Print this page Cloud Computing
Warren T. Jones, Ph.D., P.E.
Course Outline
Cloud computing has been called a style of computing where massively scalable IT-related capabilities are provided “as a service” using Internet technologies to multiple external customers. It is a rapidly maturing technology and has achieved the status of a megatrend according to some sources and its impact is estimated to be of the same order as e-business. Startup to midsize companies are finding this alternative for IT services especially attractive, but the Gartner Group is also predicting a “transformational impact” on the enterprise as well. This course provides an overview of this important technology, some of the cloud service providers as well as some of the risks and challenges involved.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to
enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will
- Understand the nature of cloud computing;
- Learn about the major cloud computing service providers;
- Understand some of the risks and disadvantages of cloud computing;
- Know about several of the leading cloud computing services providers;
- Learn about private cloud resources;
- Learn about popular cloud accessible business applications;
- Understand the maturity levels of cloud services;
- Learn about the relationship between smart phones and cloud services;
- Be advised about factors critical to the successful development of software as a service systems;
- Learn who should use cloud computing services; and
- Be aware of web-based resources and other references for further study.
Intended Audience
This course is
intended for all engineers.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right-clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader from your computer.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Module #1: What is Cloud Computing?
Module #2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Module #3: Who Should Use Cloud Services?
Module #4: Cloud Services Maturity Levels
Module #5: Cloud Service Providers
Module #6: Popular Cloud Applications
Module #7: Private Clouds
Module #8: Impact on Smart Phones
Module #9: Critical Success Factors for SOA
Course Summary
This course introduces the concept of cloud computing services and its advantages and disadvantages. The types of individuals and organizations that will benefit for cloud services are also discussed. Several cloud service providers are described and the categories of maturity levels of services that can be offered. Examples of popular cloud applications are presented and the rationale for the emergence of private clouds. Finally, the role of smart phones for cloud access and critical success factors in the development of cloud service systems are discussed.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following website:
Cloud Computing Expo
http://cloudcomputingexpo.com
Desktop virtualization software
http://www.ncomputing.com
Cloud Summit Executive
http://www.cloudsummit.com
Conference with mission statement: To explore the impact of the cloud ecosystem and the web as a platform.
Twenty Experts Define Cloud Computing.
http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/read/612375_p.htm
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
http://www.amazon.com/ec2/
Google App Engine
http://appengine.google.com
Microsoft Live Mesh
http://www.mesh.com
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
