Perhaps you’ve heard the news about how cloud computing is being adopted by a great number of US governmental agencies?  Or maybe you’ve taken notice of all the cloud-driven businesses popping up in advertisements on TV and web?   All signs point toward cloud computing becoming much more visible in the coming years, and on a number of different fronts (most of them being entertainment-related or driven).  It has been suggested that the emergence of tablet-like devices, coupled with the increasing speeds and prevalence of broadband are creating perfect conditions for the widespread assimilation of cloud computing technologies.  While that may be mere speculation, one thing remains true and clear however, cloud computing is now officially on the table, and is being explored and used (to great benefit) by a significant number of individuals, groups and organizations.

Arguably, the most compelling reason for familiarizing one’s self with a cloud computing foundation has to be assimilating important (and necessary) skills for competing in tomorrow’s job market.   It should go without saying that the person that’s most prepared for a job is not only the most qualified, but also most likely to actually get hired.  The high level of interest in cloud technology by companies like Microsoft, google and Amazon should be evidence enough that there is credence to “the cloud phenomenon”.  Additionally, there is demonstrable growth in cloud computing use and technology, which also tells us that interest in it is not waning in any way.

This of course leads us to the main point; which pertains to your career, and why devoting your self to a cloud computing foundation program is really an investment in it.  Cloud computing is currently on a steady path of growth and acceptance, nearly every single day there seem to some major or minor advancement in the field, be it software, hardware or implemental in nature.  However, the core concepts and elements of cloud computing remain largely unchanged, which is great because it allows individuals to (in effect) accumulate the necessary tools needed to quickly jump into the field.

There’s recently been quite a lot of interest cloud computing foundation programs, with their ability to essentially familiarize individuals with the concepts, components and uses of cloud computing in general.  But what can someone expect from a cloud computing foundation program?  Many have requested a brief explanation detailing the entire experience, and what it entails.

As previously stated, every cloud computing foundation program seeks to provide its students with a well rounded and thorough understanding of its concepts (of cloud computing).  This includes an examination of not only the components of cloud systems/networks, but also how these components interact with one another and how the entire system (or parts of it) might be tasked or implemented.  Individual elements of the prototypical cloud computing infrastructure are dissected in great detail, giving the student a chance to truly understand the inner workings of a typical architecture.  Additionally, the various forms and levels of service are also examined, providing one with an advanced understanding of how and why service providers function and behave in the manner that they do.   But the main focus of any foundation program is the architecture of cloud computing itself; this should also include where the technology currently rests and where it is headed in the near future as well.

Many leave their respective foundation programs feeling ready to implement their knowledge in the field; and this is largely the purpose of most programs, to prepare students for additional challenges and employment opportunities.  Overall, the knowledge and experiences gained from participating in a foundation program should prove to be absolutely invaluable in the coming age when cloud computing becomes more commonplace (or entirely replaces the current model altogether).  Even if a complete “changing of the guard” never occurs, the information obtained through a cloud computing foundation program will still enable one to utilize certain cloud services and / or components in ever increasingly creative (and profitable) ways.

It should go without saying that, intimate knowledge in most any technical field can lead to better and better career opportunities, this is a given.  Cloud computing is no different in this regard, and anyone that truly understands the why’s and how’s of it can expect to seriously impress potential employers.  This is especially true in the area of IT services and management; today’s businesses are always on the lookout for ways to increase productivity while cutting costs, and cloud computing is arguably one of the most revolutionary concepts to ever come along in this regard.  Likewise, those are already employed in a technical field related to computing and/or networking can use their found knowledge of the cloud computing foundation to “climb the company ladder”, so to speak.

At the end of the day, it’s really about solutions.  Businesses are constantly confronted with challenges from both inside and outside of the organization, these difficulties are also compounded by the fact that they’re often based on, or out of some technology as well.  In fact, trends seem to indicate that use and management of technological assets is fast becoming vitally important in the modern business world.  This is largely due to the prevalence of web-based consumer sales, portals and services. 

If you are a professional working in a (software, hardware, networking, computing or infrastructure) capacity for

• Design
• Development
• Production
• Implementation
• Modification or adaptation of existing technological assets

…an understanding of cloud computing foundation can only provide you with even more tools with which to problem solve.  Familiarizing one’s self with the cloud computing foundation is also a good idea for purposes of longevity.  This is to say that it is extremely likely that in the very near future, most systems will be based on cloud technologies.  So, getting familiar with the methodology behind cloud computing will in effect, prepare you for future tasks and ensure that you are still up-to-date and vital in your knowledge base.

Despite its revolutionary demeanor, cloud computing (and its many concepts) are digestible by most people.  This is not to say that cloud computing is a simplistic subject (because it isn’t); there are many facets of it that are well understood by most, as well as those that require more intensive study.   By and large however, the core concepts of cloud computing can be explained to nearly anyone, leaving the more daunting aspects to those interested in seriously pursuing them.

Public interest in cloud computing is on the rise as well.  This is mostly due to the emergence of cloud-driven entertainment and/or storage services (like those offered by Amazon).   As a result of this increased interest, there are significant lapses in public understanding of what cloud computing is, what it does, how it works, who can benefit from using it, and even the many ways in which it can be used.

First off, what is the cloud computing foundation?  No, it’s not a group created to further the concepts of cloud computing, it’s a compendium of the elements and applications of cloud computing.  In other words, the cloud computing foundation is meant to provide someone with a more thorough understanding of the components / types of cloud computing, how they interact with one another, the benefits gained, and how it might be used in the real world.

 

So, without further ado, here are some answers to three of the most commonly asked questions concerning cloud computing foundation:

• How many types of cloud computing are there?  There are a nearly infinite number of ways that cloud computing technologies and concepts can be implemented (even in non-cloud environments).   However, there are really only three types of cloud computing services, or infrastructures.  They are IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.  Each of these service types represents increased or decreased levels of offered hardware, software and/or architecture; with varying levels of involvement from the actual service provider as well.
• Why isn’t use of cloud computing more widespread?  The adoption of cloud computing will take time; there are hardware, software and operational costs that must also considered (as with any other IT solution).  Currently, cloud computing has however been adopted by a great number of businesses, educational institutions and governmental organizations and is proving itself in those fields.  Widespread adoption of cloud computing will most likely occur; it’s just a matter of time.
• How difficult is it to transition to the cloud?  Much has been said and written about the inherent difficulties of transitioning to cloud computing, but most of it is out of date.  Moving to the cloud is becoming even easier thanks to the large number of standalone apps and cloud services that many businesses have began integrating into their current systems.  In other words, making the switch to cloud computing is easily manageable if it is done in a controlled manner, whereby components are added piece by piece.