Course Outline
Module 1: The Term “The Cloud”?
This module explores the origins and definition of the term “The Cloud,” distinguishing Cloud Technologies from other IT services. It also covers various types of Cloud infrastructure and Cloud services.
Lessons
- Types of Cloud Infrastructure
- Private Cloud
- Public Cloud
- Hybrid Cloud
- Types of Cloud Services
- Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS)
- Platform As A Service (PaaS)
- Software As A Service (SaaS)
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe and understand the types of Cloud Infrastructure and Types of Cloud Services.
- Compare Private, Public, and Hybrid cloud deployments and scenarios.
- Evaluate products based on their service type, such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
Module 2: Understanding and Utilizing Cloud Systems
This module teaches students how to analyze cloud systems to determine how they can benefit an organization.
Lessons
- The Cloud as a Utility Model
- The Cloud as a Housing Model
- Cloud systems adoption by industry
- The Cloud mobile advantage
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Explain how to analyze cloud systems to identify organizational benefits.
- Understand common analogies used to describe Cloud systems.
- Describe the Cloud housing model.
- Compare On-Premises and Cloud models.
- Compare Cloud adoption rates across different industries.
- Describe the advantages Cloud systems offer for connecting and configuring mobile devices.
Module 3: Cloud Infrastructure Technologies
This module details the protocols and standards used in Cloud systems, X.500 Directories, the application of X.509 certificates, and the concepts surrounding various forms of SSO.
Lessons
- LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
- X.500 Directory Systems
- X.509 Certificate Services and PKI
- Single Sign On (SSO) and Same Sign On (SSO)
- Some SSO Designs in Microsoft environments
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features of LDAP and their importance.
- Understand what X.500 systems are and their relationship to Active Directory and Cloud systems.
- Describe X.509 certificate services and how PKI is utilized with Directories and Cloud services for Authentication and Encryption.
- Understand the importance of SSO and distinguish between Same and Single Sign On.
- Describe common Microsoft implementations of Same and Single Sign On.
Module 4: Control of Data and Continuity of Services
This module covers Service Level Agreements, Change Management, and the roles and responsibilities organizations hold in ensuring computing services and data remain secure and available.
Lessons
- Service Level Agreements (SLA)
- Change Management
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features of a Service Level Agreement for typical Cloud systems.
- Understand the significance of 99.9% uptime and its relation to an SLA.
- Describe how Change Management often differs in Cloud environments compared to On-Premises setups.
Module 5: Security & Privacy Considerations
This module addresses critical security topics essential for all cloud products and services, including regulatory requirements, eDiscovery, Investigative Support, Data Segregation, Long-Term Viability, and auditing.
Lessons
- How Secure is the Cloud?
- Privileged User Access
- Regulatory Compliance
- Investigative Support
- Data Segregation
- Recovery
- Long-Term Viability – Transfer of Data
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe security concerns and mitigations in cloud systems.
- Understand how regulatory compliance and auditing are managed in a cloud environment.
- Answer critical questions regarding long-term systems management and viability.
Module 6: Review Questions
This module reviews all major topics covered in the one-day class, providing students with an opportunity to reinforce their retention and explore related topics in greater depth. This section also allows the instructor to gather feedback on how well the content was understood and to address any knowledge gaps.
Lessons
- Cloud Advantages
- Cloud Terms and Acronyms
- Microsoft Cloud Products
- Security and Regulations
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding and comprehension of the principal topics of this course.
Module 7: PKI Fundamentals (optional)
This module explains why understanding Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is essential for the design, maintenance, and management of all cloud technology. Almost every technology supporting cloud access includes PKI components. PKI is not a standalone system but a series of technologies incorporated by developers into security and access systems.
Lessons
- PKI Fundamentals
- Digital Signing
- PKI Review Questions
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features and functions of PKI.
- Understand the importance of underlying cloud technologies.
- Describe how PKI Authentication, Encryption, and Digital Signing work.
Module 8: Understanding Cloud Authentication and Authorization (optional)
This module defines Authentication as verifying that entities like users or computers are who they claim to be, and Authorization as determining the rights or permissions a user or computer possesses. SIDs, GUIDs, and traditional ACLs can pose challenges in Hybrid Cloud environments or SSO implementations because these identification systems are unique to specific vendors or network systems. This module explains how new systems are deployed to overcome these issues.
Lessons
- Understanding Cloud Authentication and Authorization
- How Claims systems can replace GUID and ACL biased systems.
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features used in traditional systems and how new claims-based systems have an advantage in the cloud.
Module 9: Labs and Demonstrations (optional)
Depending on the available time and audience, the instructor may choose to present selected demonstrations or, if equipment is available, allow time for students to gain hands-on experience.
Lessons
- Azure Availability Evaluation
- Office 365 simulation walkthrough
Lab : Azure Availability Evaluation
- Evaluating Microsoft Azure Cloud Services
Lab : Office 365 Simulation Walkthrough
- Administrating Office 365 Part 1
- Administrating Office 365 Part 2
- Administrating Office 365 Part 3
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features for evaluating Microsoft Azure availability.
- Perform a walkthrough of Office 365 management environments.
Requirements
Prior to attending this course, students must possess:
- A basic understanding of networking concepts.
- Basic knowledge of Windows operating systems.
- A fundamental understanding of security concepts, including authentication and authorization.
