Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cloud-computing-adoption
The digital landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and at its epicenter is cloud computing. Coursera’s ‘Moving to the Cloud’ course offers a comprehensive and insightful journey into this transformative technology, demystifying its complexities and equipping learners with the knowledge to navigate its adoption. The course aptly describes the cloud’s impact as a ‘tornado,’ a far cry from the gentle imagery often associated with it, highlighting its disruptive power and its status as a critical trend for the global IT industry. Governments worldwide are mandating ‘cloud-first’ policies, underscoring the urgency for professionals to understand this domain.
Module 1 lays a robust foundation, delving into the history and terminology of cloud computing, and introducing fundamental concepts. The inclusion of guest lectures from esteemed academics like Professor Leslie Willcocks and Vince Kellen adds significant credibility and diverse perspectives. The debate on whether the cloud spells the end of traditional IT outsourcing is particularly thought-provoking.
As we progress to Module 2, ‘Cloud Adoption,’ the course shifts to practical application. Through interviews with industry experts from Accenture, the Cloud Standards Customer Council, and the Australian Taxation Office, learners gain real-world insights into cloud adoption strategies, common challenges faced by both buyers and sellers, and the crucial first steps in due diligence.
Module 3, ‘Cloud Commercials,’ tackles the often-intimidating financial and contractual aspects. It expertly breaks down cloud contracts, highlights key clauses to watch out for, explains common Service Level Agreement (SLA) KPIs, and sheds light on the complexities of pricing and vendor charging models. This module is invaluable for anyone involved in cloud procurement or management.
Preparing for the transition is the focus of Module 4, ‘Getting Ready to Move.’ This section emphasizes organizational readiness, introducing models for change management and capability assessment. It covers essential strategic, architectural, process, structural, and governance considerations, providing a holistic view of what it takes to successfully move to the cloud.
Module 5, ‘On the Move,’ delves into the critical elements of planning, stakeholder management, and change implementation. It equips learners with methodologies for managing change projects, identifying critical success factors, and navigating potential challenges. The student presentations offer diverse contextual examples, reinforcing the practical applicability of the concepts.
Finally, Module 6, ‘Arriving in the Cloud,’ addresses the crucial phase of institutionalizing cloud adoption. It explores the importance of fostering a cloud culture through ongoing communication, awareness building, and managing barriers and enablers. The closing interview with Anthony Wong, President of the Australian Computer Society, provides a forward-looking perspective on the continuous evolution of cloud.
Overall, ‘Moving to the Cloud’ is an exceptional course for IT professionals, business leaders, and anyone looking to understand the profound impact of cloud computing. Its blend of theoretical knowledge, expert insights, and practical guidance makes it a highly recommended resource for navigating the cloud revolution.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cloud-computing-adoption