This blog is going to explain, in non-technical jargon, two things:

• How do I use the Cloud?
• What is Cloud Computing?

I was inspired to write this article after ALC Training released a FREE 20 minute Cloud Computing Mini-Course last week, where I personally take you through a fun and engaging cloud journey.  It’s aimed at a non-technical audience, where you’ll learn the basic knowledge needed for all industry recognised cloud computing courses:

Why Use the Cloud?

Because that is the technology that powers how mobile apps work…..and it powers the entire app ecosystem:

• Apple App Store
• Android Play Store
• Microsoft Store

And it also powers the largest social media platforms work:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

It’s also how online shopping works:

• eBay
• Amazon
• Gumtree

And now it’s how core productivity apps work.  I mean your Word, Excel and Powerpoint apps are all cloud-based:

• Microsoft Office 365
• Google Docs

And it also powers the biggest email systems:

• Gmail
• Outlook

You can store files:

• Dropbox
• OneDrive

It can also update software in cars:

• Tesla

In fact, it all started with web site hosting, at the birth of the internet, for most people, in the late ’90s:

• Cloud has become cheap, often free. 
• It’s easy-to-access and now is very easy to set up. 
• If you’re running a business, your competitors are using the cloud to gain an advantage over you.

Here is the first web site, created by Tim Berners-Lee…and yes…it’s still live.  Click to the picture to visit:

What is Cloud Computing?

In simple terms it’s a new way of doing business, enabled by technology.  Not just business, business, but also personal business.

It’s accessible via a store, or via a web browser, which provides lots of benefits:

• Access my data, anywhere in the world with a smartphone, tablet or PC.  Hotmail email was one of the first email systems to use cloud computing, which was incredibly popular before Gmail.
• Read updates about your friends, and post your updates, anywhere in the world.  Friends Reunited was one of the first to social media system to use cloud computing, which was a huge success before Facebook.
• Use instant messaging to keep in contact.  MSN Messenger was one of the first to use cloud computing.  Today there are a range of apps, such as What’s App, WeChat and Facebook Messenger.
• Video Messaging – Skype, to see your long-lost relatives.
• Post Video – YouTube, to post your latest cinema creation.
• Post Pictures – Instagram, to post your breakfast?

In fact, every form of communication known to man, you can post somewhere using an app, and other people can view and interact with it.

But what really is the cloud?

In the technology world, we call it a platform.  A foundation for hosting apps.

There are 3 types of cloud:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – This service is for people with a technical infrastructure background that can build these services. This service provides the basic building blocks of the cloud: servers, networking and storage.  Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure provide these services.  
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) – This service is for people who want to use a programming or development language to write code.  This is how apps on your phone are built.  This includes an automated IaaS layer that is invisible to the developer.  Amazon, Microsoft and Google offer these services.
• Software as a Service (SaaS) – This service is for everyone, and uses both the IaaS and PaaS services.  This is the final app that you would use, or a website that you would utilise.  This is the most common type of cloud and the type that most people will use.

If you found this article interesting, and want to take your cloud knowledge to another level then check out my course.  In partnership with ALC Training, I offer a 2 Day Cloud Foundation course for non-technical or semi-technical people.  It’s a classroom-based environment where interaction, games, and fun are key learning tools. 

Are you an entrepreneur, a project manager, an auditor, a talent acquisition specialist, a human resources professional, a marketing whizz….in fact anyone with a strong interest in the cloud….then this course is a good fit for you.

The best part is that it leads to an industry recognised certification, backed by APMG International……which shows up as a digital badge on your LinkedIn profile.  Perfect for showing that your current employer is serious about cloud computing.

Interested in attending…..check out the dates, by clicking on the image below:

If the dates are not suitable, please reach out to our awesome team at ALC Training, and we can customise the course to your needs and bring to your location.

I hope you enjoyed this blog article.  Have a great week.

P