Morshed Cloud computing has generated a lot of buzz in the tech industry over the past decade, grabbing attention from both developers and consumers.
This futuristic term may seem daunting to beginners at first but let me assure you, it is not rocket science, and it has nothing to do with skydiving or volcano surfing at all—which are fairly difficult.
You can casually access an email from anywhere in the world, edit your online docs, use your favorite social media websites and applications—that’s all in the cloud (or most of it).
Cloud computing allows you to store and manage huge files (or small) of any kind up in the clouds (massive data centers spread around the globe) using the internet. Companies prefer the cloud for its highly optimized and effective services, including data storage, data backup, disaster recovery, data analysis, data security, etc.
Cloud-related roles are among the highest paid jobs in the IT industry, which is why individuals from different technical backgrounds are interested in moving to this field.
Wondering how to build the desired skills and where to start?
Well, that’s precisely what we are going to talk about in this post.
Since eLearning has been trending worldwide these days, you can directly access numerous online learning resources. This article presents a collection of the best cloud computing courses to help you kick-start your cloud computing career
A Comprehensive List of 12 Best Cloud Computing Courses
If you want to master the cloud infrastructure, the online learning options are endless. To assist you in making the right choice, we have shortlisted some of the best cloud computing courses that are accredited and authentic.
1. Introduction to Cloud Computing with Amazon Web Services
Why We Chose It
Offered by Udemy, this course has been designed particularly on the application of the AWS framework. The course reviews speak for the credibility of this course.
Who It’s For
Beginners
What We Like
- Lifetime access to the material
- Certificate of completion
- Breakdown of course content
- A short course with 4 hours of video lectures
What We Don’t Like
- Last updated in 2017
Key Topics
- Basics of cloud computing
- Introduction to Amazon Web Services
- Understanding the structure and implementation of relational databases
- Implementing various S3 strategies with Amazon Glacier
- Building scalable web applications in Amazon Web Services
2. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization
Why We Chose It
This specialization offered by Microsoft is amongst the top 10 highest paying certifications. It has four courses that will build the necessary cloud skills for passing the certification exam.
Who It’s For
Beginners
What We Like
- Flexible schedule and deadlines
- A digital certificate from Microsoft
- Exam fee discount after completion of the specialization
- Open option to end the subscription at any point
What We Don’t Like
- Long course duration (Coursera recommends completion in 5 months)
Key Topics
- Microsoft AZ-900 exam preparation
- Discussion of general cloud concepts like security, privacy, and application
- Introduction and hands-on practice of Microsoft Azure Services
3. Cloud Computing: The Big Picture
Why We Chose It
Authored by David Chapell on PluralSight, this course covers basic cloud concepts. It is a suitable option for gaining introductory knowledge of the cloud regardless of your role. The course is well ranked on Pluralsight.
Who It’s For
Beginners
What We Like
- Up to date course content
- Short course length (around 70 minutes)
What We Don’t Like
- No practical tasks
Key Topics
- General description of cloud framework
- An extensive explanation of different types of clouds
- Features of AWS and Microsoft Azure
4. Getting Started with Cloud Computing – Level 1
Why We Chose It
Offered by Udemy, this course is a good start for learners interested in a theoretical course pack for basic cloud computing concepts. It was designed by Idan Gabrieli, a top-seller and high-ranked tutor from 2021-2022 across multiple educational platforms.
Who It’s For
From beginners to experts, including IT Professionals, Software developers, Cloud Administrators, Managers, and Students.
What We Like
- Up to date course content
- Breakdown of course content
- Certificate of completion
- Lifetime access to resources
What We Don’t Like
- No hands-on cloud computing practice
Key Topics
- Various features of cloud computing
- Details about cloud services and deployment models
- Microsoft Azure Iaas Demo
5. Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1
Why We Chose It
Offered by the University of Illinois and available on Coursera, Cloud Computing Concepts is amongst the well-ranked courses of its Cloud Computing Specialization. Part 1 is the first module out of the six designed for this specialization.
Taught by Professor Indranil Gupta, who has hands-on experience working on cloud computing systems and is also a high-rated instructor on Coursera.
