What is Cloud Computing? How to Pursue a Career in this Field

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computer resources such as email, data storage, natural language processing, databases and software. But let’s back up a step: when you hear someone referencing “the Cloud”, they’re talking about servers that are accessed over the Internet. Before cloud computing, organizations had to purchase, maintain and house a stack of servers somewhere in the office. Today, cloud servers – located in data centers all over the world – can provide a variety of services all online.

By using cloud computing, users and companies don't have to deal with the logistics or cost of owning physical servers or running software applications on their own machines. They can pay a provider for what they use when they use it. This makes cloud services more secure, sustainable, agile and cost-effective than ever before. In some cases where the hardware needs to be in-house, some may say it is still “cheaper to own than to rent.” But the agile nature of the Cloud means that many, if not most, can access the functionality of massive banks of servers and let a third-party handle the maintenance and support.

So, if at least 75% of all databases will be on the Cloud by 2022, that means there needs to be a large workforce of people trained and ready to help develop, deploy and maintain cloud computing networks all over the world.

If you use Gmail or Netflix, you’re already leveraging popular services using cloud computing. But cloud computing is certainly more than just email or streaming movies. Cloud computing solutions come in three different models, depending on the type of service you need. Here are some examples:

If you’ve ever shared files through Dropbox, Google Drive or Apple Cloud, your files are being housed through cloud computing. You can find SaaS in many industries, too.

Cloud computing allows medical professionals around the world to immediately access medical information allowing them to help diagnose patients, provide prescriptions and access analytics. Educational institutions use SaaS as well. Those apps create a personal workspace for students, offer the ability to manage coursework online and make education more accessible to anyone with internet access.

With this level of service, there’s no need to manage the underlying infrastructure. Businesses can rent out cloud-based platforms so their developers and operations professionals can build and deploy their own applications. Google App Engine is an example of PaaS.

This level of cloud computing service allows for the most flexibility for businesses. With access to IT resources such as servers, networking features and data storage, customers have the most control over the management of their applications, data and more. Popular providers of IaaS are Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.

Earning a certificate can be a great first step toward a career in cloud computing. At DeVry, we offer a 100% online Undergraduate Certificate in Cloud Computing which can help teach you necessary skills in this field and other tech related roles.

Our cloud computing certificate teaches skills like:

If you have an interest in programming, software, wired and wireless technologies, our Undergraduate Certificate in Cloud Computing may be just the right option and opportunity for you. Connect with us to take the next step toward your goals.