Which Cloud Computing Training Format Is Right for Me?

Cloud computing is an increasingly popular field in which services and resources like servers, software, and data storage are delivered to end users over the internet, or the “cloud.” Cloud-based storage allows users to store files on the cloud rather than on their local storage device or hard drive. Those who have access to the web can then access the data and the software programs required to run it. This helps organizations be more productive while simultaneously reducing costs. When comparing types of cloud computing training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the right kind of training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to find out more about the different formats of cloud computing training, how they compare to each other, and how to determine which is best for you.

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.

Training Formats for Cloud Computing

Several in-person and online learning options are available if you are interested in learning cloud computing. For extroverted learners, in-person cloud computing courses provide the benefit of real-time instruction from an expert in cloud computing, networking possibilities with other students, and access to a computer lab with the most up-to-date tools and software. If you want to study cloud computing in real-time but would rather complete coursework from your home or office, live online cloud computing classes are also available. In addition, self-paced training materials, such as online tutorials and YouTube channels, are available. These pre-recorded materials provide learners with to study at their own pace, at any time, and from any location.

In-Person Cloud Computing Training

If you want to learn cloud computing in an interactive, engaging format, in-person coursework is for you. Students who enroll in in-person study have access to a computer lab that has the most up-to-date cloud computing software and tools already installed. As you complete coursework, you not only have the benefit of in-the-moment feedback from an expert instructor, but you also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded learners. Although this learning method requires commuting to and from campus for regularly scheduled classes, which can mean having to take off work and spend money commuting to and from class, attending in-person coursework is an excellent way to ensure you receive hands-on training in the small class setting from an instructor who has real-world experience working in cloud computing environments.

In-person cybersecurity classes provide students with a solid foundation in a range of cloud computing skills. Noble Desktop’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp prepares students for a career in cybersecurity. Those enrolled in this hands-on class learn how to secure networks and applications, evaluate various security threats, and use Python and Linux to prevent cyberattacks. Noble also has Intro to Cybersecurity & Networks, a course that covers the basics of cybersecurity, like security protocols and how Python and Linux can be used to improve security.

For those who are new to cybersecurity, Flatiron School’s Cybersecurity Analytics provides the training needed to begin a career as a Tier 1+ SOC Analyst, a Consultant, or a Security Analyst. This 12-week program covers event management, security intelligence, and network administration. In addition, NGT Academy’s Cyber Security Program is an introductory-level course that allows participants to choose whether to complete their work part-time or full-time. Those who successfully complete this course are given CompTIA certificates and NCS awards to signify their achievement. For students interested in advanced cybersecurity training, the University of Utah Professional Education Boot Camps provides Cybersecurity Boot Camp. This 24-week course provides instruction on topics like how to work with web technologies and databases, as well as how to perform both offensive and defensive cybersecurity.

Live Online Cloud Computing Training

Studying cloud computing in the live online format is an excellent way to receive hands-on training from industry experts. Similar to in-person study, live online courses occur in real-time, which provides an opportunity for students to connect to an instructor, as well as other students, using a platform like Zoom or Teams. Instead of having to commute to and from campus to attend class, and waste time searching for parking, students can complete all coursework remotely from their home or office space. This flexible, engaging learning format provides a platform where you can ask questions as they arise and receive immediate feedback on your work. Although enrolling in live online courses may require taking off work to attend class meetings, this learning format provides hands-on training that can help you pursue a career in cloud computing or cybersecurity.

