Educative CloudLabs: A Better Way to Learn Cloud Technology

In today's evolving tech world, the cloud has emerged as an indispensable presence that has revolutionized how businesses operate. With its vast potential and unmatched scalability, the demand for cloud technology skills has reached new heights. So, after seeing so many requests from our learners, we're thrilled to announce a new hands-on learning experience: Educative Cloudlabs. 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a new learner looking to acquire cloud experience, Educative CloudLabs offers a comprehensive array of cloud-based lessons and projects to empower you with the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic domain. Prepare to embark on an exciting journey through the clouds as we unveil this cutting-edge learning experience.

Educative has launched 31 interactive projects that allow you to work directly with real cloud technology services available in your Educative Dashboard. We have made our labs accessible and easy to use, so you can get hands-on cloud experience without  having to face the usual obstacles like fees, setup, or cleanup.. 

At Educative, we believe the best learning happens by doing. That is why CloudLabs are designed so you can learn emerging skills with real-world applications. Let's dive into a few exciting CloudLabs, and discuss some of the essential skills and technologies you can develop using this new experience. 

What to Expect from Educative CloudLabs?#

Each CloudLab addresses a distinct area of AWS — including computing (EC2), storage and content delivery (S3 and CloudFront), and database management (RDS), and security (IAM).

Each CloudLab requires around 1 to 2 hours to complete. 

This is just a sneak peek of what is available at Educative CloudLabs. Remember, we're offering 31 unique projects, with many more to come. 

Let’s dive in!

Configuring a Static Website with S3 and CloudFront#

This CloudLab teaches you how to host a static website through AWS S3 and leverage CloudFront as a content delivery network (CDN) service to distribute it worldwide. By mastering the configuration and utilization of these services, you can attain efficient website hosting, enhancing performance and extending global accessibility.

Key Practical Applications #

Many big companies like Slack, Quora, and Hulu use AWS S3 and CloudFront. Hulu uses CloudFront to deliver live and on-demand video content to its users, as well as Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) for storing its video content. AWS S3 is used for large-capacity, low-cost file storage in the cloud. This technology is ideal for storing large video files, and thus is a perfect match for Hulu. 

Moreover, AWS S3 is also used by Netflix, which uses AWS S3 to store and move files, images, and metadata. Netflix has its own CDN through CloudFront. This makes sense, considering that Netflix, one of the biggest streaming companies, has invested in an in-house CDN instead of going to a third party. 

Learning AWS and CloudFront will remain a smart career move as streaming becomes more ubiquitous across the tech industry. If you're planning to build your career with such companies, these skills will give you a significant edge in the job market. 

Working with Instances: An Amazon EC2 Walkthrough#

This CloudLab is a dedicated workshop that centers around creating and managing Amazon E2C instances, allowing you to host web servers and applications effectively. One of the outstanding features of this lab is the interactive participation in launching an EC2 instance, and testing the hosted web service using both the browser and the EC2 Instance Connect service. This CloudLab gives you practical experience and valuable skills in working with virtual servers.

Key Practical Applications #

Many major companies across the industry, including Pinterest, Lyft, and AirBnB, use AWS EC2.

AirBnB uses EC2 to distribute incoming traffic across multiple EC2 instances. This step ensures the website is robust and responsive despite the load volume. EC2 provides the required power for application servers, Memcached, and search servers to manage the number of servers based on traffic and demand. 

Keeping in mind  industry trends, EC2 can help you understand cloud-based resources. A thorough understanding of EC2 demonstrates that you can effectively manage resources. Moreover, you can be a powerful asset to your company if you plan to get into DevOps, IT, or systems engineering.

Working with Relational Databases: A Beginner's Guide to AWS RDS#

This CloudLab offers comprehensive training in Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), a fundamental component of numerous cloud-based applications. The focus of this CloudLab centers around the creation, configuration, and connection to a database instance and optimizing database performance. Proficiency in AWS RDS is essential for effectively managing and scaling databases in the cloud, making it highly valuable for individuals pursuing data management and back-end development roles.

Key Practical Applications #

Companies like Panasonic, True Money, and Unilever have used Amazon RDS to set up, operate, and scale a relational database in the cloud. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) used Amazon RDS in 2011 to capture, store, and analyze images collected from the Mars Exploration Rover and the Mars Science Laboratory missions. Amazon RDS allows you to allocate more resources to research and less to operating and maintaining a database.

Candidates with expertise in AWS RDS typically demonstrate a strong understanding of relational databases, SQL, and essential database administration responsibilities. Proficiency in AWS RDS indicates a solid grasp of cloud capabilities, which can be helpful in optimizing for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Securing AWS Resources: Managing Access with IAM #

This CloudLab focuses on AWS Identity & Access Management (IAM) and its role in securely managing access to AWS resources. You'll be able to learn to create IAM users, configure S3 bucket access, fine-tune access levels, and effectively utilize Lambda functions. 

Key Practical Applications #

Security is a crucial element for any company. Managing access to AWS resources is a critical task. Security is taken seriously in all businesses, especially those in healthcare, government, or financial industries where user-sensitive data is stored and handled. IAM has gained significant industry recognition for its strong security measures and ability to control access effectively. It is regarded for its fine-grained control, scalability, flexibility, and seamless integration with other AWS services.

Proficiency in IAM is highly valued in various roles, including cloud architects, system administrators, and security engineers. Moreover, as privacy and data protection become increasingly important, understanding IAM's access control capabilities can benefit individuals in any role within the AWS ecosystem.

Try Educative CloudLabs Today#

Regardless of your prior experience with cloud computing, Educative CloudLabs are created for everyone. From beginners to seasoned IT professionals, we assure you that our CloudLabs will help you confidently learn in-demand skills.

Moreover, at Educative we're always working and developing our offerings, so you can expect more CloudLabs on the way. Educative CloudLabs are more than just a tool — they are an invitation to truly get hands-on with emerging and innovative technologies in today's tech world. Head over to Educative CloudLabs today and dive into the wonderful world of cloud technology!

Happy Learning!