Cloud Computing (AWS / Azure / GCP)

Course Overview

Cloud Computing (AWS / Azure / GCP)

Module 1: Cloud Computing Fundamentals

This foundational module defines Cloud Computing, explaining its core characteristics (on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service). We will examine the three principal service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) (e.g., VMs), Platform as a Service (PaaS) (e.g., managed databases), and Software as a Service (SaaS) (e.g., Gmail). Furthermore, the module clarifies the different deployment models: Public, Private, Hybrid, and Multi-Cloud, along with a critical discussion of the economic advantages, such as Capex vs. Opex, and the shared responsibility model.

Module 2: Core Cloud Services: Compute, Storage, and Networking

This module dives into the three fundamental categories of cloud services. Compute services are explored, focusing on concepts like Virtual Machines (VMs) (e.g., EC2, Azure VMs, Compute Engine) and Serverless Computing (e.g., Lambda, Azure Functions, Cloud Functions), which are essential for application execution. Storage covers the different types, including object storage for unstructured data (e.g., S3, Azure Blob, Cloud Storage), block storage (for VMs), and archiving solutions. Finally, Networking introduces core concepts such as Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), subnets, routing tables, and the use of Load Balancers and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to ensure high availability and low latency.

Module 3: Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Security

Security is paramount in the cloud, and this module focuses on controlling who can access resources and what they can do. Identity and Access Management (IAM) is studied across the major platforms, covering users, groups, roles, and policies. Learners will understand the principle of Least Privilege and how to implement it using Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). The module also covers best practices for securing cloud environments, including encryption at rest and in transit, key management, network security groups (firewalls), and continuous monitoring services to detect and respond to security threats.

Module 4: Cloud Deployment and Automation

This module focuses on the practical techniques for deploying and managing applications at scale. Key topics include understanding Infrastructure as Code (IaC), using tools and services (e.g., CloudFormation, Terraform, Azure Resource Manager) to automate the provisioning of cloud resources, ensuring repeatability and consistency. We also explore the principles of DevOps in the cloud, covering Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), containerization using Docker, and orchestration using services like Kubernetes (EKS, AKS, GKE) to manage complex application deployments reliably and efficiently.

Module 5: Mini Cloud Lab Task and Troubleshooting

The final module is a hands-on, practical component that synthesizes all acquired knowledge. Learners will complete a Mini Cloud Lab Task, which typically involves a complete workflow: provisioning a virtual machine, installing a basic web application, securing it using IAM roles and a network firewall, and configuring a public endpoint (e.g., a Load Balancer or DNS entry). This module also introduces foundational troubleshooting techniques for diagnosing common issues related to network connectivity, service misconfiguration, and IAM permission errors, ensuring the learner can not only build but also maintain cloud infrastructure.