Are There Any Free Cloud Computing Courses Available Online?

Last Updated on December 21, 2023 by SPN Editor

In the realm of Artificial Intelligence, mastering cloud computing is more than just understanding a technology – it’s akin to opening a door to a world full of opportunities. Cloud computing companies, the backbone of today’s online operations, is responsible for hosting an astounding 100 zettabytes of data worldwide, driving everyday tasks, and ensuring online security. In this journey, finding free online cloud computing courses is indeed necessary.

With the global business landscape shifting towards cloud-based infrastructure, the need for experts in cloud computing is experiencing an unprecedented surge. Mastering cloud computing comes with a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your professional prospects:

In-Demand Expertise: As the global cloud computing market is set to skyrocket, there is a consistent demand for professionals who are skilled in cloud computing courses. This ensures that those with expertise in cloud computing will always find their skills in high demand.

Higher Compensation: Professionals who are experts in cloud computing tend to command higher salaries. This is a reflection of the value that these skills bring to an organization and the scarcity of such expertise in the job market.

Future-Proof Skills: Cloud computing skills are applicable across a wide range of industries. This means that regardless of how technology evolves or how industries shift, the skills you acquire in cloud computing courses will remain relevant and valuable.

Career Advancement: Mastery in cloud computing can pave the way for advanced roles such as data scientist and developer. These roles not only offer higher compensation but also provide opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

Prerequisites: While it’s not mandatory, having prior knowledge in areas such as operating systems, networking, and security can expedite your journey in mastering cloud computing. These foundational skills provide a solid base upon which you can build your cloud computing expertise.

The Path to Mastery in Cloud Computing Courses

Embarking on the journey to learn cloud computing from scratch can be a venture that requires time, dedication, and strategic planning. It hinges on factors such as your existing skills, the time you have available, and your preferred learning method.

Step 1: Recognize Your Skill Gap: Evaluate your current skill set and educational background. Students of engineering may already have a grasp of the basics of computer networking, which can simplify their learning journey. However, beginners may need to delve into the basics of computing and cybersecurity before stepping into the world of cloud computing.

Step 2: Grasp the Basics of Cloud Computing Courses: Familiarize yourself with concepts related to the cloud such as Serverless, Private/Public/Hybrid clouds, IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

Step 3: Explore Advanced Topics: Select specific cloud platforms and dedicate at least four to six months to become proficient in them. This hands-on approach will enhance your understanding and practical application of cloud computing.

Structure of Cloud Computing Courses

The Cloud Computing courses are divided into five modules:

• Introduction to Cloud Computing
• Characteristics of Cloud Computing
• Software Virtualization
• Application Containerization
• Virtual Machine Provisioning and Manageability
• Effective Strategies to Master Cloud Computing

Different ways to learn Cloud Computing Courses

Online Cloud Computing Courses: Enroll in online cloud computing courses for a structured learning experience.
Free Cloud Service Resources: Browse through documentation and resources from leading providers like AWS and Google Cloud.
Hands-On Experience: Gain practical knowledge through internships and real-world projects.
Cloud Computing Community: Engage in online forums and communities for expert advice and networking opportunities.

Free Cloud Computing Courses Available Online

Great Learning Academy: This platform offers free cloud computing courses that aim to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of various cloud computing technologies and services. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including cloud infrastructure, platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS), serverless computing, storage, and security.

Udemy: Udemy provides a variety of free cloud computing courses and tutorials. These courses cater to a wide range of interests, whether you’re keen on understanding the different types and benefits of cloud computing, or you’re looking to utilize cloud computing services like Azure and AWS. Udemy has a course designed to help you achieve your learning goals.

AWS Training Platform: Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers over 100 free short courses on their training platform. These courses encompass a broad spectrum of topics including AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials, strategies for moving to managed databases on AWS, and an introduction to Blockchain technology.

Google Cloud: Google provides 5 free cloud computing courses that are suitable for both beginners and professionals. These courses offer a deep dive into the various aspects of cloud computing.

E&ICT Academy or NPTEL, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras: These prestigious institutions offer advanced certificate courses in cloud computing in India. These courses are designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the field of cloud computing.

