It’s a fact that when asked what 'the cloud' is, a majority would not refer to it as an actual cloud, the sky, or something related to weather. So, Cloud is now all about storing documents, pictures, videos and even music on the cloud. More so, a life-saver because it simply means never having to say I lost those pictures of your cat that you sent me. But what if you could store your favorite coffee on the cloud and have it available to download in your cup without having to make a trip to your favorite coffee shop? Well the idea is in the works but is that possible…. seemingly not. In any event, the cloud is here to stay and is for everyone, call it a democracy.

Cloud computing has completely changed the way businesses and their consumers store and access their data. As Steve Jobs rightly said, “I don’t need a hard disk in my computer if I can get to the server faster… carrying around these non-connected computers is byzantine by comparison”. The cloud has become a vital component for business as technology becomes embedded in modern life. Every business needs to understand the cloud and how it operates as well as the potential dangers and pitfalls associated with cloud computing. Knowledgeable monitoring and maintenance can be the difference between the success and failure of the technology’s use.

With our “The Cloud and Business” workshop, the participants will discover the specifics of how the cloud can be a successful business tool. Below are the workshop objectives & the course outline:

Key Objectives Of The Course:

• Understand what the cloud is 
• Recognize risks and benefits
• Communicate effectively
• Employ business processes
• Monitor performance

Module One: Getting Started

• Icebreaker
• Housekeeping Items
• The Parking Lot
• Workshop Objectives 

Module Two: The Cloud

• Definition
• History
• Current Uses
• Trends
• Case Study 
• Review Questions 

Module Three: Models for Business

• Software as a Service 
• Platform as a Service
• Infrastructure as a Service
• Other Options 
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Four: Advantages

• Data Center Finances
• Labor Finances
• Productivity
• Ease of Use
• Case Study 
• Review Questions

Module Five: Address Risks

• Assessment
• Prioritize Concerns
• Address Risks
• Focus on Success
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Six: Security

• Understand Weaknesses
• Breaches
• Identity Management
• Strategies 
• Case Study 
• Review Questions     

Module Seven: Device Management

• Devices that Can Connect 
• Desktops
• Benefits
• Monitoring 
• Case Study 
• Review Questions 

Module Eight: Service Oriented Architecture

• Definition
• With the Cloud
• Services 
• Benefits to the Business
• Case Study 
• Review Questions

Module Nine: Business Processes

• Scale Applications
• Web-based
• Examples
• Predictions
• Case Study
• Review Questions 

Module Ten: Standards

• Best Practices
• Organizational Standards
• Standards in the Cloud
• Interoperability and Integration
• Case Study 
• Review Questions

Module Eleven: Monitoring

• Governance
• Measure Performance
• Methods of Measurement
• Monitor Services
• Case Study 
• Review Questions 

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up 

• Words from the Wise 
• Review of Parking Lot 
• Lessons Learned 
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations

All of these professional training resources are based on the most up-to-date body of knowledge and carefully selected by subject matter experts.