Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a specialised form of distributed computing that introduces utilisation models for remotely provisioning scalable and measured resources.

Cloud computing has broad-ranging effects across IT, Information Architecture, Business, Software Engineering, and Data Storage. This module serves as an introduction to cloud computing for individuals and organisations.

Entry requirements

Participants are expected to have a first degree at 2.2 level or above (or equivalent), or alternatively have industrial experience.

If you are a non-UK student you will need to show your passport on entry to the UK. Please check your eligibility to visit and study in the UK here. If you are a non-Irish EU national currently resident in Ireland please contact us directly for further advice.

If English is not your country's first language, you will be required to provide evidence to show you meet the UK Border Agency and the University's minimum English Language requirements. Further details are available on our English Language Requirements webpage

We strongly recommend that you speak to the course tutor prior to the course if you are unsure about your suitability to complete the assessment.

Careers / Further study

This module can be taken as a standalone module, or used to build up credit towards a named postgraduate qualification (PG Certificate, PG Diploma or Masters) within our Information Technology awards

Content

This module will cover the following topic areas:

Cloud Computing Overview: 

History of cloud computing and a discussion of business drivers and technology innovations. Basic cloud terminology and concepts are introduced, along with descriptions of common benefits and challenges of cloud computing adoption.

Understanding of virtualisation concept and possible business drivers behind the use of virtual computer hardware platforms, operating systems, storage devices, and computer network resources.

Concepts and Models: 

Cloud delivery and cloud deployment models are discussed in detail, discussion on cloud characteristics and roles and boundaries.

• Cloud-Enabling Technologies: Contemporary technologies that realize modern-day cloud computing platforms and innovations are discussed, including data centres, virtualisation, and Web-based technologies.

• Fundamental Cloud Security: Security topics and concepts relevant and distinct to cloud computing are introduced including: confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, availability, threat, vulnerability, risk, security controls, security mechanisms, security policies and descriptions of common cloud security threats and attacks.

• Cloud Infrastructures and Management Mechanisms: Primary cloud computing mechanisms and their management mechanisms.

• Sustainability impacts of Cloud Computing: Sources of electricity and related greenhouse gas emissions, clean and dirty cloud, using renewable power to de-carbonise cloud / data centres, ways to improve cloud energy efficiency, buying clean cloud services, impacts of migrating from in-house to cloud and societal impacts of cloud computing.

• Cloud Computing Architectures: Technology architecture within the realm of cloud computing - including requirements and considerations that manifest themselves in broadly scoped architectural layers (e.g. fundamental, advanced, and specialized) and numerous distinct architectural models.

• Future of Cloud Computing: Cloud computing future opportunities, challenges and research trends.