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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Expert Pierluigi Casale analyzes the adoption of AI by companies, the ethical and regulatory challenges and the differentiated approach between large companies and SMEs

By Gianni Rusconi

Easier said than done: to paraphrase the well-known proverb, and to place it in the increasingly large collection of critical issues and opportunities related to artificial intelligence, the task that CEOs and management have to adequately integrate this technology into the company is indeed difficult. Pierluigi Casale, professor at OPIT (Open Institute of Technology, an academic institution founded two years ago and specialized in the field of Computer Science) and technical consultant to the European Parliament for the implementation and regulation of AI, is among those who contributed to the definition of the AI ​​Act, providing advice on aspects of safety and civil liability. His task, in short, is to ensure that the adoption of artificial intelligence (primarily within the parliamentary committees operating in Brussels) is not only efficient, but also ethical and compliant with regulations. And, obviously, his is not an easy task.

The experience gained over the last 15 years in the field of machine learning and the role played in organizations such as Europol and in leading technology companies are the requirements that Casale brings to the table to balance the needs of EU bodies with the pressure exerted by American Big Tech and to preserve an independent approach to the regulation of artificial intelligence. A technology, it is worth remembering, that implies broad and diversified knowledge, ranging from the regulatory/application spectrum to geopolitical issues, from computational limitations (common to European companies and public institutions) to the challenges related to training large-format language models.

CEOs and AI

When we specifically asked how CEOs and C-suites are “digesting” AI in terms of ethics, safety and responsibility, Casale did not shy away, framing the topic based on his own professional career. “I have noticed two trends in particular: the first concerns companies that started using artificial intelligence before the AI ​​Act and that today have the need, as well as the obligation, to adapt to the new ethical framework to be compliant and avoid sanctions; the second concerns companies, like the Italian ones, that are only now approaching this topic, often in terms of experimental and incomplete projects (the expression used literally is “proof of concept”, ed.) and without these having produced value. In this case, the ethical and regulatory component is integrated into the adoption process.”

In general, according to Casale, there is still a lot to do even from a purely regulatory perspective, due to the fact that there is not a total coherence of vision among the different countries and there is not the same speed in implementing the indications. Spain, in this regard, is setting an example, having established (with a royal decree of 8 November 2023) a dedicated “sandbox”, i.e. a regulatory experimentation space for artificial intelligence through the creation of a controlled test environment in the development and pre-marketing phase of some artificial intelligence systems, in order to verify compliance with the requirements and obligations set out in the AI ​​Act and to guide companies towards a path of regulated adoption of the technology.

Read the full article below (in Italian):

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The Lucky Future: How AI Aims to Change Everything
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Apr 10, 2025 7 min read

There is no question that the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) is having a profound impact on nearly every aspect of our lives.

But is an AI-powered future one to be feared, or does AI offer the promise of a “lucky future.”

That “lucky future” prediction comes from Zorina Alliata, principal AI Strategist at Amazon and AI faculty member at Georgetown University and the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), in her recent webinar “The Lucky Future: How AI Aims to Change Everything” (February 18, 2025).

However, according to Alliata, such a future depends on how the technology develops and whether strategies can be implemented to mitigate the risks.

How AI Aims to Change Everything

For many people, AI is already changing the way they work. However, more broadly, AI has profoundly impacted how we consume information.

From the curation of a social media feed and the summary answer to a search query from Gemini at the top of your Google results page to the AI-powered chatbot that resolves your customer service issues, AI has quickly and quietly infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives in the past few years.

While there have been significant concerns recently about the possibly negative impact of AI, Alliata’s “lucky future” prediction takes these fears into account. As she detailed in her webinar, a future with AI will have to take into consideration:

  • Where we are currently with AI and future trajectories
  • The impact AI is having on the job landscape
  • Sustainability concerns and ethical dilemmas
  • The fundamental risks associated with current AI technology

According to Alliata, by addressing these risks, we can craft a future in which AI helps individuals better align their needs with potential opportunities and limitations of the new technology.

Industry Applications of AI

While AI has been in development for decades, Alliata describes a period known as the “AI winter” during which educators like herself studied AI technology, but hadn’t arrived at a point of practical applications. Contributing to this period of uncertainty were concerns over how to make AI profitable as well.

