Learning eXchange Track: Cloud Computing

Mitchell Mello, Session Leader

Senior Account Manager
Amazon Web Services
Mitchell@LinkedIn

• Bio: Mitch is a Senor Account Manager with Amazon Web Services, supporting Higher Education in North Carolina. In his role, Mitch works with central IT and various stakeholders across campuses on a wide range of initiatives, from increasing student retention to leveraging AWS for research.
  
  
• Session Details: In this first workshop, participants will explore the vast array of services offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Designed for both beginners and experienced uses, this session will provide insights into AWS's core services, including compute, storage, database, and networking Key Takeaways:
  • Compute Services: Gain an understanding of AWS's compute offerings, such as EC2, Lambda, and Elastic Beanstalk. Learn how to deploy, manage, and scale applications in the cloud efficiently.
  • Storage Solutions: Discover the various storage options available on AWS, including S3, EFS, and Glacier. Understand how to securely store and manage data to optimize performance and cost.
  • Database Services: Explore AWS's database services like RDS, DynamoDB, and Redshift. Learn how to select the right database solution for your application needs and manage them effectively.

Vishal Lakhotia, Session Leader

Solutions Architect
Amazon Web Services

• Bio: Vishal Lakhotia is a Senior Solutions Architect with over 27 years of IT experience. He guides higher education customers in their Cloud Journey and is a specialist in security services, content distribution services and generative AI technologies.
  
  
• Session Details In this second session, participants will continue to explore the vast array of functionalities offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Designed for both beginners and experienced users, this session will provide insights into AWS's core services, including compute, storage, database, and networking. Key Takeaways:
  • Networking: Dive into AWS's networking services, such as VPC, Route 53, and CloudFront. Understand how to configure and manage network infrastructure to ensure secure and reliable communication.
  • Security and Compliance: Learn about AWS's security features and best practices to protect your data and applications. Understand compliance requirements and how AWS helps you meet them.
  • Hands-on Labs: Participate in hands-on labs and exercises to apply what you've learned in a practical setting. Gain real-world experience by deploying and managing AWS resources.

Cory Aurandt, Azure Sessions Leader

Microsoft Practice Director and Principal Architect
Cloudaeris
Cory@LinkedIn

• Bio: As a Microsoft Cloud Architect and technical trainer with over 20 years of experience, I help businesses and individuals leverage the power and potential of Microsoft Cloud technologies. I hold multiple architect level certifications that demonstrate my technical proficiency and expertise.
  
  In my most recent role, I was the Owner & Principal Architect of Cloudaeris, where I led a team of cloud consultants and architects in delivering innovative and customized cloud solutions for clients across various industries and sectors. From massive undertakings of enterprise mergers and acquisitions and private equity plays all the way through SMB and SMC requirements, my team consistently delivered exceptional results for our clients.
  
  Today, I am the Microsoft Practice Director at Cloudaeris, where we provide cost-effective, easy to understand cloud solutions, and technical training in an increasingly digital world. With a team of passionate, focused, and experienced tech talent, we drive business impact through our solutions and ensure organizations fully realize their investment for maximum return.

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Session #3 Details - Evolution of Cloud Computing

• This session explores how Cloud Computing has revolutionized business operations, transitioning from the costly and inflexible on-premises infrastructure of 2005 to today’s scalable, efficient, and innovative Cloud-based solutions. It examines the challenges businesses once faced with high capital expenses, limited scalability, and complex IT management, and highlights how the adoption of Cloud technologies has enabled agility, collaboration, and rapid innovation. By showcasing the transformative impact of Cloud Computing over the past two decades, attendees will gain a clear perspective on how it has become the standard for modern business success and a glimpse into the opportunities it presents for the future.

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Session #4 Details
Identity Access Management and Security with Azure.

• This session explores the advanced capabilities of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) in securing modern IT environments through robust Identity and Access Management (IAM). It highlights how businesses can leverage features like Conditional Access to enforce intelligent access policies and Privileged Access Management (PAM) to secure administrative roles with just-in-time access, approval workflows, and comprehensive auditing. Attendees will learn how Entra ID supports Zero Trust principles, integrates seamlessly with other security tools, and addresses identity-related threats, empowering organizations to enhance security, simplify access, and mitigate risks effectively in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.