Many live online cloud computing and cybersecurity classes are available from top educational providers. Noble Desktop offers several cybersecurity classes. For those who are new to cybersecurity, Noble’s Intro to Cybersecurity & Networks is a great starting point. This hands-on class provides instruction on topics like security protocols, network models, and using Python and Linux for cybersecurity. Python for Network Security teaches participants how to use Python programming to monitor networks. Noble’s Digital Forensics provides instruction on the structure of a modern security operations center. In addition, 

In addition to Noble’s cybersecurity courses, other educators also have live online classes devoted to online security. Neoland’s Cybersecurity Part-Time is an introductory-level bootcamp that teaches participants offensive and defensive security. Another beginner-friendly course is available from NGT Academy. Its Cyber Security Program is available on a part-time or full-time live online basis. Students who graduate earn a CompTIA certificate. Craft Academy’s 12-week course, Cybersecurity, provides an overview of cybersecurity, including cyber-defense, hardware and networking, and forensics. In addition, Eleven Fifty Academy’s Cybersecurity Program Full-Time helps students acclimate to an enterprise SOC environment.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

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.

In addition to free online cloud computing classes, blogs are another great learning resource. Cloud computing blogs are free and provide a range of content written by industry professionals and others with extensive cloud computing knowledge. All Things Distributed is run by Werner Vogels, amazon.com CTO. This blog has information on the most current AWS trends. CloudTech is owned by UK publisher Techforge. This community has more than 1.8 million members just on LinkedIn. It also hosts podcasts on cloud computing and related topics like marketing. TechRepublic is another useful cloud computing blog. It contains content written by IT professionals on topics like cybersecurity and AI. TechCrunch was created by an American online publisher and features content on cloud economics, startups, apps, and IT industry news. CloudTweaks has been around since 2009 and continues to provide educational videos, articles on technology, webinars, and information about cloud computing forecasts and trends. 

On-Demand Classes

If you are interested in learning cloud computing but aren’t ready to commit to a class that meets regularly, self-paced study options are a great alternative. Self-paced cloud computing material, such as online tutorials, blogs, YouTube videos, and on-demand coursework, is pre-recorded. This means you can access it from any location, any time of the day, on any day of the week. This flexible learning format allows those who wish to learn more about cloud computing to begin studying this topic, while balancing their coursework with professional or family commitments. Students who elect to study in the asynchronous learning environment also get to dictate the speed at which they learn cloud computing; video content can be paused, rewound, and watched repeatedly to facilitate note-taking and help with retention. 

Since on-demand classwork doesn’t provide access to an instructor, these courses are best suited for those who are interested in beginner-level cloud computing study rather than those looking to master complex cloud skills for professional reasons. Since most asynchronous cloud computing material is offered for much less money than bootcamps or certificate study (some is even posted for free), it’s an effective, low-stakes way to begin learning about cloud computing without having to invest hundreds or thousands in bootcamps or certificate programs. When selecting on-demand cloud computing materials, choosing the most up-to-date material is important, as this is a rapidly evolving field.

On-demand cloud computing classes are available from many reputable online providers. If you’re new to cloud computing and want to learn the basics, Udemy’s Getting Started with Cloud Computing - Level 1 is for you. Students learn the basics of cloud computing and receive instruction on the three main service models and four cloud deployment models. Coursera’s Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization is a beginner-level course that provides instruction to help students prepare for the Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam. This Microsoft certification course is broken into four sub-courses that teach core exam skills and concepts like management tools, solutions, network security, governance, and compliance features. edX also has a range of cloud computing courses available to beginners as well as more advanced learners. Students can choose from classes like Introduction to Cloud Computing, Essential Technologies for Business, Cloud Computing Security, and IBM Cloud Essentials.

Comparison of Cloud Computing Training Formats

If you want to learn cloud computing but aren’t sure which format is best for you, this article will explore three popular training options, in-person, live online, and self-paced, so you can decide which learning style is best for you.

In-person cloud computing classes are generally the most engaging and interactive way to study. Students complete lessons in a computer lab equipped with the most current software and tools for cloud computing. All lessons are taught by an instructor with industry experience and real-world knowledge of cloud computing. Not only can you ask questions in real-time and receive immediate guidance, but in-person study also provides a way for you to network with other like-minded learners. Although in-person coursework requires commuting to and from campus for each class meeting, as well as the cost associated with travel and parking, it provides hands-on cloud computing training in a small class environment.

