Edge computing technology changes rapidly, so it’s hard to keep track of its many developments. Still, if you’re wondering which in-demand technology skill is the most valuable and future-proof, consider edge computing.
Edge computing is changing how data centers and cloud services work, creating new opportunities for business growth and fresh insights into customer habits. But before you can get your foot in the door in this exciting field, you’ll need to obtain your edge computing certification—and there are quite a few different options available to you.
Let’s take a look at edge computing certifications.
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What is Edge Computing?
Edge computing is a type of cloud computing that takes place on the edge of the network instead of in a data center. As a result, the data doesn’t have to travel very far and can be processed faster. Plus, it’s more reliable because it reduces congestion on the network.
Edge computing services are accessed via mobile devices and sensors that collect data, which is then processed at the edge of a network rather than sending it back to a centralized data center.
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What to Look for in an Edge Computing Course
An edge computing course will teach you the basics and intricacies of designing, deploying and maintaining a successful edge computing solution. It will cover latency and bandwidth, security, hardware considerations and limitations, and key differences between centralized and decentralized systems.
The courses typically cover cloud, data analytics, wireless networks, and more topics. You’ll also learn how to develop a sound knowledge of IoT technology, use analytical tools to streamline data processing and decision-making, conduct market research for IoT applications, and identify the potential for monetizing your idea. Learning about these concepts is crucial for future success in this growing field.
Top 8 Edge Computing Certifications Courses
Edge computing can be used for business intelligence, predictive analysis, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, building automation, smart buildings, industrial automation, and more. To learn about this exciting field of study, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight courses from various providers.
IoT (Internet of Things) Wireless & Cloud Computing Emerging Technologies
There are plenty of reasons to take this course. Yonsei University offers this course via Coursera. It introduces learners to IoT and wireless networks, and Cloud technologies. You’ll explore the role of Cloud-based services such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.
Learners will learn about cloud market analysis, cloud service types, MCC (Mobile Cloud Computing), and Edge Computing technology. This course takes approximately 13 hours to complete and provides a shareable certificate upon completion. You can enroll in this course for free. The course, however, will be free for seven days after enrollment before paying $49 per month.
Cognixia Edge Computing
Cognixia offers a comprehensive overview of the Edge Computing basics. This course aims to provide beginners with a deep understanding of the Edge Computing ecosystem and its related terminologies. In addition, it provides complete guidance for professionals who want to build their careers in the field of Edge computing, such as architects, developers, system engineers, data scientists, data analysts, etc.
The course module includes an introduction to IoT, analytics in IoT, IoT End Point – architecture, design and performance, communication in IoT – OSI model perspective, IoT Gateway, Edge analytics and Python, AWS IoT, and Azure IoT, and how they can be used with Edge Computing.
This course includes 16 hours of instructor-led live online training, 24×7 support, and lifetime LMS access. However, the course pricing is only provided upon request. Prospective students should inquire about fees with the provider.
Introduction to Edge Computing
The introduction to Edge Computing offered by Saravanan Velrajan, author of “An Introduction to 5G Wireless Networks” on Udemy, discusses the basic definitions of edge computing and its uses in business.
The course is divided into various parts: the different types of edge compute deployments, different types of edge compute services (such as CDN Edge, IoT Edge, and Multi-access Edge (MEC)), edge computing use cases, and edge computing marketplace. Familiarity with IT and networking is preferred, and it costs $14.99.
Business Considerations for Edge Computing
The Linux Foundation offers this course via edX. Students will learn about edge computing, the problems it solves, and how it supports the rise of 5G, AI, and IoT. The training includes a deep dive into the Edge privacy, security, and use cases.
Prerequisites for this course include knowledge of network, 5G, and AI fundamentals and familiarity with open source technology. Students will have completed five modules with an estimated time commitment of 7 weeks or 1 to 2 hours per day. In addition, this course is free. However, if you need a shareable certificate, you will pay $149.
