Today it marks a key milestone for my multi cloud journey. I have passed all professional level Solutions Architect exams by AWS, Azure and Google. Have always been planning to do it. During COVID19, it’s probably the best time to complete this challenge.
My memory about Google Cloud started from 2019. It’s a matketing promotion that I can register then get free credits for one year. I tried it out and spent 5 minutes building a commercial site. Pretty easy and fast. Since Thomas K took over in Jaunary 2019, Google tried really hard to catch up with AWS. I like the multi cloud concept of Anthos which is a set of services built on open source project Kubernetes. It embraces competition, reduces the hassle of cloud migration and accelerates adoption of Kubernetes.
Google Cloud Next OnAir sessions started from July. Plenty beta features are released. Meanwhile, there are free Google PCK Sprint classes which cover related topics aligned with Next OnAir. It’s like a free buffet with all you can eat Google Cloud technologies. I attended all of them. On top of it, I got free qwiklabs credits. Timing is perfect and I really benefit a lot from these events.
I still feel AWS SAP is the hardest exam. Google exam only has 50 questions. It’s abundant study material. The official guidebook has details for every topic. The case studies are in provision before the exam. Qwiklabs has so many labs to practice and helps you understand each technology component. Coursera provides two courses, one for exam preparation and another is for core technologies. In addition, you can follow Next OnAir, listen to current industries adoption and customers journey.
I like those case studies. Unlike AWS exams which usually ask how to reduce cost, Google would present a case from CEO, CFO and CTO perspective, ask you to consider various factors then choose solutions. It’s more realistic and close to the real life. Solutions Architect has never been a technical role but someone who can juggle between fuctions and push through a sound solution for the business.
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