Course Description:  An introduction to data storage – related technologies used in cloud computing. Topics include data storage for cloud, Big Data, mobile, social media, and software – defined data centers. Provides a strong understanding of cloud computing concepts, technology, and architecture in support of storage technologies and prepares students for advanced concepts, technologies, and processes. This course investigates the existing concepts of Cloud Computing from the standpoint of technology resources and an internetworking perspective. The concepts that will be explored involve how Cloud Computing has matured, the growth of Cloud Computing and how the strategies that surround Cloud Computing have added to business agility. The course will study the vastness of Cloud Computing, the services that Cloud Computing offers, and several vendor case studies on their methodology that drives Cloud Computing.

Pre-requisite:  ITNW 1325

Course Rationale:  To introduce students to the concepts, technology and architecture of Cloud Computing. The course is design to analyze the proven and mature Cloud Computing technologies and practices through the study of industry standards that have defined the concepts, models, technology mechanisms and architectures that support varies business requirements. The course incorporates vendor-neutral terms and descriptions, developed in a manner to ensure alignment with Cloud Computing used in industry as a whole.

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application.

90%  - 100%         A

80%  -  89%          B

70%  -  79%          C

60%  -  69%          D

0%    -  59%          F

Basis for Grades

Lecture Exams

4 in number

Total weight 40%

T/F, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, short essays

Will cover specific chapters and appendices (see schedule)

Closed book

You will not be able to take Exam after the scheduled/deadline date. You will receive a grade of zero (0%) for the exam.

Exception to Grade Reduction

To prevent the 10% or 20% grade reduction, you must meet the following conditions:

1. You must have experienced an unforeseen and sudden emergency.  Note:  getting behind in the course is not an unforeseen emergency.
2. You must present Dr. MacLeod documented proof of your emergency.
3. You must contact Dr. MacLeod in person, by phone, or by e-mail of your emergency on or before the exam deadline date or the exam administration date and time.

Lab Assignments

5 in number

Total weight 50%

Application oriented

Will cover specific programs and can be cumulative

Open book.

If you complete a lab assignment up to one week after the due date, the Dr. MacLeod will deduct 10% from your grade.  If you complete a lab assignment between one week and two weeks late, then Dr. MacLeod will deduct 20% from your exam grade.  You may not turn in a lab assignment after two weeks from the due date; you will receive a grade of zero (0%) for the assignment.

Exception to Grade Reduction

To prevent the 10% or 20% grade reduction, you must meet the following conditions:

1. You must have experienced an unforeseen and sudden emergency.  Note:  getting behind in the course is not an unforeseen emergency.
2. You must present Dr. MacLeod documented proof of your emergency.
3. You must contact Dr. MacLeod in person, by phone, or by e-mail of your emergency on or before the exam deadline date or the exam administration date and time.

Retesting & Extra Credit

Dr. MacLeod does not allow retesting nor extra credit to raise your grade.

Attendance

Total weight 10%

Being in class is vital to getting the most out the course.  The 10% (max) deduction for attendance will be allocated as follows:  0 absences = 0%, 1 absence = -4%, 2 absences = -7%, 3 absences = -10%.

Important Grading Notes

Grades will be posted as they are earned throughout the semester.  You must report (in writing) all grading issues within seven calendar days of the grade being posted.  If you have not reported a grading issue within the seven calendar days, then the grade will be final.

Grades are based on achievement, not effort.

Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture

Author:  Erl, Mahmood, & Puttini

ISBN:  978-0-13-338752-0

Edition/Copyright:  1st

Published Date:  2013

Course Objectives: Differentiate storage architecture and key data center elements incorporated in cloud computing; explain the components of storage infrastructure including subsystems, RAID and intelligent storage system; demonstrate network technologies used in cloud computing storage systems; outline the benefits and components of Storage Area Network (SAN); adapt contingency plans for backups, replication and archiving using such concepts as virtualization; evaluate information security requirements and recommendations solutions for cloud computing; and a list SAN management issues and requirements of a cloud environment.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Explain the concepts of Cloud Computing
2. Explain the technology incorporated in Cloud Computing
3. Explain the architecture of Cloud Computing
4. Explain the business processes involved in Cloud Computing
5. Explain the benefits of Cloud Computing through case studies
6. Examine the security aspects associated with Cloud Computing
7. Explain the logical network perimeter of Cloud Computing
8. Examine the virtual server component of Cloud Computing
9. Explain Cloud storage and usage monitoring
10. Examine resource replication used in Cloud Computing
11. Explain the concept of ready-made Cloud Computing environments
12. Describe the specialized cloud mechanism
13. Describe the cloud management mechanism
14. Describe the cloud security mechanism

Course/Class Policies:

Academic Integrity

A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests.  Students are responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity as described in the current Student Policies Handbook.

The penalty accessed will be in accordance with the current policy.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Incomplete

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is provided for this course both on line and face-to-face.  For online schedules and details please refer to http:://www.austincc.edu/cit .

Attendance / Withdrawal

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class.  The last date to withdraw for this semester is November 21, 2019.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 are charged a higher tuition rate.  State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit.  Details regard this policy can be found in the ACC College Catalog.

Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to make this request three weeks before the start of the semester.  (Refer to the current ACC Student Policies).

Communication

The ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.edu or equivalent and the ACCmail accounts will be used as the official communication system during this semester.  Lecture notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades will be posted on Blackboard and all email communication will be via the ACCmail accounts.  All students are expected to check both Blackboard and their ACCmail accounts on a regular basis.  For information on how to log onto Blackboard and ACCmail please visit the following sites: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/StudentSupport.php and http://www.austincc.edu/google/.

Safety Statement

Each student is expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom.  Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and / or barred from attending future activities.