If you want to study cloud computing in real time but aren’t able to attend classes that meet in person, live online cloud computing courses are for you. These classes provide many of the same perks as in-person study, such as access to an instructor in real-time and professional support, but don’t require commuting to and from campus. Live online courses are a good option for learners who don’t live near major cities, as well as those who don’t want to waste time and money driving to campus several times a week. 

In addition to live online courses, another way some individuals choose to study cloud computing is through self-paced online content. Asynchronous learning materials take many forms, such as YouTube videos and channels, online forums and blogs, and tutorials. Because they are pre-recorded, they can be accessed at any time from a location that has an internet connection. Cloud computing videos can be paused, rewound, and rewatched as often as needed to help you remember the information they provide. Another benefit of on-demand content is that it’s typically the most affordable way to get started learning about cloud computing. Some content is even posted for free from top educational providers like Coursera or Udemy. When selecting self-paced cloud computing resources, it’s important to look for the most up-to-date since this field continues to change. In addition, because you won’t have access to an instructor when working with asynchronous cloud computing content, it can be difficult to learn advanced skills in this format. For this reason, on-demand content is a good starting point for your cloud computing studies, but investing in an in-person or live online course may be a better option if you wish to learn more complicated concepts.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Cloud Computing?

If you’re considering learning cloud computing, you may wonder if teaching yourself this in-demand skill set is possible. Most people who approach learning cloud computing consider it a challenging field to learn due to the different levels of complexity it requires individuals to handle, as well as the combination of business, networking, and IT requirements involved. It takes most people years to fully master cloud computing tools and skills, even when learning in a structured environment, such as a live online certificate program.

Watching videos and following along with online tutorials can be a great first step in your cloud computing learning journey. These resources provide an affordable and accessible way to teach yourself the basics of this field, such as core Python or PHP programming skills or AWS foundational concepts. However, if you’re looking to learn cloud computing for professional reasons, such as for a work project or to pursue a new career, a more structured learning option like an in-person certificate program or live online bootcamp may be a better match for your learning needs. Since not all video content is created equally, finding the most up-to-date material in this rapidly changing field can be challenging. In addition, having access to an instructor with real-world experience who provides relevant content and helpful feedback can help you learn and retain cloud computing skills necessary for professional development.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Cloud Computing

Once you’ve decided that you want to study cloud computing, the next step is deciding which learning format is best for you. Ultimately, this decision will depend on various factors, such as your current schedule and what you want to do with your cloud computing knowledge.

For those who are new to cloud computing and want to learn the basics without committing to a full course, free introductory classes and online content are good resources. Since these materials are pre-recorded, they provide much more flexibility than live courses. You can complete lessons from any location at any time. In addition, you can set your own learning pace and pause, rewind, or rewatch YouTube videos as often as needed to understand a concept. The flexibility of on-demand materials allows you to learn cloud computing around other commitments, such as full-time employment, family occasions, and travel. Plus, it’s free, so it’s a low-stakes way to get started learning more about this field.

For individuals who wish to learn about cloud computing to plug a skill gap or grow within a career track, bootcamps provide a more structured way to explore this topic. Cloud computing bootcamps are available in the in-person and live online formats. Because they provide students with access to a live instructor, those enrolled can freely ask questions and receive guidance on complicated cloud concepts. Bootcamps generally cost several hundred to several thousand dollars and span several days or weeks. Enrolling in a bootcamp is a great way to help you acquire the skills to bring more value to your organization. 

A certificate program is likely your best option if you’re looking to study cloud computing to begin a new career or switch industries. These intensive courses typically span several weeks or months and provide students with many real-world benefits. Although these tend to be the most expensive learning option for cloud computing (most certificates cost several thousand dollars), this comes with many benefits like one-on-one mentoring, career coaching, the option of a free course retake, and support creating a professional portfolio. Noble Desktop currently offers a Data Science Certificate, which is available in-person and in the live online format. This hands-on course teaches students to use Python for data analysis, query databases using SQL, and design machine learning models. Many of these skills are useful not only in data science but in cloud computing as well. 

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.