AI and Cloud Computing: Implementation Strategies for Business
The University of British Columbia (UBCx) offers this edge course, costing $402.30. This course focuses on key edge computing applications, such as AI and cloud computing. It is designed for enterprise leaders making technology-related business decisions. It covers various technologies, including cloud computing, big data, AI and cognitive computing, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and 5G, and how they can be applied in an organization.
This certification will help participants understand the role of each technology in their organization’s IT strategy while getting insights into each application through practical examples.
5G Deployment
This 5G deployment course, offered by Curtin University via the edX platform, will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be an edge computing expert. It covers MEC, multi-access edge computing, 5G radio access network (RAN), virtualization, and network slicing.
The course has been designed for professionals who are seeking to work in the field of network communications or cloud computing. With $199, you will have unlimited access to this course materials and a shareable certificate upon completion. It is a 6-week course with six modules covering various aspects of edge computing. You can expect about two hours per module, with graded assignments and exams.
Learn Edge Computing: Concepts Explained from Scratch
This course is designed for both beginners and experienced learners. Whatever your level, this course will provide valuable insights that you need to decide how best to apply edge computing to your business.
Some topics covered are: what is edge computing, use cases eligible for edge computing, edge computing architecture, edge solutions in AWS & Azure, and edge computing use cases in healthcare and defense. Rajeshwari Senthamil Selvam offers the course via the Udemy platform at $19.99 (discount price) with lifetime access and a certificate of completion.
IoT Systems and Industrial Applications with Design Thinking
This course is an introduction to IoT systems and industrial applications with design thinking. It is offered by École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) a Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne.
Topics include IoT technologies and business links, business models, edge AI sensors optimization for IoT applications, edge ML in the IoT era, and security in IoT products and services. Students will learn design thinking concepts, and how to setup the business model and revenues in IoT. The main objective is to equip students with overall knowledge of IoT edge computing and design thinking.
Skills you need for Edge Computing
The skills needed for working in edge computing are varied and can include:
- A technical background in networking or computer science.
- Strong troubleshooting skills.
- An understanding of cloud computing and big data analytics.
- Understanding of IoT and its potential impact on business.
- Knowledge of network programming languages such as Python, Node, Perl, or Java.
- Understanding how to provision infrastructure in the cloud, data center, security, storage, and virtualization technology.
- Knowledge of IoT sensors and how they work.
- Working knowledge of cloud and server technologies, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Features of an Edge Computing Course
An edge computing course is excellent for those looking to break into this new but rapidly growing field. It also offers a great way to update skills that may have become outdated over time, especially if you’re switching industries or jobs.
Here are some characteristics of many edge courses:
Course materials
The course materials are provided to the students in a digital format as books, tutorials, guides, and hands-on lab exercises, which the students can use for self-study or in a virtual classroom setting.
Course instructor
The course instructors are subject matter experts with years of experience working in the field and are available for consulting after the course is over to help build your skills on the job.
Case studies
The case studies are based on real-world scenarios and can be discussed with peers through forums, chat rooms, and webinars during the course time frame.
Group discussion
You’ll have access to a community where you can share your work and connect with other students from the course, as well as professionals in the field who will be able to provide feedback and further insight into what it takes to succeed in edge computing.
Hands-on projects
Hands-on projects can be done using a simulator or virtual lab environment, which helps them better understand the concept of edge computing technology. In addition, these labs give you practical experience so that when faced with a similar problem in the workplace, your solution is informed by what you learned during this class. Project topics may cover cloud deployment, IoT deployments, and cybersecurity challenges of edge computing deployments.
Final exams
Course providers often give a final exam at the end of the course, which evaluates the student’s knowledge of subjects covered in the course. In some cases, the course provider may offer online quizzes, which act as a pre-assessment before enrolling in the course or take place throughout the course to assess comprehension of lecture content.
Certifications
Course providers offer certification upon successful completion of their courses. You can use these certificates as proof of educational achievement on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, transcripts, or documentation required by employers.
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