The use of the cloud is expanding around the world, with major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google providing cloud computing services. Due to this background, the demand for engineers who can utilize the cloud is increasing, so there may be some people who are thinking of learning about the cloud.
If you are aiming to become a cloud engineer from now on, we recommend studying cloud through qualification exams. In this article, we will introduce the basic knowledge and representative technologies of the cloud, as well as the recommended qualification exams and study methods for studying the cloud.
table of contents
- 1 What is the cloud?
- 2Types and characteristics of cloud services
- 1SaaS
- 2PaaS
- 3IaaS
- 3Representative technologies related to cloud
- 1virtualization technology
- 2hosted type
- 3hypervisor type
- Four container type
- FourRepresentative cloud services
- 1AWS
- 2Azure
- 3Google Cloud
- Recommended qualifications related to cloud
- 1AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- 2Microsoft Azure Certification
- 3Google Cloud Certification
- 6 How to study to become a cloud engineer
- 1buy books
- 2Refer to the website
- 3go to school
- 7summary
What is cloud?
Cloud is a term used as an abbreviation for “cloud computing,” and refers to a format in which services are provided to users through a network.
In the past, on-premises and housing systems where companies owned and operated their servers were common, but with the spread of the Internet, it has become commonplace to use the Internet for business operations. As a result, more and more companies are switching to cloud computing for their server operations.
With the advent of the cloud, it has become easier to use software without having to have a server in-house, and it has become easier to exchange data both inside and outside the company. The cloud supports the operations of a variety of companies and organizations, allowing globally expanding companies to communicate without being concerned about location.
Types and characteristics of cloud services
Cloud services include “SaaS,” which provides software, “PaaS,” which provides platforms, and “IaaS,” which provides hardware and infrastructure.
Here, we will explain the characteristics of each of the three representative cloud services mentioned above.
SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a service that provides software over the Internet. Examples of software that can be provided include business chat that allows users to communicate with each other, a web conferencing system that allows users to hold meetings over the Internet even from a distance, and SFA that allows sales management.
Until now, in on-premises environments, it was necessary to install and use the corresponding software on terminals such as computers and servers. However, with SaaS, the service can be used from a browser, etc. over the Internet, so no installation work is required.
One of the appeals of SaaS is that it can be used from anywhere as long as you have the Internet and a compatible client, so you can use it anywhere.
PaaS
PaaS (Platform as a Service) is a service that provides a platform over the Internet.
If you want to build an on-premises development environment, you will need to have a complete set of hardware such as computers and servers in-house, as well as a development OS such as Windows or Linux. However, by using PaaS, it is possible to arrange resources such as hardware and OS on the web, making it easy to prepare a development platform environment.
With on-premises, it is not easy to change the hardware once it is installed, but one of the benefits of PaaS is that detailed adjustments can be made easily.
IaaS
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) is a service that uses virtualization technology to provide hardware and infrastructure over the Internet.
Generally, when operating in an on-premises environment, the server configuration determined at the time of purchase cannot be changed. Therefore, if you wish to expand your resources, you will need to purchase a new server.
IaaS, on the other hand, is characterized by a higher degree of freedom than on-premises environments, as it can be constructed by freely combining the resources necessary for servers such as memory, storage, and CPU. Another benefit is that you can flexibly prepare the environment your company needs at the time, making it easier to improve cost efficiency.
Representative technologies related to cloud
One of the technologies that make up the cloud is virtualization technology. There are three typical methods used for server virtualization: host type, hypervisor type, and container type.
Here, we will provide an overview of virtualization technology and explain the differences between “host type,” “hypervisor type,” and “container type.”
virtualization technology
Virtualization technology is a technology that represents hardware such as computers and servers using software. Generally, hardware is equipment that exists in reality, but by expressing it in software using virtualization technology, it becomes possible to construct hardware in a virtual space.
Virtualization technology is an essential technology for establishing a cloud. The development of this technology has given a major boost to the development of cloud services.
Virtualization technology plays an important role in maximizing resource utilization and improving portability, which refers to the ease with which an environment can be ported to various hardware and software.
hosted type
The hosted type builds a virtual server by installing virtualization software on the host OS on the hardware.
Existing servers and PCs can be used, so there is no need for a dedicated OS for virtualization. Virtualization can be performed simply by installing virtualization software, making it easy to create a virtualized environment.
However, in the hosted type, the resources of the host OS are used to operate the virtual machines, so running a large number of virtual machines may affect the processing capacity of the host OS.
hypervisor type
The hypervisor type builds a virtual server by installing a “hypervisor (virtualization software)” directly on the hardware.
Since the hardware can be directly controlled without going through the host OS, resource usage is more efficient compared to the host type. Additionally, since a host OS is not required, the number of servers to be managed can be reduced.
However, the hypervisor type requires complete resources to be secured for each guest OS, so it consumes more resources than the container technology described below.
container type
In the container type, by running software called “container management software,” a virtual environment is created in which the application execution environment is packaged on the host OS that runs on the hardware.
Because it runs on a single host OS, it consumes less hardware resources such as processors, memory, and storage, allowing for quick startup and high-speed operation. Additionally, since containers can be easily copied, environments can be constructed efficiently.
However, there is a caveat that if you launch too many containers, other applications will be affected from a resource standpoint.
