Are you interested in learning cloud computing and wonder about the costs of various training options? Dive into our comprehensive guide that explores different learning formats, their costs, and the potential career paths in cloud computing.
Key Insights
- Cloud computing, which involves delivering computing services like databases, servers, software, intelligence, analytics, and storage over the internet, has various deployment methods including private clouds, public clouds, and hybrid clouds.
- Four primary cloud computing services exist: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), serverless, and software as a service (SaaS).
- Skills in cloud computing can open many professional doors and lead to competitive salaries, with Information Security Analyst ranked as the number-one job in America in 2022, according to U.S. News and World Report.
- Cloud computing training can be pursued through four-year university programs, in-person courses, live online courses, or self-paced online resources, with costs ranging from free to several thousand dollars.
- Free online introductory courses in cloud computing are available from providers like Udacity, Amazon, Coursera, and Pluralsight, offering beginners a low-cost entry point into this field.
- Noble Desktop offers courses and bootcamps in cloud computing and related areas, including a hands-on class in Cloud Computing with AWS and a comprehensive Cybersecurity Bootcamp.
Looking to learn cloud computing? If so, programming languages like Python and PHP can be downloaded and used for free. In addition, cloud computing platforms like Google Cloud, Azure, and AWS are available as a pay-as-you-go structure in which you need only pay for the services you use. Beyond this, something you’ll want to consider is the cost of cloud computing training. Depending on the learning format you select, cloud computing training generally costs several hundred to several thousand dollars. Read on to find out more about how much you can expect to spend on learning cloud computing.
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.
In-Depth Review of the Training Cost
The most expensive learning option for cloud computing is to enroll in a four-year college or university where it’s offered as a major. Cloud computing as a major is available at a number of universities, such as George Mason University, Morgan State University, and Marymount University. While university study is a great way to learn cloud computing, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Most universities also require that students complete coursework in other subjects, such as general education requirements. For this reason, this learning format may not be ideal for individuals who want to study only cloud computing or for those who wish to complete their studies in several weeks or months.
In-person cloud computing courses are another learning option. A variety of in-person study options exist in addition to those in four-year institutions. You can learn cloud computing in a bootcamp or certificate program offered by one of many top educational providers. Typically, these courses range in price from several hundred dollars to several thousand. In-person study provides students with many perks, such as access to an expert instructor with experience working in cloud environments. Students have the opportunity to network with other learners. In addition, students have access to a computer lab that’s set up with the most up-to-date tools and software for cloud computing. Some in-person courses are just a few days long and provide beginner-level cloud computing instruction; others span weeks or months and offer rigorous cloud computing training. Although this learning format requires commuting to and from campus for regularly scheduled meetings, which can result in additional travel-related fees, in-person study is an engaging and effective way to master cloud computing.
Live online cloud computing courses are also available from many top educators. Like in-person study, live online courses allow learners to connect with expert instructors in real time. This means that you can ask questions and receive guidance and support right from the comfort of your home or office space. Various kinds of live online courses are available in cloud computing, such as bootcamps and certificates. These often cost the same or slightly less than in-person cloud computing classes. Although live online classes still may require you to take off work to attend meetings, they are a more flexible learning format than in-person study in that all coursework can be completed remotely. Students don’t have to battle rush-hour traffic or search for parking to learn cloud computing.
For those who need to balance their cloud computing study with other life commitments, such as full-time work, travel, and family responsibilities, attending a class that meets at regular times may not be feasible. Instead, you may consider self-paced cloud computing materials, such as online courses, YouTube videos, and online tutorials. Asynchronous materials such as these are typically the most affordable way to learn cloud computing; some are even available for free from educators like Udemy and Coursera. These courses and tutorials provide a low-stakes way to start studying cloud computing.
If you choose to learn cloud computing in the on-demand format, it’s important to consider that you will not have access to an instructor. This can make it challenging to find answers to questions, especially when you’re working with complex cloud concepts and skills. This is why self-paced cloud computing materials are a great starting point to get an overview of this field. However, if you’re interested in learning about cloud environments for professional reasons, you may need a more structured learning environment, such as those provided in live online courses. In addition, it can be challenging to select the most up-to-date self-paced content since the field of cloud computing is constantly changing.
Free Introductory Cloud Computing Course Online
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.