How Long Does it Take to Learn Cloud Computing?

Like many aspiringCloud Network Engineers, you might want to learn cloud computing but worry that it will take too much time. Many people consider cloud computing a relatively difficult skill set to acquire due to the complexity it requires users to handle. Most individuals can learn cloud computing in approximately two to four years. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn cloud computing and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing involves delivering computing services, such as databases, servers, software, intelligence, analytics, and storage, over the internet, or the “cloud.” Instead of storing files on a local storage device or one’s hard drive, cloud-based storage provides a way to save them to a remote database. Any electronic device that can access the internet can then access the data, as well as the software programs needed to run it.

Different types of clouds, as well as cloud computing options, are available, including various services and models. Cloud services can be deployed in three ways: on a private cloud, a public cloud, or a hybrid cloud. Private clouds are used solely by one organization. It is either physically located in the organization’s onsite data center or is hosted by a third-party service provider. Public clouds are owned and run by third-party cloud service providers. This provider delivers computing resources via the internet. In public clouds, the cloud provider owns all the supporting infrastructure like software and hardware and is in charge of managing it. Hybrid clouds are a combination of private and public clouds that share data and applications. Since apps and data move between public and private clouds in a hybrid cloud, this format provides organizations with additional deployment options, security, and flexibility. 

Nearly all cloud computing services fall into four categories: infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, serverless, and software as a service. Since they build on one another, these four services are often called the cloud computing “stack.”

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is the most rudimentary of the four services. Those using IaaS rent their IT infrastructures, such as virtual machines, servers, networks, and storage, from a cloud provider using a pay-as-you-go structure. Platform as a service (PaaS) provides on-demand environments to develop, test, deliver, and manage various software apps. PaaS allows Developers to easily and quickly design mobile or web apps since they do not need to create or manage the servers’ databases, storage capacity, or network. Serverless computing allows users to focus their efforts on creating apps rather than managing the infrastructure and services needed to do so. Instead, the cloud provider takes care of setup and server management. The fourth cloud computing service is software as a service (SaaS). This method delivers software apps on an on-demand basis over the internet and generally involves a subscription. Cloud providers are tasked with hosting and managing the infrastructure and apps, as well as performing maintenance tasks like updating software. Those who wish to connect to the app do so over the internet. 

Read more about what cloud computing is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a skill that can open many professional doors, lead to competitive salaries, and provide you with the training and skills to stand out to a range of recruiters and employers. Currently, cloud computing is one of the most in-demand skills you can have on your resume. According to U.S. News and World Report, the number-one job in America in 2022 is Information Security Analyst. These individuals safeguard the information stored in an organization’s computer system from cyberattacks and data breaches, often in the cloud environment. Whether you want to pursue a cybersecurity career or employment in a related field like web development or cloud development, cloud computing is likely to play an integral role in your professional responsibilities. The demand for those with cloud computing skills will likely increase over the next decade as more companies realize the benefits of cloud environments.

Cloud computing allows businesses and organizations to reduce expenses by using resources from several providers instead of just one. This can lead to a significant reduction in operating costs. Not only does cloud computing save money, but it improves a company’s flexibility. It provides a way for users to access apps and data when and where it’s needed. Working in the cloud environment also improves an organization’s agility by allowing users to easily and quickly deploy services and applications. 

Another benefit of working with cloud computing is that it provides a secure data environment with which users can securely access their data from any location. Because it’s made the internet more reliable and improved the speed by which information can be accessed, cloud computing often improves employee productivity. It also provides a way to stay current with technology trends. Additionally, because cloud computing relies on state-of-the-art data centers and cutting-edge technology, it can also reduce an organization’s carbon footprint.

Average Time it Takes to Learn Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is an in-demand skill across a variety of industries. Many high-paying jobs are available for those who can help organizations transition to cloud computing environments and those with the training and skills to maintain and update these environments. Most people consider cloud computing to be a relatively difficult skill set to learn because it requires knowledge of business requirements like how to implement back-office enterprise systems. Additionally, Cloud Developers must be familiar with core networking concepts, Linux, API design, and several programming languages. Those who wish to pursue a career in cloud computing will need to handle complex systems when working with large platforms like Microsoft Azure or AWS.

The time it will take you to learn cloud computing will likely depend on several factors, such as whether you’re studying on your own or have the support of a bootcamp or certificate program. On average, most individuals can master cloud computing skills in approximately two to four years.

Other Factors That Affect How Quickly You Will Learn Cloud Computing

Because cloud computing requires a range of technical and business skills, it is considered by most to be a difficult skill set to learn. Various factors will contribute to how quickly you can become proficient in cloud computing, such as your experience working with operating systems, cloud environments, virtualization, and networking.

Knowledge of Operating Systems

One of the core skills you’ll need for cloud computing is an understanding of operating systems. Operating systems are the software used to support basic computer functions like controlling peripherals, executing apps, and scheduling tasks. It’s essential to understand the basic features of an operating system, such as how they work and operate with Linux or Windows. 

Understanding of Virtualization

Another factor that can contribute to the speed at which you learn cloud computing is your proper knowledge of virtualization. Virtualization is used to create virtual environments with allotted amounts of RAM, CPU, or disk space assigned, as well as their own operating systems like Windows or Linux. These virtual environments share physical hardware and network equipment yet remain virtually separated from the other virtual machines. When used in cloud computing, virtualization is a technique that creates a virtual ecosystem consisting of the server’s operating system and storage devices. Virtualization makes it possible for users to work on different machines that each share a physical instance of a resource.

Networking Knowledge

In addition to knowledge about operating systems and virtualization, another essential element to cloud computing is networking. Even for individuals from an analytical background, learning about networking can be challenging and time-consuming. Cloud networking is a specific kind of IT infrastructure that hosts an organization’s network resources and capabilities on a private or public cloud platform. This platform is managed either by a service provider, in-house, or is offered to end users on an on-demand basis.

