learn cloud computing.

Step 1: Understand Operating Systems

So much of cloud computing involves getting deep and personal with operating systems. This is where the entire concept evolves as it is all about building reliable programs for storage and processes. Some notable operating systems tools are Windows, Linux, and more.

Companies have different preferences on which operating systems they would use. So, familiarizing yourself with all kinds of operating systems is an advantage. Getting comfortable with these systems is a much-needed skill as a cloud computing expert.

Step 2: Learn the Concept of Virtualization

Virtualization is a means for companies to compact all their data centers into one system. A company may hire Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure for this. Learning virtualization helps you weigh in on which services are needed and which you can scrap.

Some notable platforms for virtualization are Virtual Box and VMware Desktop. You can play around with either of these to have a hands-on discovery of how virtualization works. Both work on Windows and Linux.

Step 3: Get to Know the Basics of Networking

In cloud computing, networking is a must-know. All the basics of networking will help you understand how digital elements interact. You get a sense of how data is transferred from one source to another.

Networking is vital in cloud computing because it has a lot to do with sharing spaces in the digital realm. Understand how one device can easily accept and give information to another. Trace the movements on information between two or among various networks.

Step 4: Familiarize Yourself with Storage

Storage is a vital part of cloud computing as this is the most in-demand among the services it provides. Discovering ways to create and expand these virtual storages are necessary to attract potential clients. This is most needed when offering security and assurance.

Being familiar with storage will help you create products and offerings for when you are already working in the IT industry. Cloud computing platforms as a service are constantly in demand, and product improvement is a must.

Step 5: Try Different Platforms

There are a lot of cloud computing platforms that you can try to familiarize yourself with how their services work. Even with similar services offered, some are more advanced and efficient than others. Grab the chance to compare these as you go through your learning process.

Amazon and Microsoft offer some of the most notable cloud computing platforms. There’s also the Google cloud platform which has been gaining traction over the years in many universities and companies.

The Best Courses to Learn Cloud Computing

Cloud computing courses are readily available online for you to peruse. Certifications are also available to demonstrate any added skill that you gain. Some courses are offered for beginners while others are designed for experts.

These courses are online so you get to pace your study schedule. These days, online courses are in high demand especially for topics like cloud computing. Utilizing the digital space plays such huge importance for appreciating computing in general.

Udemy: The Complete Cloud Computing Course for Beginners

This course is specifically designed for beginners so it will really start from the basics of cloud computing. It will cover cloud computing technologies, infrastructure, architecture, and more. It even has a focused discussion on hybrid cloud models like Amazon Web Services.

Coursera: Architecting with Google Compute Engine Specialization

Offered and led by Google Cloud, this course is a specialized topic in Google cloud computing services. It is meant for those who want to take on the Google Cloud certified users exam. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how Google Cloud products work.

edX: Introduction to Cloud Computing

IBM leads this course, which introduces you to the core concepts of cloud computing. It teaches foundational knowledge on the history of and emerging trends. The course also discusses business cases that demonstrate how cloud computing is utilized by companies.

Pluralsight’s Cloud Computing: The Big Picture

This course is designed to teach various topics of cloud computing, such as Software as a Service (SaaS). It covers cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. It also explores the current situation of cloud computing in this day and age.

Cloud Academy: What Is Cloud Computing?

This course is meant for beginners as it will cover cloud computing at a deeply technical level. It discusses the different models such as Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds. You’ll come out of the course with an understanding of how computing is utilized from an industry and business perspective.

Why Learn Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the future of IT and networks security. It is vital for so many organizations and businesses. As more companies push for digital storage more than papers and hard copies, there is more need for cloud computing jobs. The outlook remains promising for the IT services industry.

Learning cloud computing is a must for those aspiring to get into information technology and land one of the best tech jobs. It is not only about gaining technical skills that can get you the job. It is also about embodying the need to ensure that files and data are always protected.