Google Cloud Digital Leader Certification — Detailed Notes (Min 4 – 54)

Source: “Google Cloud Digital Leader Certification Course – Pass the Exam!” freeCodeCamp.org

Minutes 4 – 10 → Intro to Cloud Computing

Key ideas

• Cloud computing = using remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data rather than local hardware.
• 3 core benefits: Cost, Scalability, Accessibility.
• Moves companies from CAPEX → OPEX (pay-for-use model).
• The “cloud” isn’t mystical—it’s simply someone else’s data center optimized for availability, performance, and security.

Service Models

• IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service): Rent virtual machines, storage, networks (Compute Engine, Cloud Storage).
• PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service): Deploy apps without managing servers (App Engine, Cloud Run).
• SaaS (Software-as-a-Service): Use finished software through a browser (Gmail, Docs, Sheets).

Analogy

IaaS = Rent an empty apartment

PaaS = Rent a furnished apartment

SaaS = Stay in a hotel

Minutes 10 – 20 → Why Cloud Matters / Business Drivers

Main Business Motivations

1. Cost Optimization: No upfront hardware; pay for what you use.
2. Scalability & Elasticity: Instantly add or reduce compute/storage as demand changes.