Introduction to Cloud Services

Overview

Cloud computing has become a vital part of how businesses, organisations, and individuals use technology today. From email and file storage to running entire applications and IT infrastructure, the Cloud offers flexible, cost-effective, and scalable solutions. This two-week evening course provides a clear introduction to the core concepts, platforms, and practical uses of Cloud services, designed for learners with little or no prior experience.

Across four sessions you’ll explore what the Cloud is, how it works, and why it has transformed modern IT. You’ll examine different service levels such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS), and compare the main deployment models (public, private, hybrid and community Cloud). Practical exercises will introduce you to key features of leading platforms including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform.

The course also looks at real-world hosting scenarios and best practices for adopting Cloud technology. Finally, you’ll gain an insight into future developments such as serverless computing, artificial intelligence integration, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By the end, you’ll understand both the opportunities and challenges of Cloud computing and have the confidence to continue learning or explore career paths in IT, data, and digital services.