What is Cloud Computing - Eligibility, Courses, Syllabus, Job Profile

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, over the internet ("the cloud"). It enables convenient, on-demand access to shared pools of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

Today, the cloud computing ecosystem is booming. The global cloud computing market, which was valued at $368.97 billion in 2021, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2022 to 2030 (Grand View Research).  In this piece, we will dive deep into cloud computing and explore various aspects related to them, such as - cloud computing course highlights, why you should opt for these courses, which colleges are the best for doing courses related to computing and much more. 

Cloud Computing Course Highlight

Particulars	Details
Course Level	Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Online Programmes
Duration	Online Courses - 6 weeks to 25 weeks UG- 3-4 years PG-2 years
Eligibility	For Online Courses - 10+2 in any stream For Undergraduate Courses -10+2 in any stream For Postgraduate Courses- Bachelor's degree in computer science
Fees	Up to INR 10 lakh
Top Institutions	IIT Kanpur IIT Kharagpur IIT Guwahati IIT Roorkee IIT Indore Manipal Institute of Technology
Average Salary	Up to INR 8.2 lakhs
Top Recruiters	Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft (Azure), Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, Salesforce, SAP, VMware, Dell Technologies, Cisco Systems, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini
Job Positions	Cloud Architect, Cloud Software Engineer, Cloud Systems Administrator, Cloud Security Specialist, Cloud Consultant, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Network Engineer, Cloud Product Manager, Cloud Sales and Marketing Specialist, Cloud Data Engineer, Cloud Support Specialist.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a virtual space that delivers hosted services over the Internet, including servers, databases, networking, analytics, and intelligence, ensuring innovation, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. It has been helpful for big companies as well as small and mid-sized businesses. It uses capabilities like machine learning, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and others according to the industry requirements. The four main types of cloud computing are public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud. There are three major types of cloud computing services as well: Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Types of Cloud Computing

There are three types of cloud computing and the users can deploy one as per the business requirements -

1. Public Cloud: This infers to computing services where the service provider helps the users by making resources available via the Internet. Resources vary according to the requirements of users and the provider but may include storage capabilities, applications, or virtual machines, and clients pay for a subscription or a pay-per-usage model. It allows for scalability and resource sharing.
2. Private Cloud: A private cloud is a resource used exclusively by a single business and it can be located on the on-site data centre of the company in physical form. Here services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network, thus the name.
3. Hybrid Cloud: As the name suggests, a hybrid cloud combines both public and private clouds, allowing data to be shared between them. This ensures high flexibility, better deployment options, and optimized infrastructure, security, and compliance.

How does Cloud Computing work?

Cloud storage uses data centres with massive computer servers that physically store data and make it available to users via the Internet. Users can remotely upload their content, store it, and retrieve it as needed. It employs middleware software to ensure seamless connectivity between cloud-connected devices/computers. Cloud computing service providers typically keep multiple copies of data to mitigate security threats, data loss, breaches, and so on. Virtualization is essential in cloud computing technology for proper working. Virtualization refers to running multiple operating systems on a single machine while sharing all hardware resources. The primary application of virtualization technology is to provide standard versions of applications to cloud users. All servers and software applications needed by the other cloud service providers are maintained by third-party individuals using virtualization, and the cloud providers must pay the money annually or monthly. 

Real-world Cloud Computing Applications

There are huge benefits of cloud computing for the organization. Some of the prominent ones are:

1. Big data analysis: As we know the volume of big data is so large that storing it in a traditional data management system for a company is impossible. However, cloud computing has solved that problem by allowing organizations to store large amounts of data in the cloud without worrying about physical storage.
2. Online data storage: Cloud computing enables storing data such as files, images, audio, and videos in the cloud. The organisation does not need to set up physical storage systems to store data. 
3. Backup and recovery: Cloud vendors provide security by storing the data safely and providing a backup facility for the data. They offer recovery applications, such as CDR, to recover lost data.
4. Antivirus applications: Previously, businesses installed antivirus software on their systems. However, cloud computing now offers cloud antivirus software, which means the software is stored in the cloud and remotely monitors your system/system. organization's
5. E-commerce application: Cloud-based e-commerce provides a new approach to doing business with the least amount of money and time. Cloud environments manage customer data, product data, and other operational systems.
6. E-Governance application: Cloud computing can assist the government in reducing unnecessary costs associated with managing, installing, and upgrading applications, all while utilising that money for public service.
7. Testing and development: Cloud computing offers the most convenient method for development, testing, and deployment using IT resources at the lowest possible cost. Companies find it more valuable because it provides scalable and flexible cloud services for product development, testing, and deployment.
8. Entertainment applications: Cloud-based entertainment offers a variety of entertainment applications such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Voot, and many more, and because of the cloud, it can reach any device, whether it is a TV, mobile device, set-top box, or any other form.
9. Cloud computing in education: Cloud computing transforms learning by providing students with e-learning, online distance learning platforms, and student information portals. 

