Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services over the internet. That includes everything from software as a service (SaaS) for software applications to infrastructure as a service for servers to platform as a service for end-to-end business solutions.
Companies of every size have gravitated towards this new paradigm thanks to lower costs and more flexibility compared to owning and operating expensive computing hardware and software. Depending on their needs, businesses can opt to use lower-cost public clouds, more secure private clouds, or hybrid solutions combining the two. Major cloud computing platforms include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud.
You’ll gain foundations in IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS; cloud architecture and deployment; and security best practices. Many courses cover services on AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, plus related networking and DevOps skills.
Coursera’s cloud computing catalog spans major providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud. Explore platform-specific options like Architecting Solutions on AWS, Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure, and the Alibaba Cloud Computing Specialization.
Begin with Introduction to Cloud Computing to learn core concepts and terminology. Then follow a provider path such as AWS Fundamentals or Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation for hands-on practice.
Cloud computing courses on Coursera offer insights and practical skills essential for navigating today's cloud technologies:
Yes—many courses and Specializations include practical projects, and you can build skills quickly with short Guided Projects. Examples include Serverless Apps in C#: Azure Function Apps and High-Availability Scaling with Kubernetes: Web Services.
Courses from cloud providers can help you build the skills often covered in vendor certifications. For example, Architecting Solutions on AWS and Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation focus on architecture topics relevant to AWS and Google Cloud roles.
Coursera offers introductory, intermediate, and advanced options to match your background. New learners can start with Introduction to Cloud Computing, while those with IT experience might choose platform pathways like AWS Fundamentals or Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure.
No—beginners are welcome, and many entry-level courses start with fundamentals. Try IBM’s Introduction to Cloud Computing and build toward platform paths like Google’s Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure.