Cloud computing...where to start?
I am new to Cloud Computing and would like to get started with a learning platform.
I have Microsoft Server certifications.
Should I start with getting Azure certs? AWS? Or since I am new to the cloud, should I start with something like CompTia's Cloud+ certification to get an overview first?
Thanks
Hi Derek:
I am in the same boat as you are, since I didn't had the chance to pursue the MCSA Windows Server (2012/2016) Certification, in the middle of studying MCSA Server 2016, hoping to have the 70-740 exam done and on my transcript, Curious, you mentioned Microsoft Server Certifications ? IS it the MCSA Server 2012 R2 or MCSA Server 2016 you have? , I myself done the MTA Windows Server Fundamentals Certification and now studying for the Azure AZ-900. I would probably do the CompTIA Cloud Essentials Which I am planning to retake it again, then the Cloud+ the other two Azure or AWS are more platform specific and specialize with their platform or software, As I am watching other videos online and to educate myself (CBT Nuggets-Intro to Virtualization) gives you a very basic or foundation overview as to what Virtualization is about and to what other Vendor Certification programs like the WMware (big company who specialize in VM and Virtualizations) then their Microsoft, Citrix, and Redhat. I hope the information that I provided is helpful, Dan
Since you have experience, I would recommend starting with either CompTIA Cloud+ or, since I favor Microsoft, AZ-900. Both are going to give you a good introduction to cloud computing. Both of these are more performance-based than CompTIA Cloud Essentials, which is designed for IT an non-IT that need an introduction to cloud computing., and more terminology and concept-based.
We are in the process of updating our certification roadmaps, stay tuned!
@Daniel-Loyer MCITP Enterprise Server 2008R2. The other MS certs I have are really legacy...MCDBA for SQL Server 2000 and MCTS for SCCM 2007. Legacy will always carry some weight but I feel its time to move on and stay ahead of the curve now with Cloud.
Global Knowledge ranks AWS, Azure, and GCP certs as some of the most valuable tech certifications you can get. CompTIA Cloud+ doesn't make their list at all.
Currently, AWS is the #1 cloud platform, with Azure as #2 and GCP a distant 3rd. This means that AWS certs will provide the most job opportunities.
AWS certs need to be renewed every 3 years, while most Azure certs need to be renewed every 2 years. A major exception is that Microsoft fundamentals-level certs don't expire. So, a potentially good multi-cloud strategy could be to start with Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) and then switch over to AWS certs.
AWS certification exams are hard. Don't expect to pass using just ITProTV. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate All-in-One Exam Guide was my most useful study material. I also made use of Amazon's free online training at aws.training.
Finally, don't get discouraged during AWS exams. During the test, I was sure I was failing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. I felt the urge to quit and walk out halfway through. When the exam was over, I was shocked to see that I passed and even more shocked when I saw that my score was 926 out of 1000.
