This Cloud Computing Architecture course (updated for 2022 and 2023 trends) touches upon the key concepts related to the designing and building of cloud and digital systems based on cloud computing platforms such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google GCP, and others. This is ideally suited for cloud and digital technologists who are aspiring to become solutions architects in the IT, digital, and cloud domains and are in the early to middle phases of that journey.

If you are looking for an overview knowledge on how to become a cloud and solutions architect, then this course is ideal for you as it provides you that complete overview of all the various components of cloud fit together.

The key topics covered in this course include the following:

1. Industry Trends on Cloud and Digitalization - In this chapter, we will review the industry trends related to cloud and digitalization and how these trends are fueling the demand for cloud and digital systems architecture and obviously the architects also. The section discusses how AWS, Azure, and other cloud technologies are revolutionizing digitalization trends.

2. Enterprise Architecture Fundamentals - In this chapter, we will review the key concepts behind the discipline of Enterprise Architecture. As we will see later that this can help the architects to make the right decisions about the cloud and digital systems that they are responsible for. This is because formulating a cloud systems architecture or developing a cloud system is not just a technology issue but also about how the system will impact the business of an organization. The EA discipline can provide cloud systems architects with a framework by which they can see a broader view of how their decisions can impact the overall organization.

3. Solutions Architecture Fundamentals - In this chapter, we will introduce the general discipline of solutions architecture, how it relates to the organization’s Enterprise Architecture and how the solutions architecture process can lead to the formulation of well thought out and well-designed Cloud and Digital solutions.

4. The Solutions Architecture Process - In this chapter, we will review the overall process of formulating an organization’s Solutions Architecture. We will discuss the solutions architecture process in the context of the overall system development lifecycle (SDLC) that technical teams follow and also discuss the manner in which solutions architecture differs from Systems Design.

5. Introduction to Cloud Solutions Architecture - In this chapter we will get into the details of the cloud solutions architecture. This chapter provides a high-level overview of cloud solutions architecture and the different dimensions of such a system. It also maps how the various subsequent chapters of this course provide those details.

6. Cloud Deployment and Hosting Models - In this chapter, we will discuss the services offered by cloud providers, especially the hyperscalers and the various hosting models such as the hybrid cloud, multi-cloud and edge cloud environments. It will also discuss the various options that organizations have to host their systems and the pros and cons of each approach.

7. Cloud Infrastructure Services - In this chapter, we will cover the basic and foundational infrastructure services in any cloud environment. These components include servers, compute and storage. Network is another component but we will cover that in a separate chapter.

8. Cloud ‘Application Architecture’ - In this chapter, we will cover the application architecture dimension of the overall cloud solutions architecture. This will include the basics of Kubernetes, Containers, and Cloud-native applications and monolithic applications. We know that applications are at the heart of every business. They enable every organization’s business processes. Modernizing a business, therefore, requires modernizing an organization’s application portfolio. In this chapter, we will cover the popular methods available to modernize cloud applications, which includes microservices, containers, etc. and will also cover how these approaches differ from the traditional methods of developing applications.

9. Application Communications and Integration - In this chapter, we will discuss the topic of Application communications and integration, where we will discuss the various ways in which distributed and cloud applications communicate with each other and integrate in a cloud-enabled digital system.

10. Cloud ‘Data Architecture’ - In this chapter, we will cover data architecture, which is a vital dimension of the cloud solutions architecture. We will also introduce a data architecture framework, which can help solutions architects address the various issues when attempting to formulate a cloud solution and system. The chapter will cover the basics of Data Architecture, Data Governance, Big Data, and how all that relates to a Digital Solutions Architecture.

11. Cloud ‘Network Architecture’ - In this chapter, we will cover network architecture, which is another dimension of the cloud solutions architecture. Although the topic of network architecture is quite vast, we will focus only on those elements, which are typically used by cloud solutions architects when developing their cloud solutions.

12. Security Architecture - The next topic that’s essential to be covered when covering cloud solutions is that of the security architecture of the cloud solution. Security is a large topic as it permeates all layers of not just the digital solution but also the organization as a whole. In most cases, the solutions architect works with the organization’s cyber security team to protect the overall solution. Large projects also have security architects whose job is to ensure the security of the overall solution. In this chapter, we will cover the primary security building blocks of any cloud solutions.

13. Cloud Architecture Use Cases and Examples - In the next few slides, we will review common and popular use cases and examples related to cloud and digital solutions along with a high-level overview of an IoT architecture. We will also provide an overview of a Water Smart Metering solution, which is an implementation of IoT use case.

14. Conclusion and Summary - Tips for Aspiring Solution Architects who want to pursue a career in Cloud and Digital Solutions Architecture.