Who It’s For
Beginners
What We Like
- Distributed computing concepts like MapReduce, key-value stores, and NoSQL, merged with cloud computing
- Certificate of completion
- Flexible deadlines and schedule
- A diverse set of assignments
- Interviews from industry experts
What We Don’t Like
- Not for regular learners who are looking to get started with cloud computing quickly
Key Topics
- Basics of cloud computing
- Overview of classical distributed algorithms
- Gossip, Membership, and Grid protocols
6. AWS Fundamentals Specialization
Why We Chose It
AWS offers specialization based on four courses which seem ideal for learning AWS infrastructure.
These courses are highly ranked on Coursera and taught by a range of top instructors, including Alana Layton and Morgan Willis (Senior Cloud Technologist).
Who It’s For
Beginners
What We Like
- Rigorous lab assessments
- Certificate of completion by Amazon Web Services
What We Don’t Like
- Complete all four courses to master the AWS cloud in an approximate duration of 4 months.
Key Topics
- Introduction to AWS cloud technologies
- AWS best security practices
- Migrate your applications and workloads to AWS cloud
- Understanding AWS serverless framework for building serverless applications
7. Cloud Developer
Why We Chose It
Offered by Udacity, the Cloud Developer nanodegree program provides basic to advanced level information for cloud development.
It is a development-centric program that can enhance the development skills of learners under the guidance of mentors who are readily available for help.
Who It’s For
Intermediate level programmers
What We Like
- Development of real-world applications
What We Don’t Like
- Approximately four months to complete the nanodegree
- Requires pre-requisite knowledge of web development, object-oriented programming, and javascript
Key Topics
- Fundamentals of cloud computing
- Management of services in the cloud
- Full-stack application on Amazon Web Services
- Serverless technology
- Develop and deploy microservices
8. MicroMasters Program in Cloud Computing
Why We Chose It
Available of edX, The MicroMasters Program from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), University System of Maryland (USMx) consists of 4 sub-courses.
- Cloud computing for enterprises
- Cloud computing infrastructure
- Cloud computing engineering and management
- Cloud computing security
Completion of this program adds 12 credits to the full Master’s degree (if enrolled by the candidate).
Who It’s For
Intermediate level learners
What We Like
- Graduate-level courses from top universities
- A pathway from earning certification to an advanced degree of MS is Cloud Computing Architecture
What We Don’t Like
- Extremely pricey
- Duration of 8 months
- No flexibility in submissions as courses are instructor-paced rather than self-paced
Key Topics
- Fundamental cloud computing concepts
- Different cloud technologies and platforms like AWS, Azure, and IBM
- Assessing business applications
9. Cloud Developer using Microsoft Azure
Why We Chose It
Available on Udacity, it is a nanodegree program by Microsoft to discover the Azure platform, which is preferred by 95% of Fortune 500 companies. Certified Azure developer like Golois Mouelet teaches Cloud Developer nanodegree.
Who It’s For
Individuals with Intermediate programming experience
What We Like
- Mentor assistance and feedback
- Practical application of contents with real-world projects
- Flexible learning schedule
What We Don’t Like
- Requires prior knowledge of SQL databases, Git, and web development
- Duration of 4 months
- A bit heavy of the pocket
Key Topics
- Azure Applications
- Azure Microservices
- Azure Migration
- Azure Performance
10. Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect Professional Certificate
Why We Chose It
Offered by Google Cloud, Cloud Architect Professional Certification is rated as the second-best certification in the list of top 15 high-paying certifications.
The program comprises seven courses to help you advance your cloud architecture career.
Who It’s For
Intermediate level developers
What We Like
- Google Cloud certification exam fee discount on program completion
- Certificate of completion
- Flexible learning schedule
- Demos, video lectures, and labs using the Qwiklabs platform
What We Don’t Like
- Program length of around three months
- Difficult without industry experience
Key Topics
- Google Cloud Infrastructure
- Google Compute Engine
- Google App Engine
- Cloud storage, network architecture, load balancing, and Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Deployment of cloud solutions
- Scaling and automation
- Google Kubernetes Engine
11. AWS Cloud Architect
Why We Chose It
Available on Udacity, AWS Cloud Architect is a nanodegree program for understanding AWS cloud architecture, with good reviews from clients.
