About the Book
This book provides a thorough overview of cloud computing, from fundamental principles to advanced applications. It is designed to be a resource for IT professionals, seeking to understand and leverage the benefits of cloud-based solutions and as a reference for readers interested in pursuing certifications such as Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials. Beginning with an introduction to cloud computing, its significance in modern markets, and a description of the book's structure, it lays a foundation for understanding the characteristics of cloud services, service models, deployment methods, financial aspects, readiness assessments, vendor relationships, and professional services important for businesses adopting cloud solutions. Key chapters focus on solution design, migration planning, and deployment, including providing computing, storage, and networking resources. It also addresses securing cloud environments, managing identity and access, operational security, and preparing for incidents such as data breaches and system failures. Cloud operations, performance optimization, and contingency planning provide a well-rounded understanding of cloud infrastructure management. Advanced topics include deploying applications in the cloud, embracing DevOps, and managing troubleshooting and compliance challenges. The book concludes with coverage of cloud-dependent technologies such as AI, IoT, and future trends, equipping readers to navigate the evolving cloud landscape.
About the Author :
Dr. Stephen Gantz, CISSP-ISSAP, CEH, CGEIT, CRISC, CDPSE, CIPP/G, C|CISO, is Founder and Principal Architect of SecurityArchitecture.com. He has over 30 years’ experience in professional services and software development, specializing in enterprise and security architecture, risk assessment, intrusion detection and prevention, IT governance, cloud security, and policy development. Since 1998 he has lived and worked in the Washington, DC area as a security executive, IT consultant and enterprise and security architect serving customers in both the commercial and public sectors.
Dr. Gantz’s industry expertise includes federal civilian, DoD, and state government, financial services, insurance, retail, telecommunications, and higher education. He is a recognized subject-matter expert and regular speaker on information privacy, security architecture and risk assessment, cloud security, IT governance, health IT, and compliance with security standards, laws, and regulations such as FISMA, FedRAMP, HIPAA, HITRUST, and ISO/IEC 27001.
Dr. Gantz is also an adjunct professor in information assurance and cloud computing at the teaching graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Maryland Global Campus. He earned his Doctorate in Management from UMGC, where his dissertation research focused on trust, distrust, and cooperation among organizations. He also has a Masters Degree in technology policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a BA from Harvard.