Different Cloud Computing Courses Available Online

Certification in Cloud Computing (upGrad): This is a comprehensive course that spans seven months. It begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of programming languages and basic tools. As the course progresses, it delves into cloud-related topics such as cloud infrastructure and services, virtualizations, and deployment using the cloud. The course concludes with an in-depth study of micro-services and the development and deployment of cloud-native applications.

AWS Training and Certification: Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a wide range of training and certification programs. These include digital training, classroom training, exam preparation, and free training events. AWS provides role-based training for various roles such as Solutions Architect, Cloud Practitioner, Developer, and specialties in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

Infrastructure and Application Modernization with Google Cloud: This course is provided by Coursera and is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of IT concepts. It focuses on modernizing infrastructure and applications using Google Cloud.

IBM’s Introduction to Cloud Computing: Also offered by Coursera, this course is suitable for individuals with a basic understanding of IT concepts. It provides an introduction to cloud computing, covering key concepts and technologies.

Starting Your Career with AWS Cloud Specialization: This Coursera course is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of IT concepts who are interested in starting a career in AWS Cloud. It provides a comprehensive overview of AWS Cloud and its applications.

Popular Cloud Computing Certifications

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect – Associate: This cloud computing certification is designed to validate your ability to deploy, manage, and utilize various services in AWS. It is a testament to your proficiency in the fundamental technical concepts of AWS cloud engineering. The certification covers a wide range of topics including designing and deploying scalable systems on AWS, selecting the appropriate AWS service based on data, compute, or security requirements, and identifying appropriate use of AWS architectural best practices.

Microsoft Certified-Azure Fundamentals: This certification is intended for individuals who want to demonstrate their basic knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. It covers foundational level knowledge of cloud concepts; core Azure services; security, privacy, compliance, and trust; and Azure pricing and support.

Google Associate Cloud Engineer: This certification is targeted at IT professionals who deploy applications, monitor operations, and manage enterprise solutions. It validates your ability to use Google Cloud Console and the command-line interface to perform common platform-based tasks, maintain one or more deployed solutions, and ensure successful operation of a cloud solution.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate: This certification is for professionals who are in a development-related field and possess hands-on proficiency in maintaining and developing an application based on AWS. It validates your understanding of core AWS services, uses, and basic AWS architecture best practices, as well as your proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS.

Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect: This professional-level certificate from Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provides the skills needed for a career in cloud architecture. It validates your ability to design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, highly available, and dynamic solutions to drive business objectives.

These certifications are often recommended for individuals trying to position themselves for entry-level cloud-related jobs. They can be extremely beneficial for IT professionals looking to gain experience in cloud computing or integrate cloud technologies into their career. These certifications not only enhance your technical skills but also make you more marketable in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Popular Cloud Computing Companies

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is a comprehensive cloud platform from Amazon that offers over 200 fully-featured services from data centers globally. It provides a wide range of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) services, including virtual compute power, storage, and networking. AWS also offers complete computing stacks, making it a go-to choice for businesses of all sizes.

Microsoft Azure: Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. It’s a strong contender in the cloud computing space, offering a variety of services ranging from Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), to Software as a Service (SaaS). Azure is often favored by enterprises due to its seamless integration with other Microsoft products.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP is Google’s cloud platform known for its big data and analytics capabilities. It offers services in all major spheres including computing, storage, machine learning, data analytics, and networking. GCP also provides powerful and flexible infrastructure and platform services for developers and enterprises.

Alibaba Cloud: Alibaba Cloud is the leading cloud service provider in China. It offers high-performance, elastic computing power in the cloud. Services are available on a pay-as-you-go basis and include data storage, relational databases, big-data processing, and content delivery networks (CDN).

IBM Cloud (Kyndryl): IBM Cloud offers a full stack cloud platform with a variety of services. It includes both Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) offerings. IBM Cloud is known for its enterprise solutions, AI capabilities, blockchain technology, and Internet of Things (IoT) services.

Oracle Cloud: Oracle Cloud is a cloud computing service offered by Oracle Corporation. It provides servers, storage, network, applications, and services through a global network of Oracle Corporation-managed data centers. Oracle Cloud is moving its on-premises customers to the cloud and also finding some new audiences.

