Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess, design, improve and monitor cloud architecture on a cloud platform, including security, reliability, scalability and cost optimisation impacts for a business.
The unit applies to cloud computing architects, cloud developers, cloud engineers and those engaged in gathering requirements, designing and implementing cloud computing solutions for a business.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Analyse cloud architecture on a cloud platform | 1.1 Identify and review business’s cloud architecture design 1.2 Evaluate cloud architecture and identify business impact of design decisions 1.3 Identify design patterns and architectural options 1.4 Determine and assess benefits and differences of cloud computing and architectural design against current business model and needs 1.5 Confirm system design decisions according to business needs 1.6 Set business goals as they relate to security, reliability, high-performance and cost efficiencies of cloud architecture according to business requirements and needs |
2. Design and improve architecture on a cloud platform | 2.1 Evaluate and confirm performance metrics for business applications according to business needs 2.2 Select and improve compute, storage, database and network resources according to business needs 2.3 Review and improve architecture required to enhance security, reliability, scalability and cost optimisation 2.4 Document and present proposed architecture for review to required personnel 2.5 Obtain sign off to proceed to deployment with required personnel |
3. Deploy, monitor and test architecture on cloud platform | 3.1 Deploy approved architecture on cloud platform 3.2 Monitor and measure architecture against performance metrics and business goals 3.3 Test and demonstrate security, reliability, scalability and cost optimisation of deployed resources 3.4 Apply short-term refinements to deployed resources according to test results |
4. Finalise improvements on a cloud platform | 4.1 4.2 Describe long-term improvement strategies and their benefits as applied to deployed resources 4.3 |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and to:
assess, identify and improve cloud architecture on a cloud platform, according to design decisions
deploy, test and measure at least one architecture design, against architecture principles, metrics and business goals.
In the course of the above, the candidate must:
determine performance metrics and business goals
use cloud management consoles, software development kits or command line tools
create documentation of deployment and testing steps.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
industry technology standards used in cloud computing solutions and services
industry standard hardware and software products, their general features, capabilities and application
methods and impacts of cloud adoption as they relate to IT system changes
design principles for cloud applications
migrating principles for cloud applications
use of object storage for static web sites
testing and debugging techniques, including techniques to avoid single point failures
tools and uses of security layers and security-focused content within cloud services
features of cloud services, including techniques to improve security, reliability, scalability and costs
techniques, methods and industry standard metrics and business goals used to monitor performance of cloud resources.
Assessment Conditions
Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.
This includes access to:
cloud vendor service provider
cloud managed database service
cloud management console, software development kit or command line tools
integrated development environment (IDE)
specific requirements and industry standards, organisational procedures and legislative requirements, including business and functionality requirements, as required
internet and web browser
secure shell (SSH) or remote desktop protocol (RDP) client to connect to cloud-hosted instances.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
Oral communication | Uses listening and questioning techniques to confirm requirements and articulate complex concepts Presents proposed solutions to required personnel using appropriate industry language |
Reading | Interprets complex technical and operational documentation to determine and confirm job requirements |
Writing | Writes and edits code and technical data in a logical manner using required syntax and language |
Problem solving | Uses a mix of intuitive and formal processes to identify key information and issues, evaluates alternative strategies, anticipates consequences and considers implementation issues and contingencies Uses knowledge of context to address common problems in cloud computing applications and cloud-based environments |
Self-management | Demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of principles, concepts, language and practices associated with cloud computing and the digital world and uses them to troubleshoot and understand the uses and potential of new technology |
Sectors
Cloud computing