Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/google-cloud-infrastructure-for-azure-professionals
In today’s dynamic cloud landscape, multi-cloud strategies are becoming increasingly common. For IT professionals deeply familiar with Microsoft Azure, the prospect of venturing into Google Cloud Platform (GCP) can seem daunting. Fortunately, Google Cloud, in collaboration with Coursera, offers a comprehensive four-course series specifically designed to bridge this knowledge gap: ‘Google Cloud Infrastructure for Azure Professionals’.
This series is meticulously crafted for cloud architects and engineers who already possess a solid understanding of Azure. It systematically breaks down the complexities of GCP, drawing parallels and highlighting key differences with familiar Azure concepts. This approach makes the learning curve significantly smoother and more intuitive for those transitioning.
The syllabus is structured logically, starting with the foundational elements:
1. **Google Cloud IAM and Networking for Azure Professionals:** This initial course delves into identity and access management (IAM) and networking within GCP, comparing them directly with Azure’s Active Directory and VNet concepts. Understanding these core components is crucial for secure and efficient cloud deployments.
2. **Google Cloud Compute and Scalability for Azure Professionals:** Moving on to compute resources, this course explores GCP’s virtual machines (Compute Engine), container orchestration (Google Kubernetes Engine – GKE), and autoscaling capabilities. It provides insights into how these services map to Azure’s Virtual Machines, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Azure Scale Sets.
3. **Google Cloud Storage and Containers for Azure Professionals:** This segment focuses on GCP’s diverse storage options, including Cloud Storage (object storage), Persistent Disks (block storage), and Cloud SQL (managed relational databases). It also further explores containerization technologies, solidifying the understanding gained in the previous course.
4. **Deploy and Monitor in Google Cloud for Azure Professionals:** The capstone course covers the essential practices for deploying applications and monitoring their performance in GCP. This includes CI/CD pipelines, logging, monitoring tools like Cloud Monitoring, and understanding how these align with Azure DevOps and Azure Monitor.
**Review and Recommendation:**
This series is an excellent resource for any Azure professional looking to expand their cloud skillset to include GCP. The instructors at Google Cloud clearly understand the target audience, leveraging existing Azure knowledge to explain GCP concepts effectively. The hands-on labs and practical examples provided throughout the courses are invaluable for solidifying learning. The pacing is appropriate, allowing ample time for comprehension without feeling rushed. While prior Azure experience is a prerequisite, the course assumes no prior GCP knowledge, making it accessible.
If your organization is adopting a multi-cloud strategy, or if you’re looking to enhance your career prospects by becoming proficient in both major cloud platforms, I highly recommend enrolling in the ‘Google Cloud Infrastructure for Azure Professionals’ series. It’s a strategic investment in your professional development.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/google-cloud-infrastructure-for-azure-professionals