Course Outline
Module 1: Understanding the Term “The Cloud”
This module provides an explanation of the origin and meaning of the term "The Cloud," as well as how to distinguish cloud technologies from other IT services. It also covers various types of cloud infrastructure and 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)
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Describe and understand the different types of cloud infrastructure and services.
- Compare private, public, and hybrid cloud deployments and scenarios.
- Evaluate products based on their type of service, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
Module 2: Understanding and Utilizing Cloud Systems
This module explains how to analyze cloud systems to determine their potential benefits for an organization.
Lessons
- The Cloud as a Utility Model
- The Cloud as a Housing Model
- Cloud Systems Adoption by Industry
- The Mobile Advantage of Cloud Systems
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Explain how to analyze cloud systems and determine their benefits for an organization.
- Understand common analogies used to describe cloud systems.
- Describe the cloud housing model.
- Compare on-premises and cloud models.
- Analyze cloud adoption by industry.
- Describe the advantages of cloud systems in connecting to and configuring mobile devices.
Module 3: Cloud Infrastructure Technologies
This module explains the protocols and standards used in cloud systems, including X.500 directories, X.509 certificates, and the concepts surrounding single sign-on (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)
- SSO Designs in Microsoft Environments
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features of LDAP and their importance.
- Understand what X.500 systems are and how they relate to Active Directory and cloud systems.
- Explain X.509 certificate services and how PKI is used with directories and cloud services for authentication and encryption.
- Understand the importance of SSO 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 (SLAs), change management, and the roles and responsibilities of organizations in ensuring the security and availability of computing services and data for government.
Lessons
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Change Management
Upon completion of 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 relation to an SLA.
- Explain how change management differs in cloud environments compared to on-premises settings.
Module 5: Security & Privacy Considerations
This module covers important security topics for all cloud products and services, including regulatory requirements, eDiscovery, investigative support, data segregation, long-term viability, and auditing for government.
Lessons
- How Secure is the Cloud?
- Privileged User Access
- Regulatory Compliance
- Investigative Support
- Data Segregation
- Recovery
- Long-Term Viability – Transfer of Data
Upon completion of 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 for government.
Module 6: Review Questions
This module reviews all major topics covered in the one-day class, providing students with an opportunity to increase retention of the material and explore related topics. It also offers instructors feedback on how well the presentation was understood by learners and identifies any knowledge gaps for government.
Lessons
- Cloud Advantages
- Cloud Terms and Acronyms
- Microsoft Cloud Products
- Security and Regulations
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a firm understanding and comprehension of the key topics covered in this course.
Module 7: PKI Fundamentals (Optional)
This module explains how an understanding of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is crucial for all cloud technology design, maintenance, and management. Nearly every technology that supports the cloud and access to it 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
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features and functions of PKI.
- Understand the importance of underlying cloud technologies for government.
- Explain how PKI authentication, encryption, and digital signing work.
Module 8: Understanding Cloud Authentication and Authorization (Optional)
This module explains how authentication ensures 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. It also addresses issues with SID, GUID, and traditional ACLs in hybrid cloud environments or SSO implementations and introduces new systems designed to overcome these challenges.
Lessons
- Understanding Cloud Authentication and Authorization
- How Claims Systems Can Replace GUID and ACL-Biased Systems
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features used in traditional systems and how new claims-based systems offer advantages in the cloud for government.
Module 9: Labs and Demonstrations (Optional)
Depending on the time allotted and audience, the instructor may choose to present a selection of these demonstrations or provide hands-on experience if equipment is available.
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
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features for evaluating Microsoft Azure availability.
- Perform a walkthrough of Office 365 management environments.