Types of Cloud Computing Services

There are three main types of services provided by cloud computing, such as IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service). Let's explore each of them in detail. 

1. IaaS: IaaS provides customers with virtualized computing resources over the internet, such as servers, storage, etc. Customers can access and use these resources without worrying about physical hardware or maintenance. Thus, providing greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional on-premise solutions.
2. PaaS: PaaS provides customers with a platform for developing, running, and managing their applications. The platform includes infrastructure, tools, and services for development, deployment, and maintenance. Thus, customers can focus on their application development without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
3. SaaS: SaaS provides customers with access to software applications over the internet without having to install them on their computers. Customers pay a fee to access the software, usually on a subscription basis. Thus, it is very efficient for small organizations or individuals who want to use software without the hassle and cost of setting it up and maintaining it themselves.

Current Trends in the Cloud Computing Industry

• As per Gartner, by 2025, 95% of new digital workloads are expected to be deployed on cloud-native platforms.
• Hybrid cloud adoption increased from 19% in 2019 to 49% in 2023, indicating a growing trend toward multi-cloud and hybrid cloud strategies. (Source: Flexera 2023 State of the Cloud Report).
• In 2023, the demand for cloud computing skills increased by 59% compared to the previous year (Source: LinkedIn).
• The global cloud computing market is expected to create approximately 14 million new jobs by 2026, says IDC.

Why Learn Cloud Computing in 2024?

Here are some top reasons to learn cloud computing:

• Cloud computing skills are in high demand. The global cloud computing market size is expected to grow from $445.3 billion in 2021 to $1,240.9 billion by 2027, says Markets and Markets.
• Cloud professionals are among the highest-paid IT professionals due to the scarcity of skilled talent.
• By gaining expertise in cloud computing, you can contribute to organizations' digital transformation efforts.
• Cloud computing has been widely adopted across various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and more. By learning cloud computing in 2024, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to organizations in any sector.
• Cloud computing is no longer just a trend; it has become an integral part of modern IT infrastructure and business operations. By acquiring cloud computing skills, you can future-proof your career.

How to Learn and Excel in Cloud Computing?

To learn and excel in cloud computing, you can follow these steps:

Step 1:- Understand the Fundamentals

Start by learning the core concepts of cloud computing, such as virtualization, scalability, elasticity, and different cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

Step 2:- Choose a Cloud Platform

Decide on a specific cloud platform to focus on, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, and obtain the relevant certification(s).

Step 3:- Practice Hands-on

Gain practical experience by setting up and working with cloud services, deploying applications, and managing cloud infrastructure.

Step 4:- Stay Up-to-Date

Cloud computing is a rapidly evolving field, so it's essential to continuously learn and stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices.

Step 5:- Network and Engage

Participate in online communities, attend conferences, and engage with other cloud professionals to expand your knowledge and connections.

Fundamental Concepts of Cloud Computing

Here are some of the most paramount cloud concepts:

Concept	Description
Cloud Service Models	IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) PaaS (Platform as a Service) SaaS (Software as a Service)
Cloud Deployment Models	Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Community Cloud
Virtualization	Creating virtual versions of computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networks
Scalability and Elasticity	The ability to scale resources up or down based on demand
Cloud Storage	Storing and accessing data and files in the cloud
Cloud Security	Ensuring data privacy, compliance, and secure access to cloud resources
Cloud Migration	Moving applications, data, and workloads from on-premises to the cloud
Cloud Database	Database services offered by cloud providers, such as AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database
Cloud Networking	Virtual networking services, like VPCs, Load Balancing, and Content Delivery Networks
Cloud Monitoring	Monitoring and logging services for cloud resources and applications
Cloud Serverless	Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) model for running code without managing servers
Cloud Governance	Policies and procedures for managing cloud resources and ensuring compliance
Cloud Cost Management	Optimizing and controlling cloud spending through tools and best practices
Cloud Automation	Automating cloud resource provisioning, configuration, and management
Cloud DevOps	Practices for continuous integration, delivery, and deployment in the cloud

Top Online Cloud Computing Courses

Here are the top online courses, that you must go for:

Course	Provider
Introduction to Cloud Computing	Coursera
Cloud Computing by NPTEL	NPTEL
Cloud Foundations	Great Learning
Zscaler Certified Cloud Administrator - Internet Access	Zscaler
AWS Cloud Technical Essentials	Coursera
Associate Cloud Engineer Certification	Google
AWS Academy Graduate AWS Academy Cloud Architecting	AWS
Oracle Cloud Data Management Foundations	Oracle
Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect	Google

Who Should Go For Online Cloud Computing Courses?

