Cloud technologies are at the heart of digital transformation today, driving innovation and agility across industries. With the rapid adoption of platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, organisations are increasingly investing in cloud training solutions to upskill their workforces and maximise the benefits of cloud computing. However, the abundance of options available can make choosing the best cloud training platform daunting.
In this blog post, we discuss everything you need to know about cloud-based training, including what cloud training solutions are, why they are necessary, key factors to consider when choosing one, and the essential features to look for.
The need for cloud training solutions
1. Growing cloud adoption
Cloud adoption is on the rise as businesses migrate onto cloud infrastructures to enhance scalability, cost-efficiency, and security. With the major platforms dominating the market, demand for skilled cloud professionals is at an all-time high. Cloud training solutions equip employees with the necessary skills to use these platforms effectively.
2. Closing the skills gap
The shortage of qualified cloud talent is a significant challenge for organisations. Cloud training systems help bridge this gap by offering structured learning paths, hands-on experiences, and certifications. Companies can build an in-house talent pool capable of undertaking cloud projects by providing employees with continuous learning opportunities.
3. Cost-efficient learning
Traditional in-person training programs often require significant investments in hardware, physical setups, and travel. In contrast, cloud-based training eliminates these overheads, delivering training in virtual environments that replicate real-world scenarios, at a fraction of the cost. The scalability of cloud solutions lets organisations train large teams simultaneously without additional expenses.
4. On-demand learning
Cloud training online allows learners to access training modules anytime, anywhere. Whether they are working remotely or on-site, employees can take courses at their own pace, offering flexibility and improving employee retention. This is particularly valuable for remote and hybrid teams as learning remains uninterrupted.
5. Enhanced productivity
When employees are well-versed in cloud technologies, they clearly become more efficient and productive. Hands-on labs and simulations provided by the best cloud training platforms ensure learners gain practical experience, letting them apply their skills to real-world challenges. Well-trained employees make fewer errors and can help to accelerate project timelines.
6. Scalable workforce development
Businesses need scalable training solutions to keep their workforce updated with the latest skills. Cloud training platforms adapt to changes happening in cloud environments, keeping organisations at the forefront of the latest technology.
Top 5 cloud training solutions in 2025
1. CloudShare
CloudShare is a leading cloud-based training platform designed for IT professionals and enterprises. It offers powerful virtual labs for hands-on training, software demos, and proof-of-concept (POC) simulations in real-world cloud environments.
Key features:
- Virtual IT labs for hands-on learning
- Integration with LMS platforms
- Real-time analytics and reporting tools
- Scalable, cloud-agnostic infrastructure
Pros:
- Rapid environment setup and cloning
- Risk-free experimentation in isolated environments
- Ideal for complex IT training and software demonstrations
Best for:
- Enterprises needing hands-on IT training
- Software companies designing for customer onboarding and demos
CloudShare is widely regarded as one of the best cloud training platforms for enterprise-level training.
2. Pluralsight
Pluralsight is a cloud training solution offering a library of courses and hands-on labs tailored to IT professionals and developers. The platform covers cloud computing, DevOps, software development, and security.
Key features:
- Extensive library of cloud courses
- Hands-on labs for real-world practice
- Skill assessments to identify knowledge gaps
- Learning paths aligned with certifications
Pros:
- High-quality content from industry experts
- On-demand, self-paced learning
- In-depth progress tracking and reporting
Best for:
- Individuals and teams preparing for cloud certifications
- Organisations upskilling their workforce in cloud technologies
Pluralsight’s content and hands-on approach make it a top choice for cloud training online.
3. A Cloud Guru
A Cloud Guru (ACG) specialises in cloud training for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, making it an ideal platform for cloud certification preparation. ACG offers a holistic learning experience with a mix of video courses, hands-on labs, and quizzes.
Key features:
- Cloud-specific learning paths for AWS, Azure, and GCP
- Hands-on labs to reinforce practical skills
- Certification preparation for popular cloud providers
- Engaging, bite-sized content for easy learning
Pros:
- Excellent for cloud certification training
- Vibrant community and peer support
- Gamified learning for increased engagement
Best for:
- IT professionals preparing for cloud certifications
- Organisations building cloud-native skills
A Cloud Guru remains one of the best cloud training platforms for mastering AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud technologies.