Tencent Cloud: Tencent Cloud is a secure, reliable, and scalable cloud service provided by Tencent. It offers a wide range of services including computing, data processing, and cloud-based AI capabilities. Tencent Cloud is designed to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes and industries.

OVHcloud: OVHcloud is a global cloud computing company that specializes in delivering cloud and dedicated server solutions. It provides a comprehensive range of products covering three universes: Web, Dedicated, and Cloud. OVHcloud is known for its innovative approach and has a strong presence in Europe.

DigitalOcean: DigitalOcean is a cloud infrastructure provider that provides developers with cloud services that help to deploy and scale applications that run simultaneously on multiple computers. It’s known for its simplicity and developer-friendly platform.

Linode (owned by Akamai): Linode is a cloud hosting company that provides virtual private servers. It accelerates innovation by making cloud computing simple, accessible, and affordable to all. Linode is known for its high-performance SSD Linux servers for infrastructure as a service (IaaS).

Major Cloud Computing Companies Hiring Professionals

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is a subsidiary of Amazon and is the largest cloud computing company in the world. They offer a wide range of cloud services and are constantly looking for professionals skilled in cloud computing to manage and improve these services.

Deloitte: Deloitte is a top professional services firm that delivers solutions in financial and technical implementation consulting. They have a strong focus on cloud computing and often hire professionals with expertise in this area to help their clients implement and manage cloud solutions.

Perficient: Perficient is a leading digital consultancy. They provide a broad array of digital services, including cloud computing solutions. They often hire cloud computing professionals to help their clients transition to the cloud and optimize their cloud-based operations.

VMware: VMware is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and digital workspace technology. They offer a variety of cloud services and solutions and are always on the lookout for skilled cloud computing professionals to join their team.

Salesforce: Salesforce is a cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management services. They are a major player in the cloud computing industry and frequently hire professionals with cloud computing skills.

Salary of a Cloud Computing Professional

Salary ranges for various roles in cloud computing within the United States are given below.

Average Annual Salary: The average yearly income for individuals working in cloud computing roles in the U.S. is approximately $113,207. This figure is an average, meaning it’s calculated by adding all the salaries for this role and dividing by the number of individuals.

Average Base Pay and Additional Cash Compensation: The average base pay, which is the fixed salary not including bonuses or other additional payments, is around $114,020 per year. On top of this, there’s an average additional cash compensation (which could include bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay, and other forms of cash earnings) of about $19,616. This additional compensation can range from $14,712 to $27,463.

Average Hourly Pay: The average hourly wage for a cloud computing role in the U.S. is $61.71. However, this can vary significantly, with some earning as much as $84.86 an hour and others earning as little as $10.82.

Salaries for Specific Roles: Average salaries for specific roles within the field of cloud computing:

• Solutions Architect: $134,591
• Senior Solutions Architect: $150,256
• Cloud Solutions Architect: $131,119
• Enterprise Architect, IT: $150,503
• Information Technology (IT) Director: $160,683
• Software Engineer: $104,630
• Technical Architect: $130,452

Best Books on Cloud Computing Courses

‘Explain the Cloud Like I’m 10’ by Todd Hoff: Renowned for its lucid and straightforward explanations of cloud computing concepts, this book employs numerous illustrations and examples to make the content more comprehensible. It delves into various service models such as IaaS, CaaS, PaaS, FaaS, and SaaS, and elucidates the distinctions among AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, private cloud, on-prem, colos, bare-metal, edge computing, hybrid-cloud, and multi-cloud.

‘Cloud Computing For Dummies’ by Judith Hurwitz et al.: This book offers an easy-to-understand introduction to cloud computing, discussing the cost-saving potential of cloud computing and its adoption by companies. It also provides guidance on implementing a cloud computing plan and addressing security issues.

‘Cloud Computing’ by Erl Thomas: This book systematically breaks down established cloud computing technologies and practices into a series of clearly defined concepts, models, technology mechanisms, and technology architectures. It covers everything from the fundamentals of cloud computing to the latest trends and best practices.