Here's who should go for cloud computing courses:

• People interested in a career working with cloud technologies.
• IT professionals wanting to move into cloud computing roles like cloud architect, engineer or developer.
• College students studying computer science or IT to gain practical cloud skills.
• Teachers who want to teach cloud computing concepts.
• Anyone looking to switch careers into the cloud computing industry.
• Business managers need to understand how to use the cloud for their company.
• Existing cloud professionals who want to learn new cloud services or specializations.

Syllabus for Online Cloud Computing Courses

While going for online computing courses, the syllabus may vary. But the topics will more or less cover these elements or more. Here is a snapshot of the syllabus combined with various certifications in cloud computing. 

Module	Topics
Introduction to Cloud Computing	Overview of cloud computing, cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, XaaS), cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid, multi-cloud), cloud computing characteristics (on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service), benefits and challenges of cloud computing, cloud computing use cases
Cloud Architecture Principles	Cloud architecture patterns (multi-tenancy, elasticity, resiliency, high availability, disaster recovery), fault tolerance techniques, scalability (vertical, horizontal), load balancing strategies, cloud security principles (CIA triad, shared responsibility model), cloud governance and compliance
Cloud Infrastructure Services	Virtual machines (provisioning, scaling, load balancing), containers (Docker, Kubernetes), serverless computing (AWS Lambda, Azure Functions), storage services (object, block, file, data lakes), networking services (VPCs, DNS, load balancing, CDNs), edge computing services
Cloud Platform Services	Managed databases (relational, NoSQL), big data and analytics services (data warehousing, data lakes, stream processing), machine learning services (model building, deployment, monitoring), Internet of Things (IoT) services, serverless computing services (AWS Lambda, Azure Functions), messaging and notification services
Cloud Security	Data protection (encryption, key management), identity and access management (IAM, federated identities, SSO), network security (firewalls, VPNs, DDoS protection), compliance and governance (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS), security monitoring and incident response
Cloud Migration	Migration strategies (rehosting, replatforming, refactoring, re-architecting), application migration assessment, planning and execution phases, migration tools and services (AWS Migration Hub, Azure Migrate), data migration strategies and tools
Cloud Management and Monitoring	Resource management (provisioning, scaling, rightsizing), cost optimization (cost tracking, cost optimization strategies), performance monitoring and logging, automated scaling and load balancing, automation and orchestration tools (Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation)
Cloud Application Development	Cloud-native application design principles, microservices architecture, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), serverless computing, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, application modernization strategies
Cloud DevOps	Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (Terraform, CloudFormation), configuration management (Ansible, Puppet, Chef), continuous delivery pipelines, automated testing (unit testing, integration testing, performance testing), deployment strategies (blue/green, canary, rolling updates)
Cloud Case Studies	Real-world case studies and best practices across various industries and use cases (e.g., e-commerce, healthcare, finance, media and entertainment, IoT, big data analytics)
Cloud Providers	In-depth exploration of major cloud providers (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform), their services and tools, cloud provider certification paths, multi-cloud and hybrid cloud scenarios
Cloud Certification Preparation	Preparation for cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect, GCP Professional Cloud Architect), certification exam formats, recommended study materials and resources.

Career Opportunities in Cloud Computing

Job Role	Description	Average Salary (INR)
Cloud  Solution Architect	Designs and implements cloud computing solutions, ensuring scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness.	₹37,66,000
Cloud Engineer	Develops, deploys, and maintains cloud-based applications and infrastructure.	₹14,22,210
Cloud Security Specialist	Ensures the security of cloud systems, data, and applications by implementing security controls and monitoring threats.	₹1,750,000
Cloud DevOps Engineer	Implements DevOps practices in cloud environments, automating deployment, monitoring, and management processes.	₹9,89,188
Cloud Data Engineer	Designs and builds data pipelines, data warehouses, and data lakes in cloud environments.	₹14,22,210
Cloud Network Engineer	Designs, implements, and maintains cloud-based network infrastructure and connectivity.	₹5,83,000
Cloud Migration Specialist	Plans and executes the migration of existing applications and workloads to cloud platforms.	₹1000000
Cloud Consultant	Advises organizations on cloud adoption strategies, implementation, and optimization.	₹3,08,16,185
Cloud Support Engineer	Provides technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for cloud-based systems and applications.	₹13,62,439
Cloud Trainer	Develops and delivers training programs on cloud computing technologies and best practices.	₹2,50,000

Conclusion

Cloud computing empowers all types of industries for running their businesses, and it also provides driving force fuel to new ways in business operations and digital innovation. With the worldwide cloud computing market, which is poised to soar to unimaginable levels and create millions of new job opportunities, it is now the best time to invest and learn this future-proof technology.

Following are the most popular Cloud Computing Colleges in India. Learn more about these Cloud Computing colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular Cloud Computing courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Cloud Computing.

Following are the most popular Cloud Computing UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Cloud Computing PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Cloud Computing Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Following are the top exams for Cloud Computing. Students interested in pursuing a career on Cloud Computing, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.