There was a time when cloud computing was nothing more than an interesting concept, but today the cloud computing industry is worth in the region of $371 billion. Businesses are leveraging the power and scalability of cloud computing due to its flexibility, enhanced security and cost savings realized through the reduction of expensive IT infrastructure maintenance.

Those professionals who are intent on becoming leaders in the ever-evolving world of cloud computing need appropriate skills and a world-class qualification, and that means finding the best cloud computing courses.

Understanding Cloud Computing and Its Courses

Cloud computing focuses on the delivery of computing services over the internet. These services can include database management, server hosting, storage, networking, online software solutions, and analytics. A recognized qualification in cloud computing will incorporate course content covering these areas and is essential for cloud innovators and future leaders.

Discovering the Best Cloud Computing Courses

A career in cloud computing provides a wealth of choice. There are qualifications that will prepare the student for a career as a Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, developer, or consultant. There are also more specialized careers involving cloud security or operations management. The key to a successful career in any of these fields is selecting the best cloud computing courses and qualifications.

Qualifications that will put the aspirant cloud expert on the fast track to success will be offered by recognized and certified educational institutions. Coursework should ideally cover both theoretical foundations and the practical application of skills.

Some criteria to consider when choosing the best cloud computing courses:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum. Ensure that the coursework of their chosen qualification covers the skills required for career advancement. Ideally, it should include foundational cloud concepts, infrastructure management, security, practical implementation, and vendor-specific training, depending on the desired career path.
  • Appropriate Teaching Methodology. Identify education providers that offer platforms including a mix of learning formats. Prioritize coursework that includes virtual instructor-led lectures, hands-on experience, real-world projects, and cloud sandboxes to allow for knowledge and application testing.
  • Flexible Offerings. Many potential students will already have careers. Even those who do not hold full-time positions may be time-poor. The best cloud computing courses will make allowances for this by offering accessible and flexible options for study.
  • Reputation and Accreditation. Prioritize offerings from reputable educational institutions that are acknowledged by industry leaders. The providers should be accredited by recognized regulatory bodies, offering industry leaders and organizations peace of mind when evaluating a potential employee.

Here are the top five cloud computing courses available on- and off-line to help get you started:

1. OPIT BSc in Modern Computer Science

The fully accredited OPIT BSc in Modern Computer Science provides students with the flexibility of online and fully remote coursework and study. The degree was developed to provide students with comprehensive foundation skills, both theoretical and practical. Courses include programming, software development, database management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence.

2. Introduction to Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud computing platform. This beginner-friendly “Introduction to Cloud Computing on AWS” qualification will provide hands-on, practical skills related to both fundamental cloud computing concepts and advanced AWS competencies.

The coursework consists of seven hours of easily accessible video and two articles. Content can be accessed online, and the successful student will receive a certificate of completion. The skills obtained during the study are perfect for those who want to progress to either a qualification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or an AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

3. Udemy – Getting Started With Cloud Computing – Level 1

This Udemy program provides a grounding in some fundamental cloud computing concepts. It includes course content such as cloud fundamentals and the five basic concepts that underpin cloud computing. The coursework also covers an introduction to service models such as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, and deployment models (private, public, hybrid, and community).

4. Coursera Cloud Computing Concepts (Part 1)

This flexible 23-hour course will provide foundational skills in distributed algorithms, distributed and cloud computing, and C++. Students will have access to industry experts to get a practical understanding of cloud computing and related subjects. Coursework includes hands-on projects that are relevant to individual career paths. A shareable ‘career certificate’ ideal for LinkedIn use is available to those obtaining the qualification.

5. Udemy Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03

This course is among the best cloud computing courses available. It is ideal for aspirant professionals who want to take their AWS qualifications to the next level. The coursework is flexible and allows students access to 800+ explanatory slides and a practice exam (with answer explanations). Students will have the opportunity to learn solution architecture analysis and database management, AWS fundamentals, and the implementation of real-world architecture using AWS.

