Cloud Operations and Management
🎯 Module Overview
This module enabled me to:
- Understand the architecture and framework for cloud computing and the fundamentals of cloud services.
- Gain knowledge of various cloud computing technologies and practical sustainable implementation experience.
- Learn about several cloud services, such as hybrid, edge, and fog computing.
- Reflect on personal improvement and evaluate the ethical, social, and professional impact of Cloud principles and techniques.
- Recognise current and future issues, restrictions, and prospects in the domain.
- Develop competence in crafting persuasive arguments for specific actions or outcomes tailored to diverse audiences.
- Understand how Cloud principles and techniques impact equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
📚 Table of Contents
- Unit 1: Introduction to Cloud Fundamentals and Services
- Unit 2: Understanding Cloud Architecture and Implementing Different Frameworks
- Unit 3: Cloud Design Tools
- Unit 4: Cloud Native Technology Part 1
- Unit 5: Cloud Native Technology Part 2
- Unit 6: Hybrid Cloud Solutions (Hybrid, Fog, Edge Computing)
- Unit 7: Cloud Security and Compliance
- Unit 8: Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
- Unit 9: Cloud Migration and Integration Strategies
- Unit 10: Advanced Cloud Technologies (Serverless Computing)
- Unit 11: AI and Cloud Computing
- Unit 12: Future Trends in Cloud Computing
Unit 1: Introduction to Cloud Fundamentals and Services
Key Concepts:
- Cloud computing definition, history, and characteristics
- Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Benefits of cloud adoption (scalability, cost efficiency)
- Challenges of cloud adoption (security risks, vendor lock-in)
Reflections:
This week introduced the fundamentals of cloud computing, including its definition, history, and key characteristics. I learned about the three main service models— IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS—along with real-world examples from AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Understanding these concepts has given me a strong foundation for the rest of the module.
Related Work:
Unit 2: Understanding Cloud Architecture and Implementing Different Frameworks
Key Concepts:
- Cloud architecture and frameworks
- TOGAF, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Scalability and consistency in cloud environments
Reflections:
This week focused on cloud architecture and the frameworks that support design and deployment. The introduction to TOGAF, SDLC, and IaC was insightful, especially in understanding how automation supports scalable cloud solutions.
Related Work:
Unit 3: Cloud Design Tools
Key Concepts:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cloud computing
- AI for automation, optimisation, and performance
- Machine learning and data analytics
- Cloud management, security, and monitoring
Reflections:
This week explored AI’s role in cloud computing, particularly how it improves automation and optimisation. Use cases illustrated how ML and analytics strengthen cloud operations.
Related Work:
Unit 4: Cloud Native Technology Part 1
Key Concepts:
- Tools for cloud management and automation
- Scripting languages (Python, Bash)
- GUI-based tools
- OpenStack platform
Reflections:
Hands-on practice with scripting and OpenStack helped deepen my knowledge of automation tools and their real-world impact on deployment efficiency.
Related Work:
Unit 5: Cloud Native Technology Part 2
Key Concepts:
- Cloud-native technologies
- 12-Factor App methodology
- Kubernetes for container orchestration
- Scalable and flexible application development
Reflections:
The 12-Factor methodology and Kubernetes revealed best practices for building scalable cloud-native apps, essential for modern enterprise cloud deployment.
Related Work:
Unit 6: Hybrid Cloud Solutions (Hybrid, Fog, Edge Computing)
Key Concepts:
- Hybrid cloud environments
- Fog and Edge Computing
- Multi-cloud systems
- Vendor lock-in challenges
Reflections:
We explored the value of edge computing for latency-sensitive applications and strategies to mitigate vendor lock-in in multi-cloud deployments.
Related Work:
Unit 7: Cloud Security and Compliance
Key Concepts:
- Cloud security challenges
- Regulatory frameworks
- GDPR, ISO/IEC 27001
- Securing cloud systems
Reflections:
This unit solidified my understanding of security risks and how frameworks like GDPR ensure compliance. I now better appreciate secure cloud architecture.
Related Work:
Unit 8: Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
Key Concepts:
- Disaster recovery (DR) strategies
- Service availability design
- Cloud DR tools (AWS, Azure)
- Planning for resilience
Reflections:
Using AWS and Azure DR tools, I learned how to ensure continuity during system failures, vital for business-critical systems.
Related Work:
Unit 9: Cloud Migration and Integration Strategies
Key Concepts:
- Migrating legacy systems
- Transition strategies
- On-premise and cloud integration
- Migration tools (AWS DMS, Azure)
Reflections:
I learned how to migrate complex systems to the cloud with minimal disruption using tools that automate data transfer and application transformation.
Related Work:
Unit 10: Advanced Cloud Technologies (Serverless Computing)
Key Concepts:
- Serverless architecture
- AWS Lambda, Azure Functions
- Scalable, cost-efficient design
- Reduced operational overhead
Reflections:
Serverless architecture enables developers to focus purely on code. Understanding its benefits has reshaped my perspective on application design.
Related Work:
Unit 11: AI and Cloud Computing
Key Concepts:
- AI-cloud convergence
- Machine learning integration
- AI tools (AWS SageMaker)
- Automation and resource management
Reflections:
AI is revolutionising cloud systems by enhancing automation and analytics. SageMaker demonstrated how AI simplifies complex tasks in the cloud.
Related Work:
Unit 12: Future Trends in Cloud Computing
Key Concepts:
- AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing
- Evolving cloud strategies
- Future transformation of cloud services
- Strategic forecasting
Reflections:
This unit sparked forward-thinking about cloud evolution. Understanding these trends has helped me align my skills with industry needs.
Related Work:
🏁 Summary of Achievements
✅ Completed module units demonstrating an understanding of cloud principles
💬 Contributed actively to student forums
🧠 Gained practical and theoretical understanding of cloud architecture, security, and emerging technologies
🗂 Built and maintained a structured ePortfolio with critical reflections and artefacts