Course Outline
Module 1: The Term “The Cloud”?
This module provides an overview of the origin and meaning of the term “The Cloud,” distinguishing it 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 completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe and understand the types of cloud infrastructure and services.
- Compare private, public, and hybrid cloud deployments and scenarios.
- Evaluate products based on their service type, 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 completing this module, students will be able to:
- Explain how to analyze cloud systems and their potential benefits for an organization.
- Understand common analogies used to describe cloud systems.
- Describe the cloud housing model.
- Compare on-premises and cloud models.
- Compare cloud adoption by industry.
- Explain the advantage of cloud systems in connecting to and configuring mobile devices.
Module 3: Cloud Infrastructure Technologies
This module explains the protocols, standards, and technologies used in cloud systems, including X.500 directories, X.509 certificates, and single sign-on (SSO) concepts.
Lessons
- Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
- 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 completing 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 for ensuring the security and availability of computing services and data.
Lessons
- Service Level Agreements (SLA)
- Change Management
Upon completing 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 essential security topics for all cloud products and services, including regulatory requirements, eDiscovery, investigative support, data segregation, long-term viability, and auditing.
Lessons
- How Secure is the Cloud?
- Privileged User Access
- Regulatory Compliance
- Investigative Support
- Data Segregation
- Recovery
- Long-Term Viability – Transfer of Data
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe security concerns and mitigations in cloud systems.
- Understand how regulatory compliance and auditing are managed in a cloud environment.
- Address critical questions about long-term system management and viability.
Module 6: Review Questions
This module reviews the major topics covered in this one-day course, providing students with an opportunity to reinforce their understanding and explore related topics. It also offers feedback on the presentation's effectiveness and addresses any knowledge gaps.
Lessons
- Cloud Advantages
- Cloud Terms and Acronyms
- Microsoft Cloud Products
- Security and Regulations
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a firm understanding of the principal topics covered in the course.
Module 7: PKI Fundamentals (optional)
This module explains the critical role of public key infrastructure (PKI) in cloud technology design, maintenance, and management. It highlights how nearly every technology supporting the cloud and access to it includes PKI components.
Lessons
- PKI Fundamentals
- Digital Signing
- PKI Review Questions
Upon completing 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 the principles of authentication and authorization in cloud environments. It covers how claims-based systems can overcome issues with traditional identification methods like SIDs, GUIDs, and ACLs.
Lessons
- Understanding Cloud Authentication and Authorization
- How Claims-Based Systems Can Replace GUID and ACL-Biased Systems
Upon completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features of traditional systems and how new claims-based systems offer advantages in cloud environments.
Module 9: Labs and Demonstrations (optional)
Depending on time and audience, the instructor may choose to present selected 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 completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the key features for evaluating Microsoft Azure availability.
- Perform a walkthrough of Office 365 management environments.
Requirements
Prior to attending this course, participants must have:
- A foundational understanding of networking principles.
- Essential knowledge of the Windows operating system.
- An introductory grasp of security concepts, including authentication and authorization, to ensure effective implementation for government operations.
