Course Outline
Module 1: The Term “The Cloud”?
This module explores the origin and definition of the term “The Cloud,” helping participants distinguish Cloud Technologies from traditional IT services. It also covers the 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)
After 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: IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS.
Module 2: Understanding and Utilizing Cloud Systems
This module explains 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
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Explain how to analyze cloud systems to determine their potential 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 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, explains X.500 Directories, demonstrates the use of X.509 certificates, and covers 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
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features of LDAP and explain their importance.
- Understand what X.500 systems are and how they relate 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 why SSO is important and distinguish between Same Sign On 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 explains Service Level Agreements, Change Management, and the roles and responsibilities of organizations in ensuring computing services and data are secure and available.
Lessons
- Service Level Agreements (SLA)
- Change Management
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features of a Service Level Agreement for typical Cloud systems.
- Understand the meaning of 99.9% uptime and its relationship to an SLA.
- Describe how Change Management often differs in the Cloud compared to On-Premises environments.
Module 5: Security & Privacy Considerations
This module covers essential security topics 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
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe security concerns and mitigations in cloud systems.
- Understand how regulatory compliance and auditing are handled in a cloud environment.
- Answer critical questions about long-term systems management and viability.
Module 6: Review Questions
This module reviews all major topics covered in the one-day class, providing students an opportunity to reinforce retention and elaborate on related topics. It also allows the instructor to assess comprehension and address any knowledge gaps.
Lessons
- Cloud Advantages
- Cloud Terms and Acronyms
- Microsoft Cloud Products
- Security and Regulations
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a firm understanding and comprehension of the course's primary topics.
Module 7: PKI Fundamentals (optional)
This module explains why understanding Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is critical for the design, maintenance, and management of all cloud technologies. Almost every technology supporting cloud access includes PKI components. PKI is not a standalone system but rather a series of technologies incorporated by developers into security and access systems.
Lessons
- PKI Fundamentals
- Digital Signing
- PKI Review Questions
After 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 works.
Module 8: Understanding Cloud Authentication and Authorization (optional)
This module explains that Authentication verifies that entities, such as users or computers, are who they claim to be, while Authorization determines the rights or permissions a user or computer has. In Hybrid Cloud environments or SSO implementations, traditional systems like SID, GUID, and ACLs can pose problems because these identification methods are unique to specific vendors or network systems. This module explains how new systems are being deployed to overcome these issues.
Lessons
- Understanding Cloud Authentication and Authorization
- How Claims-based systems can replace GUID and ACL-biased systems.
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features used in traditional systems and explain how new claims-based systems offer advantages in the cloud.
Module 9: Labs and Demonstrations (optional)
Depending on the allotted time and audience, the instructor may choose to present a selection of these demonstrations or, if equipment is available, allow students time for 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
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features for evaluating Microsoft Azure availability.
- Perform walkthroughs of Office 365 management environments.
Requirements
Before attending this course, students must have:
- Basic understanding of networking concepts.
- Basic knowledge of Windows operating systems.
- Basic understanding of security concepts such as authentication and authorization.
