Cloud Computing Prerequisites

Cloud computing is a field in which computing services like servers, databases, and storage are delivered over the internet, or the “cloud.” This cost-effective approach helps organizations with scaling, innovation, and resource flexibility. You might worry that cloud computing will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for studying cloud computing and what you should study first to make learning easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

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.

Is Cloud Computing Easy to Learn?

Cloud computing is rapidly becoming a leading field in the IT industry and the field of computer science. Nearly all organizations and businesses have begun using at least some form of cloud computing. If you’re interested in learning cloud computing, you may wonder how difficult this skill is to acquire. Compared to other fields, cloud computing is considered challenging to learn, especially if you are studying on your own. Because cloud computing isn’t one skill but a family of related technological, programming, business, and IT skills, it often takes expert training to master this field fully. Tasks such as implementing back-office enterprise systems, understanding core network concepts, and applying API design and programming languages are just a few skills you’ll need to work as a Cloud Developer or in a related field like cybersecurity.

In addition to the skills needed to become proficient in cloud computing, this field is also considered difficult for most to learn because it requires handling a lot of complexity. Professionals such as Cloud Computing Architects and Cloud Developers regularly deal with complex programming tasks when working with huge platforms like Google, AWS, or Microsoft Azure. Cloud computing students will need to learn how to create blueprints to help applications function. They must also learn to handle both major and minor details pertaining to the services on the cloud platform and the services that are called upon by a software application. Attention to detail is essential for those working in cloud environments, as is extensive record-keeping. Another factor that contributes to the difficulty of learning cloud computing is that it also involves learning Linux, a family of free, open-source operating systems.

What to Know Before Learning Cloud Computing

If you want to begin studying cloud computing, you may wonder what skills to learn first to expedite your learning process. The following list will explore some of the most essential skills you’ll need to work with cloud computing, such as knowledge of programming languages, databases, and security fundamentals:

Programming

Those who work with cloud computing will need to draw on their background in programming to perform daily tasks. Typically, these professionals need to know several computer languages, such as PHM, Java, .NET, and Python. PHP is often used to develop cloud computing apps. In addition, Python offers multiple libraries that can be used to make tasks more efficient.

If you’re interested in pursuing a cloud computing career, you may consider enrolling in a Python programming course such as those offered by Noble Desktop. Noble currently offers a Python for Data Science Bootcamp, as well as a Python for Developers Certificate program, both of which provide hands-on training from industry experts.

Databases

Databases are repositories in which data is organized and stored. Cloud databases run on a cloud computing platform. Those with a background in cloud computing often create and manage cloud-based databases. This means that the more you understand databases, as well as how to query them using SQL, the easier it will be to become proficient in cloud computing. You may also consider studying database technologies like MySQL, MongoDB, or Apache Hadoop as a prerequisite to cloud computing. Database access is offered as-a-service. These have become popular in the past few years because they provide organizations with all the benefits of a database without requiring physical software to run it.

A great way to get started learning how to work with SQL is to enroll in Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online SQL Bootcamp, which provides 18 hours of instruction on how to write SQL queries, join tables, and aggregate data. 

Security Fundamentals

As cloud computing has grown in popularity over the last decade, privacy concerns and digital security risks have become more pressing issues for many organizations. Companies that use cloud storage must ensure that the apps on their cloud are safe from malicious outsiders and hackers. This is why it’s essential for anyone who wishes to learn cloud computing to have a solid understanding of the best practices employed to reduce the risk of hackers accessing data as well as the necessary steps taken to prevent cybersecurity threats. You may want to begin by studying topics like encryption and cryptography. 

If you want to learn more about how to safeguard your apps and data against cyber threats, Noble Desktop’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp can help you learn how to analyze security threats and use Linux and Python to prevent attacks from occurring in the future.

Key Insights

• Cloud computing pertains to delivering computing services like databases and servers over the “cloud” or the internet.
• Cloud computing is considered to be a relatively difficult skill to learn due to the large-scale complexity involved, as well as the various technical and business-related skills needed to work in a cloud environment.
• If you want to learn cloud computing, you'll want to begin by learning more about computer programming languages, studying databases, and reviewing security fundamentals.
• Enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online classes is a great way to learn more about cloud computing and the skills needed to work in this field.

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.