Representative cloud services
In recent years, various companies have been providing cloud tools using the cloud technologies introduced above. Particularly representative tools include Amazon’s AWS, Microsoft’s Azure, and Google’s Google Cloud. Here, we will introduce the characteristics of three tools that have gained a high share worldwide.
AWS
AWS is an acronym for Amazon Web Services, and it is a cloud computing service provided by Amazon, a major American e-commerce company.
We offer over 200 types of cloud services, which can be used in a wide variety of ways depending on the user’s needs, such as servers, content distribution, databases, etc. We provide a wide range of three types of services: SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, and they are particularly used services around the world.
In recent years, many workplaces have been looking for engineers who can specialize in AWS, so it is a tool that is attracting a lot of attention.
Azure
Azure is a cloud computing service provided by Microsoft, which is involved in the development of Windows OS. Among cloud services, Azure mainly provides PaaS and IaaS and is recommended for businesses who want to build software development environments and server environments via the Internet.
In addition, Azure provides a wide range of services called “hybrid cloud,” which are based on the premise of building systems that This service is suitable if you want to continue operating part of your environment on-premises
Google Cloud
Google Cloud is a cloud computing service provided by Google. It is characterized by its simple system design and low cost and is good at high-speed communication.
We also offer a wide range of services such as machine learning using AI and big data analysis. By using a service called “BigQuery”, it is possible to analyze huge amounts of data such as petabytes (PB) in just a few seconds, so it is especially recommended when data analysis is required.
Recommended qualifications related to cloud
The aforementioned AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud have qualification exams that are officially certified by each company, so they are recommended for those who are learning the cloud for the first time.
Here, we will explain the characteristics of each qualification exam and what level you should start studying for.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
AWS Certified Solutions Architect is an AWS qualification exam officially recognized by Amazon. There are four levels: basic, associate, and professional/specialty, for a total of 12 types.
At the associate level, you are expected to take the exam after gaining some practical experience with AWS and becoming clear about your field of expertise, so if you are learning about AWS for the first time, it is best to start from the basic level. At the basic level, it is possible to pass even if you are just starting to learn about cloud computing with sufficient study.
AWS’s official website has practice questions and reference materials, and it is assumed that beginners will take the exam, so one of the points is that it is easy to study for the qualification exam.
Microsoft Azure Certification
Microsoft Azure Certification is an Azure qualification exam officially recognized by Microsoft. There are 24 types of exams in total, and you will take the exam that corresponds to your desired qualification.
In recent years, many development sites have mainly used Azure, so by obtaining Azure certification, you can demonstrate that you are a person who has acquired specialized knowledge and can work immediately.
The four types that correspond to the entry level are “Azure Fundamentals: AZ-900,” “Azure AI Fundamentals: AI-900,” “Azure Data Fundamentals: DP-900,” and “Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals: SC-900.” is. If you are starting to learn about Azure, we recommend that you aim to obtain an entry-level qualification first.
Google Cloud Certification
Google Cloud Certification is an official Google Cloud certification sponsored by Google. There are three levels: Basic, Associate, and Professional, and there are 11 types of exams in total.
Of the 11 types, “Cloud Digital Leader” is positioned at the basic level. This type requires extensive knowledge of cloud concepts and Google Cloud. Associate and Professional exams have technical prerequisites and are expected to have past cloud experience, but even beginners can pass the basic level.
If you are learning about the cloud and Google Cloud for the first time, it is a good idea to aim for the Cloud Digital Leader qualification first
How to study to become a cloud engineer
Here, we will explain how cloud engineers or those who are aiming to advance their career as an engineer should study, including how to study to obtain qualifications.
buy books
One way to learn about cloud services is through books. AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are globally recognized cloud servers, so there is a wealth of books such as reference books and problem sets related to acquiring qualifications. The advantage of purchasing books and studying is that you can study at a low cost and at a time that suits you best.
Recommended books that even beginners can pick up include the following:
・Cloud engineer’s textbook (C&R Institute)
・Illustrated format Cloud Basics 2nd edition that you can understand all in this one book (SB Creative)
・Easy to understand Cloud basics for choosing and using correctly (Mynavi Publishing)
Refer to the website
Some official websites, such as AWS, provide reference questions and test preparation materials for exam preparation. By learning using these materials, you can efficiently prepare for exams and learn about cloud servers without incurring any costs.
The question sets provided on the official website are supervised by the companies providing each cloud service, so you can acquire correct knowledge based on official opinions. Cloud services are regularly updated and specifications often change, so learning based on the information provided by the official website will help you continue learning the latest knowledge.
The AWS training portal below has AWS training videos that can be watched repeatedly. Over 120 videos are provided in Japanese translation, which will help you systematically understand AWS and the cloud.
go to school
In addition to using books and websites, you can also consider attending a school that specializes in test preparation.
Unlike self-study methods such as books and websites, schools have the advantage that even beginners are less likely to get stuck because even if they come across something they don’t understand, they can ask questions and solve it on the spot.
Some representative examples of schools that you can attend include:
However, it is more expensive than books or websites, so this method is recommended for those who can afford it.
summary
Cloud computing services are widely used around the world, and many sites need specialized technicians.
If you are thinking of becoming a cloud engineer in the future, we recommend that you take the qualification exams sponsored by AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, three companies that provide typical cloud computing services. Adopt a study method that suits you and aim to advance your career while studying cloud engineering.
