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

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have 75% lecture and 25% laboratory. 

Normally, there will be a lecture and lab component each day with the lab occurring at the end of the period. 

There will be labs on various topics and assignments that will require outside work by the student.

The CIS open labs are available for students for work outside of scheduled lab time.  

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.

315 – 350 points         A

280 – 314 points         B

245 – 279 points         C

210 – 244 points         D

209 or less points        F

Basis for Grades

Lecture Exams

1 in number

Total Points 100

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

10 in number

Total Points 200

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.

Discussion Boards

5 in number

Total Points 50

The discussion boards will pertain to current technology, events, and/or topics that involve cloud computing from an industry perspective. The boards will require student to post their comments to the topic of the board. The professor will respond to the post. Students will then be required to answer the professor’s comments.

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.

Course/Class Policies:

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions 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.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignment or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed. 

Course Schedule

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be reflected in the schedule in Blackboard and will be accompanied by an email to all students.  If the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 27, 2020.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in cases a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university many not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education.  Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count towards this limit.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

There are NO makeup exams given in this course.  If a student misses an exam, the next exam will count double.  Only one exam may be missed and there will be NO makeup for EXAM 3.

If a student fails to submit a good faith effort for a cumulative of four or more graded assignments during the semester, the student may be dropped from the course.

Incompletes

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”.

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

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

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education. In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions. Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-andresponsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)  protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.  Individual student grades are posted in BlackBoard.

Students Accessibility Services 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

Safety Statement 

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.

All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. 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

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

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 https://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-tutoring-schedule/

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Student Files – Privacy

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  Faculty at the College are required to report concern regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms o sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.  Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

            Use of ACC E-mail

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC mail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff.                                              

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to demonstrate proper classroom behavior.  The professor has the prerogative to request any student that demonstrates improper and disruptive classroom behavior to leave the classroom.  Improper and disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to: profanity, verbal outbursts, unwarranted physical activity, and lack of respect for fellow students and/or the professor.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities.  Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. 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

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.  In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Emergency Situation

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course.  In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

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