4. Demodesk
Demodesk is a virtual platform tailored for cloud-based training and interactive presentations. It is particularly effective for customer-facing teams, like sales and support teams that want to offer remote demos and onboarding.
Key features:
- Real-time virtual environments for training and demos
- Browser-based platform (no downloads required)
- Automated scheduling and meeting analytics
- Integration with CRM and productivity tools
Pros:
- Highly intuitive and user-friendly
- Supports personalised, interactive training experiences
- Ideal for live product demonstrations and remote training
Best for:
- Sales and support teams for customer training
- Remote onboarding for cloud-based solutions
Demodesk stands out as a versatile cloud training system for businesses focused on interactive training and customer engagement.
5. QuoDeck
QuoDeck is a comprehensive cloud training solution designed for gamified learning experiences. It combines mobile-first content delivery with tools for interactive training, making learning fun.
Key features:
- Gamified training modules for better engagement
- Mobile-friendly platform with offline access
- Real-time analytics and learner performance tracking
- Interactive assessments and quizzes
Pros:
- Excellent for creating engaging learning experiences
- Supports multimedia content (videos, quizzes, PDFs)
- Customisable for specific business needs
Best for:
- Enterprises looking for scalable cloud training systems
- Teams seeking gamified, interactive training experiences
QuoDeck’s focus on engagement and customisation makes it an excellent cloud-based training solution for modern organisations.
What factors should I consider when choosing a cloud training solution?
Choosing the right cloud training solution for your organisation requires careful consideration of your goals, workforce, and technical requirements. Below are key factors to evaluate:
1. Training content quality
Look for platforms that provide high-quality, up-to-date content created by industry experts. Ensure the training covers foundational, intermediate, and advanced topics relevant to your organisation. Content should include video tutorials, quizzes, assessments, and practical projects.
2. Hands-on practice
The best cloud training platforms offer virtual labs and real-world simulations that let learners practise and experiment in safe, risk-free environments. Hands-on learning significantly improves knowledge retention and confidence.
3. Certifications and learning paths
Certifications are an important aspect of cloud learning. Choose platforms that offer structured certification programs for popular cloud providers. Certification pathways should include practice tests, mock exams, and expert guidance.
4. Customisation options
Organisations have unique training requirements. A robust cloud training system should allow for customised training paths, tailored content, and integration with your existing tools and systems. Customisable dashboards and user journeys enhance the learning experience.
5. Scalability
Ensure the platform can accommodate your organisation’s growth and varying levels of expertise. The ability to train global teams concurrently is essential for scalability.
6. Analytics and reporting
Comprehensive analytics help you monitor progress, identify knowledge gaps, and measure the ROI of your cloud training initiatives. Detailed dashboards provide insights into completion rates, learner engagement, and performance.
7. Ease of use
An intuitive user interface and helpful navigation are important to ensure learners stay engaged and complete their training. User-friendly platforms reduce onboarding time and frustration.
8. Support and community
Access to responsive support teams, peer communities, and mentoring programs adds value to the learning experience. Support resources can address technical issues, provide guidance, and foster collaboration.
Key features to look for in a cloud training solution
When evaluating cloud training solutions, prioritise the following features to ensure a high-quality learning experience:
- Virtual labs: Hands-on labs and sandbox environments to experiment with cloud tools and workflows.
- Structured learning paths: Predefined courses designed to help learners progress systematically from beginner to expert.
- Certification preparation: Training aligned with cloud certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
- Analytics and reporting: Detailed dashboards to track progress, completion rates, and performance.
- Collaboration tools: Group training features to encourage team-based learning and knowledge sharing.
- Integration capabilities: Compatibility with LMS platforms, cloud systems, and enterprise tools.
- Scalable infrastructure: Support for large teams and enterprises with growing training needs.
- Accessible content: Mobile-friendly platforms, offline access, and multimedia content formats.
- Gamification: Interactive quizzes, rewards, and challenges to enhance engagement and retention.
- Content variety: Video tutorials, documentation, live webinars, and case studies to cater to different learning preferences.