That all changed about 10-15 years ago when machine learning (ML) improved significantly. This development led to a surge in the creation of business applications for AI. Beginning with automation and robotics for repetitive tasks, the technology progressed to data analysis – taking a deep dive into data and finding not only new information but new opportunities as well.

This further developed into generative AI capable of completing creative tasks. Generative AI now produces around one billion words per day, compared to the one trillion produced by humans.

We are now at the stage where AI can complete complex tasks involving multiple steps. In her webinar, Alliata gave the example of a team creating storyboards and user pathways for a new app they wanted to develop. Using photos and rough images, they were able to use AI to generate the code for the app, saving hundreds of hours of manpower.

The next step in AI evolution is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), an extremely autonomous level of AI that can replicate or in some cases exceed human intelligence. While the benefits of such technology may readily be obvious to some, the industry itself is divided as to not only whether this form of AI is close at hand or simply unachievable with current tools and technology, but also whether it should be developed at all.

This unpredictability, according to Alliata, represents both the excitement and the concerns about AI.

The AI Revolution and the Job Market

According to Alliata, the job market is the next area where the AI revolution can profoundly impact our lives.

To date, the AI revolution has not resulted in widespread layoffs as initially feared. Instead of making employees redundant, many jobs have evolved to allow them to work alongside AI. In fact, AI has also created new jobs such as AI prompt writer.

However, the prediction is that as AI becomes more sophisticated, it will need less human support, resulting in a greater job churn. Alliata shared statistics from various studies predicting as many as 27% of all jobs being at high risk of becoming redundant from AI and 40% of working hours being impacted by language learning models (LLMs) like Chat GPT.

Furthermore, AI may impact some roles and industries more than others. For example, one study suggests that in high-income countries, 8.5% of jobs held by women were likely to be impacted by potential automation, compared to just 3.9% of jobs held by men.

Is AI Sustainable?

While Alliata shared the many ways in which AI can potentially save businesses time and money, she also highlighted that it is an expensive technology in terms of sustainability.

Conducting AI training and processing puts a heavy strain on central processing units (CPUs), requiring a great deal of energy. According to estimates, Chat GPT 3 alone uses as much electricity per day as 121 U.S. households in an entire year. Gartner predicts that by 2030, AI could consume 3.5% of the world’s electricity.

To reduce the energy requirements, Alliata highlighted potential paths forward in terms of hardware optimization, such as more energy-efficient chips, greater use of renewable energy sources, and algorithm optimization. For example, models that can be applied to a variety of uses based on prompt engineering and parameter-efficient tuning are more energy-efficient than training models from scratch.

Risks of Using Generative AI

While Alliata is clearly an advocate for the benefits of AI, she also highlighted the risks associated with using generative AI, particularly LLMs.

  • Uncertainty – While we rely on AI for answers, we aren’t always sure that the answers provided are accurate.
  • Hallucinations – Technology designed to answer questions can make up facts when it does not know the answer.
  • Copyright – The training of LLMs often uses copyrighted data for training without permission from the creator.
  • Bias – Biased data often trains LLMs, and that bias becomes part of the LLM’s programming and production.
  • Vulnerability – Users can bypass the original functionality of an LLM and use it for a different purpose.
  • Ethical Risks – AI applications pose significant ethical risks, including the creation of deepfakes, the erosion of human creativity, and the aforementioned risks of unemployment.

Mitigating these risks relies on pillars of responsibility for using AI, including value alignment of the application, accountability, transparency, and explainability.

The last one, according to Alliata, is vital on a human level. Imagine you work for a bank using AI to assess loan applications. If a loan is denied, the explanation you give to the customer can’t simply be “Because the AI said so.” There needs to be firm and explainable data behind the reasoning.

OPIT’s Masters in Responsible Artificial Intelligence explores the risks and responsibilities inherent in AI, as well as others.

A Lucky Future

Despite the potential risks, Alliata concludes that AI presents even more opportunities and solutions in the future.

Information overload and decision fatigue are major challenges today. Imagine you want to buy a new car. You have a dozen features you desire, alongside hundreds of options, as well as thousands of websites containing the relevant information. AI can help you cut through the noise and narrow the information down to what you need based on your specific requirements.

Alliata also shared how AI is changing healthcare, allowing patients to understand their health data, make informed choices, and find healthcare professionals who meet their needs.

It is this functionality that can lead to the “lucky future.” Personalized guidance based on an analysis of vast amounts of data means that each person is more likely to make the right decision with the right information at the right time.

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