Turning cloud theory into practice

Students studying for an MSc in Cloud Computing at the University of East London (UEL) recently got a rare opportunity to get close to some of the key infrastructure underpinning our data-driven world. A visit to the Equinix LD9 data centre in west London saw the students learn about the technology that powers cloud servers, a vital part of modern IT.

UEL course leader Dr Umaima Haider, who, along with lecturer Dhara Parekh, helped arrange the trip, explained that such experiences are important in shaping future professionals. She said, 

These trips are key for bridging theory with practice in cloud computing. The experience gave students a better understanding of how a data centre works.”

Micky Ripley, Recruitment Partner at Equinix, welcomed the students on the visit. She said, “Meeting the new generation of big thinkers and problem solvers was an inspiring way to end the week. Their enthusiasm was infectious.”

The trip was primarily aimed at helping students connect concepts they’d only examined in the classroom with real-world implementation. It included a presentation by a senior manager, a tour of the data centre, and a presentation about the company’s different clients, with time also set aside to answer the students’ questions.  

Fazna Fouseen, who’s studying for an MSc in Cloud Computing at UEL, agreed that the experience was a good way to link theory to practice. She said, “It was truly a game-changer! Witnessing the heart of the digital infrastructure was not only fascinating but beneficial for my understanding of cloud technologies.”

Her fellow MSc student, Mukul Mogha, was equally enthusiastic. He said, “My group got a backstage pass to witness the magic of servers, racks, and cooling systems of the data centre.”