The faculty includes Tom Verbiscer (certified AWS architect), Mehdi Razvi (Senior Cloud Architect), and Leslie Bell (Solutions Architect).
Who It’s For
Advanced level programmers
What We Like
- Hands-on practice on real-world projects
- Instructors’ feedback and support
- Flexible learning schedule
What We Don’t Like
- Highly costly
- Requires familiarity with AWS, OOP, Linux, and Web development
- Equivalent experience to Cloud DevOps Engineer Nanodegree program or Cloud Developer Nanodegree program completion
Key Topics
- Investigation of Security Practices
- Implementation of AWS Tools
- Handling Recovery in AWS
12. Cloud Engineer Bootcamp
Why We Chose It
Cloud Engineer Bootcamp by The Linux Foundation is equipped with a bundle of cloud technologies.
It offers five training programs and two certifications: The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) and the Certified Kubernetes Administrator Exam (CKA).
Who It’s For
Beginners
What We Like
- Complete cloud training in 6 months
- Live interaction with the tutors
- Forums for discussions
- Flexible study plan
- Certificate and badge
What We Don’t Like
- Limited time access of 12 months to the online resources
- High-cost program
Key Topics
- Network Design and Maintenance in Linux
- DevOps Fundamentals
- Kubernetes Essentials
Final Verdict–Which Product Is The Winner?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization.
Why did we choose this product?
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is ideal for beginners looking for a well-ranked cloud computing certification, having the perfect blend of introductory concepts and hands-on training. It has flexible deadlines and offers feedback on graded assessments. Plus, the certification cost is relatively low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at some general questions you may have about cloud computing.
Coding Expertise Required for Cloud Computing Courses
In the beginning, coding can be intimidating for some developers, which is very common.
Interestingly, many of the courses listed here are structured for absolute beginners. You can easily follow these courses if you have prior coding experience in any programming language.
Don’t stress too much if you don’t know how to code. Learn as you go.
…
Skills Needed for Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing was amongst LinkedIn’s most promising skills in 2019.
To understand the cloud computing infrastructure, you need to have basic knowledge of the following domains:
- Programming
- Database
- Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP
- Operation systems like Linux or Ubuntu
- Security, networking, and virtualization
- APIs
- DevOps
The theoretical and practical knowledge about all these domains is available online.
…
Investment In Bootcamp Certification—Is It Really Worth The Effort?
Bootcamps are study plans designed to train you in a particular discipline.
According to a survey in the U.S, 56% of the big-tech hiring companies believe that Bootcamps will provide adequate skills to the workforce in the future.
Here’s why you should also consider Bootcamps:
- Hands-on training and certifications
- Time-restricted training program mostly 6-8 months
- Interaction with the instructors
- Remote learning environment
The Cloud Engineer Bootcamp discussed above is one such opportunity to advance your cloud career.
If the study plan fits your requirements and the cost–your pocket, we recommend bootcamps for learning cloud computing quickly.
…
Azure vs. AWS (vs. GCP)—Which One To Learn?
Statista reports that AWS holds 33% while Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform have 20% and 10% of the market share, respectively.
The service providers differ in:
- Cost
- Storage
- Customer support
- Application deployment
- Various cloud tools and technologies
Organizations prefer service that meets their customized requirements—budget, size of setup, functionalities, etc.
If we talk in terms of popularity, then you should go with AWS. But in the context of learning generally, there’s no definite answer.
…
Duration Of The Learner’s Roadmap
“Consistency is always the best teacher”- Stephon Marbury.
Each one of the courses that we discussed above caters to specific demands.
These courses don’t come with a magic wand or spells—you can’t master everything overnight.
To grab the nuts and bolts of cloud computing, you have to spend some time and endure a little pain.
Most programs recommend 3 to 6 months of learning. You can easily make your schedule and follow it regularly.
…
Professional Career In Cloud Computing
Once you land in the cloud space, you can choose several career choices.
Some of the cloud careers choices include:
- Cloud Administrator
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Cloud Consultant
In this post, we have recommended some of the best cloud computing courses to build your technical cloud concepts. All courses are authentic and credible, which gives you many options. As a beginner, we recommend giving Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization a shot.
It is not going to be easy.
So, keep your tanks full and engines running—your cloud journey is about to begin.
