Starting the Hike
As you prepare to start your trek up Mt. Cloud, it’s important to have the tools needed to make it to the top. In this blog, we’ll make sure your compass is pointed in the right direction and your map highlights exactly where you need to go to begin your Cloud journey.
Cloud Providers
Before getting too far on your hike up Mt. Cloud, you should become familiar with the three biggest Cloud providers in the world. These three providers are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), which make up a combined 61% of the global Cloud infrastructure. Although each provider offers a similar service, the three couldn’t be more different.
AWS - Leading the way in the Cloud industry is AWS, which accounts for a staggering 32% of the global infrastructure. AWS has been in the Cloud space since 2006 and has helped shape the Cloud as we know it today. Offering more than 200 services including storage, analytics, developer tools, and networking, AWS serves millions of users and continues to be the go-to Cloud provider for businesses and individuals alike, no matter where they are in the world. A few notable AWS customers include Netflix, AirBnB, Coca Cola, and the FDA.
Microsoft Azure - Entering the Cloud space just four years after AWS in 2010, Microsoft Azure is the next major player in the Cloud computing space. Accounting for 20% of the global infrastructure with more than 200 products and services, Azure is one of the fastest growing platforms. A notable difference between Azure and other providers is that its products and services are tailored primarily for Microsoft enterprises. Despite being Microsoft-centric, Azure is supported by open-source languages, various platforms, and technologies.
Google Cloud Platform - Also debuting in 2010, the Google Cloud Platform has amassed more than 100 services including networking and computing. Similar to Azure, GCP supports Google products, such as the Google Workspace, in addition to the Google Chrome Operating System and Android. Although it’s the smallest of the top three providers taking up only 9% of the global infrastructure, it is growing and still offers a comprehensive set of services to support various programs and applications.
Cloud Environments
Another key piece of information to take with you as you start your hike is the difference between the two main Cloud environments. While there is no one-size fits all solution, the variety of environments available enables flexibility and scalability to meet business needs.
Public Cloud - The most common type of Cloud environment is a public Cloud environment. This environment is owned and operated by a third-party service provider which includes the management of all hardware, software, and other pieces of Cloud infrastructure. Users of public cloud services share the devices managed by the vendor and access their storage, testing environments, and online applications via the internet.
Private Cloud - In a private cloud environment, all resources are used by a single business or business unit. Unlike the public cloud, you can host your private cloud on-premises or off-site with a third-party provider. In doing so, organizations have more control over the environment but are responsible for any associated costs and maintenance.
In addition to public and private Clouds, some businesses choose to operate in a Hybrid Cloud or Multi-Cloud environment, which you can learn more about in our recent blog post.
Types of Cloud Computing
Similar to how there are three main Cloud computing providers, there are three main Cloud computing services. When combined, these services are referred to as a “stack” and to be successful in the Cloud space, it’s important to be familiar with each service and how they function.
Software as a Service (SaaS) - SaaS involves using an application on the internet which is hosted on a third-party server. This eliminates the need to download or install software and can be accessible via any device. Examples of SaaS applications include the G-Suite, Salesforce, and Slack.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - The Cloud becomes a PaaS when it’s used to develop applications without needing physical hardware or a software installation. This form of cloud computing is most often used by teams needing to collaborate on web applications or other development projects.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - IaaS is a more complete Cloud service, allowing users to outsource their networks, storage, and systems to a third party provider or service. With IaaS, users can access these components on demand and often pay a monthly fee for the service. An example of IaaS is paying to have your files hosted on an offsite server.
Putting it all Together
Now that you have your bag packed with all the tools you need to kickstart your career in the Cloud, it’s time to start your hike and put them to use! Fortunately, in the ever-growing field of information technology, there are a near infinite number of resources available to help you practice your skills and learn new ones. From guided learning to hands-on labs, quizzes, and certification preparation, you can take your Cloud education into your own hands.
If you want to get started for free, you can sign up for the INE Cloud Starter Pass, which gives you a sneak peak of our industry-leading Cloud content. If you’d like to dive in right away, you can sign up for INE Premium and gain instant access to our comprehensive suite of Cloud labs, quizzes, video content, and certification preparation.
INE is proud to offer other free resources for those just getting started in their Cloud journey including INE Live streams, the CloudSkills.fm podcast, and the INE Blog.
About INE
INE is the premier provider of technical training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. Our portfolio of training is built for all levels of technical learning, specializing in advanced networking technologies, next generation security and infrastructure programming and development. Want to talk to a training advisor about our course offerings and training plans? Give us a call at 877-224-8987 or email us at sales@ine.com.