Understanding of the Different Cloud Environments

Another important factor contributing to how quickly you’ll learn cloud computing is your understanding of the difference between public and private cloud computing. Public clouds are infrastructures that are publicly accessible. They can store cloud resources, data, and virtual machines. Since storage is done programmatically or autonomously, public clouds don’t require users to invest in infrastructure or hardware. Instead, a pay-per-use approach is used, similar to renting a car only for the time you wish to drive it. Because public clouds are hosted by providers like Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud, they eliminate the responsibility of users to manage cloud infrastructure.

Private clouds provide users with many of the perks and flexibility of cloud computing while still providing on-premises infrastructure and data centers, which are often necessary for compliance and security considerations. Private cloud services are controlled by one organization and aren’t shared with others. Also known as data centers, private clouds reside on an organization’s infrastructure and are typically protected by firewalls. Many organizations that have been around for years have invested in creating on-premises infrastructure which can be used for a private cloud. This pre-existing infrastructure can lead to significant financial benefits for the organization in the long term. However, a private cloud needs to be managed, supported, and upgraded or replaced as necessary. It’s up to the organization to ensure security (both physical security and cybersecurity) in private cloud networks.

In addition to public and private clouds, hybrid cloud environments also exist. This cloud environment combines the features of private and public clouds and is generally used for business needs. Hybrid clouds combine two or more computing environments that share information and run uniform business applications. There are several types of hybrid cloud environments, such as those with one private cloud and one or more public clouds, two or more private clouds, or two or more public clouds.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

Over the past several years, cloud computing has become increasingly popular. Many businesses are seeing the value in the efficiency and cost reductions cloud computing provides and are adopting the technologies needed to make the switch. Because of the increasing interest in this field, individuals from both technical and non-technical backgrounds are considering learning more about working in the cloud environment. If you’re interested in a cloud computing career, you may wonder how hard it is to learn.

Most people who pursue cloud computing consider it to be a relatively difficult field to learn, especially when leatheir own. Because this skill requires studying a range of business requirements, such as implementing back-office enterprise systems, it takes time and expert training to acquire cloud computing skills. Because networks serve as the foundation of cloud computing, it’s also important for learners to have a detailed understanding of core networking concepts. In addition to business knowledge, those who wish to become Cloud Developers typically must also have a background in API design and programming. This requires technical training in a field like computer science, as well as knowledge of at least one programming language, such as Python. The good news is that most programming languages are open-source, which means they are available for free. 

Another reason why learning cloud computing is considered a challenging task is because it requires that students handle a lot of complexity. Cloud Developers and Cloud Computing Architects must deal with large-scale complexity, such as when working with large platforms such as the Google cloud computing platform, Microsoft Azure, or AWS. This generally requires designing blueprints that help an application function. Additionally, these professionals must manage both minor and major details, such as various services on the cloud computing platform, as well as the services a software app calls upon. This can require extensive note-taking and record-keeping. Those who work with cloud computing also should be familiar with Linux, a family of open-source operating systems that is available for free. This often requires hands-on training.

Read about how difficult it is to learn cloud computing.

Watch a Free Cloud Computing Online Course

If you’re not quite ready to dive into a full course on cloud computing, other online learning options are available. For those interested in an overview of this field, you can start learning for free online. Many top educational providers offer free online content devoted to cloud computing and related topics.

Udacity’s Introduction to Cloud Computing is a two-month, beginner-level course in which participants prepare for a career in cloud computing. This class provides instruction on deployment models, AWS, and serverless architecture. For those who want to learn how to work with AWS, Cloud Computing with Amazon Web Services is offered for free from Amazon. Three hours of video content is available about AWS services, S3 cloud storage, and cloud infrastructure. Coursera also provides a free course, Introduction to Cloud Computing. Instruction is provided on the evolution of cloud computing, as well as the various cloud deployment models. If you want to become familiar with Microsoft Azure, Udemy’s Learning Microsoft Azure offers an hour of video content that prepares students to work with its infrastructure and services. For those who wish to gain an overview of cloud computing, Pluralsight’s Fundamentals of Cloud Computing provides two hours of introductory-level videos on the risks and benefits of working with cloud computing.

Read about more free cloud computing videos and online tutorials.

Learn Web Development & Cybersecurity Skills with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

One great way to learn many of the skills associated with cloud computing is to enroll in a course or bootcamp with Noble Desktop. Noble’s Cloud Computing with AWS prepares students to create and secure an enterprise-level cloud environment. Those enrolled in this hands-on class receive expert instruction on how to work with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the most popular cloud computing platform. Participants learn how to navigate the cloud’s infrastructure, as well as how Security Operation Centers can be used in AWS. These relevant skills can help students pursue a career in cybersecurity. Tuition includes the option of a free course retake for up to one year for all students.

Another great option for those interested in working with cybersecurity is Noble’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Instruction is provided on protecting networks and apps, evaluating security threats, and using cloud computing, Python, and Linux to prevent cyberattacks. By course completion, students will have a working knowledge of the skills required to work in several in-demand cybersecurity professions, such as Cybersecurity Analyst and Cybersecurity Engineer. In addition to the option of a free course retake, all participants in this intensive program receive one-on-one mentoring.

Key Insights

• Learning cloud computing is considered a relatively difficult skill, one that generally takes people between two and four years to acquire.
• If you want to study cloud computing, several factors will dictate the speed at which you learn. Your familiarity with networks, operating systems, cloud environments, and virtualization will determine how long it will take to acquire cloud computing skills.
• Three primary cloud environments exist: public, private, and hybrid clouds.
• You can receive comprehensive cloud computing training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.