Why You Need to Learn Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Cloud computing is here to stay, and some might even consider cloud the next big leap in the tech revolution. This technology is so massive that it is estimated to reach more than $350 billion by 2023.
One of the main players in Cloud Computing is no other than Amazon with their Amazon Web Services (AWS). This popular cloud computing platform has a market share of 33%. Since it’s backed by the tech giant Amazon, it’s ongoing growth seems unstoppable.
So if you’re considering a career in Cloud, you need to learn how to master AWS. Before we reveal the top reasons why you need to learn AWS right now, we’ll explain in simple terms what AWS is all about (so that anyone can get the picture) and why companies choose this most comprehensive cloud platform provider over the competition.
What is AWS?
AWS stands for “Amazon Web Services” and is considered the world’s most comprehensive and reputable cloud computing platform built and managed by Amazon. AWS offers cost-effective, reliable, and scalable cloud computing solutions with over 200 services.
Cloud services allow you to upscale your web servers at a fraction of the cost you would normally pay. They are quite versatile and provide a vast infrastructure to support a global audience.
Back in 2006, AWS officially launched with its first cloud products — offering IT infrastructure services to businesses in the form of web services — now commonly known as cloud computing. Check out this article to learn more about the history of AWS and how cloud computing has changed over the years. Today, the highly profitable division of Amazon provides servers, storage, networking, remote computing, email, mobile development, and security.
By making their on-demand cloud services highly affordable, Amazon can provide scalable services to millions of customers — from a fast-growing startup, large enterprise to government agencies who only pay for what they actually use. Instead of buying your own server (which is a complex and expensive exercise — think of the ongoing maintenance and security risks), companies “rent” hardware/servers within the cloud.
This enables businesses to easily scale as they only pay for the individual services they need, for as long as they use them, and without requiring long-term contracts or complex licensing.
Top Reasons to Learn Amazon AWS
Anyone Can Learn AWS from Scratch
With the right training resources and commitment, AWS is easy to learn. You don’t need coding skills or a strong IT background to get started with AWS training. With a solid knowledge of the AWS Cloud, you can become AWS certified in no time.
This is the reason why so many individuals are now shifting their career paths to the AWS cloud — while significantly increasing their earnings.
There are lots of free learning resources available online that will guide you through the process of becoming an AWS certified professional.
Endless Job Opportunities
You’re probably familiar with the immense growth rate of the cloud computing industry! According to a recent EY report, IT Cloud Services has grown more than seven times between 2016–2020 alone. If the trend continues, more and more businesses will shift to AWS, as it represents 33% of this growing market.
There are endless job opportunities available for those who master the AWS cloud. Search for “AWS” on e.g. Indeed, and you’ll find many job openings that mention AWS certifications.
On average, companies are willing to pay $155,000 USD for cloud experts who can manage their AWS cloud needs. Check out our article on entry level cloud computing jobs to learn more.
Get AWS certified
Earning AWS certifications is a great way of showcasing your cloud skills. AWS certificates are one of the most sought-after in the IT industry.
At the entry-level, the AWS Certified Practitioner certification covers the fundamental knowledge about AWS services. It’s the perfect pick for beginners with limited cloud experience. If you’re a more experienced cloud enthusiast, you can go straight for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification.
Sign up for a Free-Tier Account with AWS
One of the best ways of learning AWS, is to get hands-on experience. The good news is that there’s no need to spend a fortune to start learning AWS. Users can create an AWS free tier account that allows you to try an array of AWS services without having to pay anything for the first 12 months.
The only challenge linked to an AWS Free Tier is that there are usage limits. It’s therefore wise to read the FAQs which will help you understand how much you can use each service. Ensure you track your usage with a billing alarm so that you don’t incur unexpected charges.
Recognition in Other Cloud Computing Platforms
Many companies are now enabling a multi-cloud strategy where they choose the best features and strengths of each cloud service provider. Once you’re familiar with the AWS cloud, you can expand your knowledge by learning other cloud platforms. Building cloud skills will definitely help you gain a competitive edge in this growing field.
Once you’re familiar with the AWS cloud, it will be easier to transition to other cloud platforms such as MS Azure or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Be Part of a global AWS Community
As an AWS certified professional, you’ll be part of a global community of cloud enthusiasts that may guide you in your cloud career. Professional platforms such as LinkedIn provide a great chance to network and share job opportunities. Feel free to join the AWS Certification and Training group run by Digital Cloud Training.
If you prefer Facebook, join our AWS Certification QA group here. When joining an active community, you’ll be at the forefront of the tech industry and learn about upcoming events and seminars.
Why AWS is the first choice for businesses
From a business perspective, choosing the right cloud vendor can be challenging. We’ve recently compared the top 3 cloud vendors AWS, Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud Platform. AWS has been the leader for many years in terms of market share — ahead of Azure and GCP. Below are some of the main reasons why businesses prioritise the oldest player (AWS) in the market that has been operating since 2006.
Reliable Network With much Stability
Thanks to AWS, web applications can now handle more load without facing significant performance issues. This is owed to a very stable cloud platform. You can check the AWS status on the service health dashboard for any issues.
Amazon spends millions of dollars each year to provide a stable platform and make AWS the cloud platform of choice for enterprises all around the world.
Server Security & Privacy
Network security issues can raise major concerns in the cloud computing space. AWS has an excellent reputation as a cloud platform with an extremely high level of security and is widely recognized as a cloud platform that extends its utmost priority to data privacy and safety.
Global Scale Infrastructure
AWS isn’t limited to a single zone, region, or service. There are currently 87 Availability Zones within 27 geographic regions around the world — with 21 more Availability Zones and 7 more AWS Regions coming soon.
The Best Way to Learn AWS for Beginners
Now that you understand why you need to learn AWS — you may be asking yourself how to get started with AWS. Here at Digital Cloud Training, we offer a range of AWS training resources to help you master the AWS Cloud:
- Enroll in on-demand training courses that do not require any previous IT experience. The following training courses are most suitable for beginners to the AWS Cloud:
- Introduction to Cloud Computing (self-study)
- AWS Business Essentials (self-study)
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (self-study)
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Bootcamp (virtual classroom)
- Take high quality practice exam courses that reflect the exam style and difficulty
- Challenge Labs offer hands-on practice opportunities in a secure sandbox without the risk of cloud bills
- With AWS bootcamps you get to build real-world projects — getting you cloud job-ready
While there are no shortcuts to mastering the AWS cloud, continuous learning and building hands-on skills are paramount for a successful career in Cloud.