‘Infrastructure as Code’ by Kief Morris: An essential read for anyone interested in cloud computing technology, this book explains how to effectively apply principles, practices, and patterns pioneered by DevOps teams to manage infrastructure in the cloud era.

‘AWS: The Complete Beginner’s Guide’ by Stephen Baron: This comprehensive guide is ideal for newcomers looking to kickstart their career in AWS. It explains what Cloud Computing is, its types, and why businesses are opting for AWS for their cloud computing solutions.

‘Cloud Native Patterns: Designing change-tolerant software’: A valuable resource for software architects, this book offers a comprehensive guide to building applications that excel in the dynamic, distributed, virtual environment of the cloud.

‘The Cloud Adoption Playbook: Proven Strategies for Transforming Your Organization with the Cloud’: This book presents a methodology for adopting the cloud that has been proven successful across various industries and sectors.

‘AWS Certified Solutions Architect Official Study Guide’: An indispensable resource for anyone preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam, this book covers all exam objectives, including designing on AWS, selecting the right AWS services, managing data ingress and egress to and from AWS, estimating AWS costs, and identifying cost-control measures.

In conclusion, cloud computing is much more than a mere technological advancement. It serves as a gateway to limitless possibilities. In this data-driven age, proficiency in cloud computing not only enhances career prospects but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence.

By embracing cloud computing, we are not just keeping pace with the present, but also making strides towards a future where Artificial Intelligence technology and innovation converge to create unprecedented opportunities. So, let’s seize these opportunities and shape a future that’s driven by innovation, powered by cloud computing companies.

FAQs on Free Cloud Computing Courses

1. Where can I find free cloud computing courses online?

• Platforms like Great Learning Academy, Udemy, AWS Training, Google Cloud, and prestigious institutions like IIT Kanpur offer free cloud computing courses covering various cloud technologies.

2. What topics do these cloud computing courses cover?

• They cover cloud infrastructure, platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), serverless computing, storage, and security.

3. Are there advanced cloud computing courses available for free?

• Yes, platforms like upGrad, Coursera, and AWS Training offer comprehensive advanced cloud computing courses for free.

4. Are there cloud computing certifications available for free?

• Some platforms provide certifications for free, such as AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials, Google Cloud courses, and more.

5. Which companies offer free cloud computing courses?

• Companies like AWS, Google Cloud, and IBM provide free cloud computing courses through their training platforms.

6. Are there books recommended for learning cloud computing?

• Yes, books like ‘Explain the Cloud Like I’m 10’ and ‘Cloud Computing For Dummies’ offer easy-to-understand introductions to cloud concepts.

7. What are the popular cloud computing certifications available for free?

• Certifications like AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and Google Associate Cloud Engineer are available for free or offer free learning resources.

8. How can these cloud computing courses help with career opportunities?

• These cloud computing courses and certifications can enhance job prospects by providing in-demand skills sought by companies investing in cloud technologies.

9. Is there a specific background required to enroll in these free cloud computing courses?

• No specific background is mandatory, but familiarity with operating systems, networking, and security basics might be beneficial for quicker comprehension.

10. Are these free cloud computing courses comprehensive enough for professional advancement?

• Yes, many of these free cloud computing courses offer comprehensive knowledge and practical learning necessary for professional growth in cloud computing.

11. Can these cloud computing courses be accessed at any time or are they time-bound?

• Most free cloud computing courses are self-paced, allowing learners to access the material at their convenience.

12. How can these courses be beneficial for students or professionals looking to switch careers?

• These cloud computing courses provide a foundational understanding and certifications that can help individuals transition into a cloud computing career path.

13. Are there limitations to free courses compared to paid ones?

• While paid cloud computing courses might offer additional resources or more comprehensive modules, free courses often cover essential topics effectively.

14. Are there any prerequisites or age limitations for enrolling in these courses?

• Generally, there are no specific prerequisites or age limitations for enrolling in free cloud computing courses. They are open to anyone interested in learning.

15. Can these free cloud computing courses be a stepping stone towards more advanced learning in cloud computing?

• Absolutely, free cloud computing courses can serve as a starting point, providing foundational knowledge that can pave the way for more advanced studies or certifications in cloud computing.