Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure and Platforms

Ever wondered what 'the cloud' really is and how it powers the applications you use every day? This course demystifies the technology behind the buzzwords, giving you a clear and practical understanding of cloud computing from the ground up. You will build a solid foundation in how cloud infrastructure is designed and managed. By the end of this course, you'll be able to confidently discuss key cloud concepts and understand the trade-offs between different service models, preparing you for more advanced topics in cloud technology. What you'll learn: - Understand core cloud computing concepts, service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and deployment models (public, private, hybrid). - Learn the principles of virtualization for compute, storage, and networking. - Explore fundamental cloud networking concepts like virtual private clouds (VPCs), subnets, and basic security rules. - Grasp how platform services abstract away infrastructure to simplify application development and deployment. - Discover the role of containers as a modern approach to packaging and running applications. - Get introduced to the 'Infrastructure as Code' (IaC) philosophy for managing cloud resources programmatically. The course starts with essential terminology before moving on to the key pillars of cloud infrastructure. You'll then explore how these components come together to create the platform services that developers use every day. This course is designed for absolute beginners. No prior experience in IT infrastructure or cloud computing is required to get started. Begin your journey to understanding the cloud today.