The Skills You Gain From Top Cloud Computing Courses

Qualifications offered by accredited education institutions will provide both foundational and advanced competencies in cloud-related subjects. Students will obtain theoretical and practical knowledge that will advance their careers in the ever-evolving world of cloud computing.

A diverse skillset, including subjects such as database management, coding, and understanding the complexities of the various cloud solutions available is essential for those who are committed to a career in the cloud. However, these skills are not only applicable to the domain of cloud computing. Many are highly sought-after skills that are perfect for various IT and digital business roles, giving degree-holders options about their career trajectories.

Choosing the Right Course for Your Career Goals

The explosion of cloud applications and functionality provides enormous scope for a variety of career paths. These can include careers in cloud architecture, cloud application development, systems administration, front-end development, business consulting, cloud security, and data science, among many others.

The key to a successful cloud-based career is to understand the various career paths available and to ensure that the chosen path helps meet career objectives. An essential part of this journey is focusing on the best cloud computing courses.

How OPIT’s Cloud Computing Course in the BSc in Modern Computer Science Stands Out

The OPIT BSc in Modern Computer Science has become the preferred choice of those who want to fast-track their career in cloud computing. The coursework for the program provides the student with foundational, advanced, and real-world skills and leverages state-of-the-art tools and input from industry leaders and academic experts to provide actionable learning.

Flexibility and remote learning make this qualification the ideal choice for those who simply cannot commit to full-time study.

OPIT (Open Institute of Technology) is a fully licensed and accredited online higher education, a factor that can influence hiring decisions. It is recognized by the MFHEA under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the Malta Qualification Framework (MQF).

 A Cloud Computing Qualification – Your Key to Success

The cloud is today part and parcel of the modern business environment, and it continues to evolve. This continued evolution provides incredible opportunities for the business leaders of tomorrow.

Carefully researching the best cloud computing courses is the key to success in the growing industry. However, the prospective student needs to take extra care when selecting their desired qualification and area of study. The coursework should complement the student’s chosen career path and offer the flexibility to study when and where they want.

OPIT is recognized as a premium education provider. The recognition of OPIT accreditation from leading standards authorities lends further weight to any qualification received from this respected institution. A qualification from OPIT opens the door to a stimulating and rewarding career at the cutting edge of cloud development.

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Sage: The ethics of AI: how to ensure your firm is fair and transparent
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Mar 7, 2025 3 min read

Source:


By Chris Torney

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have the potential to offer significant benefits and opportunities to businesses, from greater efficiency and productivity to transformational insights into customer behaviour and business performance. But it is vital that firms take into account a number of ethical considerations when incorporating this technology into their business operations. 

The adoption of AI is still in its infancy and, in many countries, there are few clear rules governing how companies should utilise the technology. However, experts say that firms of all sizes, from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to international corporations, need to ensure their implementation of AI-based solutions is as fair and transparent as possible. Failure to do so can harm relationships with customers and employees, and risks causing serious reputational damage as well as loss of trust.

What are the main ethical considerations around AI?

According to Pierluigi Casale, professor in AI at the Open Institute of Technology, the adoption of AI brings serious ethical considerations that have the potential to affect employees, customers and suppliers. “Fairness, transparency, privacy, accountability, and workforce impact are at the core of these challenges,” Casale explains. “Bias remains one of AI’s biggest risks: models trained on historical data can reinforce discrimination, and this can influence hiring, lending and decision-making.”

Part of the problem, he adds, is that many AI systems operate as ‘black boxes’, which makes their decision-making process hard to understand or interpret. “Without clear explanations, customers may struggle to trust AI-driven services; for example, employees may feel unfairly assessed when AI is used for performance reviews.”

Casale points out that data privacy is another major concern. “AI relies on vast datasets, increasing the risk of breaches or misuse,” he says. “All companies operating in Europe must comply with regulations such as GDPR and the AI Act, ensuring responsible data handling to protect customers and employees.”

A third significant ethical consideration is the potential impact of AI and automation on current workforces. Businesses may need to think about their responsibilities in terms of employees who are displaced by technology, for example by introducing training programmes that will help them make the transition into new roles.

