Implementing and Testing a Cloud-Based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI):

This project involved building a VDI environment using virtualization software like VMware Horizon, Citrix XenDesktop, or Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and testing its functionality and performance. The student would deploy virtual desktops on a cloud infrastructure like AWS, Azure, or GCP. They would test features like connectivity, login/logout speed, application launching times, graphics capabilities, scalability etc. Detailed reports would be generated on the overall process, challenges faced, optimization done and results. This helped demonstrate skills in deploying and managing virtual desktop environments leveraging cloud technologies.

Building a Serverless Web or Mobile Application on AWS Lambda:

In this project, a student developed a simple web or mobile application that utilized AWS Lambda for serverless computing. Common tasks included building APIs using Lambda, DynamoDB for data storage, connecting user interfaces built using technologies like ReactJS, building in authentication and authorization via Cognito, adding image/file processing via S3 buckets etc. Comprehensive documentation and demos were provided highlighting how the application leveraged serverless computing to improve scalability and reduce operational overhead. This showcased skills in designing, developing and deploying applications using AWS serverless services.

Implementing a Disaster Recovery Solution using AWS or Azure:

The student designed and implemented a disaster recovery (DR) solution for critical systems or applications of an organization using cloud DR offerings. This involved activities like identifying critical systems, documenting RPO/RTO requirements, designing the replication architecture (active-passive or active-active), deploying required cloud infrastructure in the designated DR region, setting up replication between on-prem and cloud using tools like AWS Database Migration Service or Azure Site Recovery, testing failovers, and generating documents for DR processes. Students gained hands-on experience in designing and implementing cloud-based DR solutions leveraging services from AWS or Azure.

Developing an IoT Application on AWS IoT Core:

In this project, the student identified a potential IoT use case and developed a prototype solution on AWS IoT Core. Common implementations included building a smart door lock that could be remotely controlled and monitored, building a smart home solutions that could control lights, temperature etc. or implementing a supply chain solution tracking shipments. Key tasks involved designing the IoT architecture, provisioning devices, uploading device fingerprints and certificates, developing rules and APIs to process data, storing data in databases like DynamoDB, visualizing data with tools like Quicksight etc. Students demonstrated skills in end to end IoT application development on AWS leveraging its IoT platform and related services.

Implementing a Hybrid Cloud Solution Spanning On-Prem and Cloud:

The student designed and deployed a hybrid solution integrating on-prem and cloud infrastructure from a major public cloud provider. Common implementations included extending on-prem Active Directory to the cloud, implementing a hybrid WAN connectivity, building hybrid databases with on-prem and cloud instances, implementing hybrid backup and disaster recovery or building hybrid applications accessible from both environments. Key tasks included activities like networking/identity integration, data replication, performance/scalability testing across environments etc. Students gained expertise in implementing interconnectivity between on-prem and cloud environments leveraging hybrid cloud technologies.

As seen in the examples above,cloud computing capstone projects allow students to implement and showcase end-to-end solutions handling real-world use cases. Successful projects have clearly defined requirements and objectives, demonstrate hands-on technical skills in deploying cloud infrastructure and developing applications, provide thorough documentation of the process and address key pain-points with optimization. This helps crystallize learnings from the cloud computing program and prepares students for cloud jobs/certifications by implementing projects of relevance to the industry. Capstone projects are an effective way for students to gain practical cloud experience through self-directed applied learning experiences.