Olivia Gambelin, an AI ethicist and the founder of advisory network Ethical Intelligence, says the AI-related ethical considerations are likely to be specific to each business and the way it plans to use the technology. “It really does depend on the context,” she explains. “You’re not going to find a magical checklist of five things to consider on Google: you actually have to do the work, to understand what you are building.”

This means business leaders need to work out how their organisation’s use of AI is going to impact the people – the customers and employees – that come into contact with it, Gambelin says. “Being an AI-enabled company means nothing if your employees are unhappy and fearful of their jobs, and being an AI-enabled service provider means nothing if it’s not actually connecting with your customers.”

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Reuters: EFG Watch: DeepSeek poses deep questions about how AI will develop
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Feb 10, 2025 4 min read

Source:

  • Reuters, Published on February 10th, 2025.

By Mike Scott

Summary

  • DeepSeek challenges assumptions about AI market and raises new ESG and investment risks
  • Efficiency gains significant – similar results being achieved with less computing power
  • Disruption fuels doubts over Big Tech’s long-term AI leadership and market valuations
  • China’s lean AI model also casts doubt on costly U.S.-backed Stargate project
  • Analysts see DeepSeek as a counter to U.S. tariffs, intensifying geopolitical tensions

February 10 – The launch by Chinese company DeepSeek, opens new tab of its R1 reasoning model last month caused chaos in U.S. markets. At the same time, it shone a spotlight on a host of new risks and challenged market assumptions about how AI will develop.

The shock has since been overshadowed by President Trump’s tariff wars, opens new tab, but DeepSeek is set to have lasting and significant implications, observers say. It is also a timely reminder of why companies and investors need to consider ESG risks, and other factors such as geopolitics, in their investment strategies.

“The DeepSeek saga is a fascinating inflection point in AI’s trajectory, raising ESG questions that extend beyond energy and market concentration,” Peter Huang, co-founder of Openware AI, said in an emailed response to questions.

DeepSeek put the cat among the pigeons by announcing that it had developed its model for around $6 million, a thousandth of the cost of some other AI models, while also using far fewer chips and much less energy.

Camden Woollven, group head of AI product marketing at IT governance and compliance group GRC International, said in an email that “smaller companies and developers who couldn’t compete before can now get in the game …. It’s like we’re seeing a democratisation of AI development. And the efficiency gains are significant as they’re achieving similar results with much less computing power, which has huge implications for both costs and environmental impact.”

The impact on AI stocks and companies associated with the sector was severe. Chipmaker Nvidia lost almost $600 billion in market capitalisation after the DeepSeek announcement on fears that demand for its chips would be lower, but there was also a 20-30% drop in some energy stocks, said Stephen Deadman, UK associate partner at consultancy Sia.

As Reuters reported, power producers were among the biggest winners in the S&P 500 last year, buoyed by expectations of ballooning demand from data centres to scale artificial intelligence technologies, yet they saw the biggest-ever one-day drops after the DeepSeek announcement.

One reason for the massive sell-off was the timing – no-one was expecting such a breakthrough, nor for it to come from China. But DeepSeek also upended the prevailing narrative of how AI would develop, and who the winners would be.

Tom Vazdar, professor of cybersecurity and AI at Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), pointed out in an email that it called into question the premise behind the Stargate Project,, opens new tab a $500 billion joint venture by OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle to build AI infrastructure in the U.S., which was announced with great fanfare by Donald Trump just days before DeepSeek’s announcement.

“Stargate has been premised on the notion that breakthroughs in AI require massive compute and expensive, proprietary infrastructure,” Vazdar said in an email.

There are also dangers in markets being dominated by such a small group of tech companies. As Abbie Llewellyn-Waters, Investment manager at Jupiter Asset Management, pointed out in a research note, the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks had accounted for nearly 60% of the index’s gains over the previous two years. The group of mega-caps comprised more than a third of the S&P 500’s total value in December 2024.

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