What is Cloud Challenge?

Cloud Challenge is an online, single-player strategy game that allows players to experience the business changes that virtualization and cloud computing cause and understand how the implementation of these domains adds value to any organization.

In the game, you will be responsible for the IT department of PureNRG - an international energy company focused on green energy. PureNRG is going through major strategic changes that require a flexible IT approach.

Who is Cloud Challenge for?

Cloud Challenge is aimed at IT professionals at different levels and from various organizations, including:

  • IT Support Staff
  • IT Consultants
  • Business Managers
  • Business Analysts
  • Small and Midsized Business Owners
  • Specialists (IT, security, infrastructure, services, systems, test, and so on)
  • Business Process Owners
  • IT Developers
  • Service Providers
  • System Integrators
  • IT Middle Management

Cloud Challenge is available to everyone; however, it was designed to complement the Virtualization and Cloud Computing competence development portfolio created by ITpreneurs.

How does Cloud Challenge work?

Taking place in a fictional enterprise, the Cloud Challenge game gives insight into the application of virtualization and cloud computing in real-world scenarios. This strategy game focuses on solving business needs using cloud solutions.

As you navigate through the different missions, each decision you make impacts various stakeholders of PureNRG. Every decision produces different results - can you figure out the right combination to earn the high score?

The game gives context to the subject matter and delivers a fun, highly interactive experience to anchor the players' knowledge of cloud computing and virtualization.

What will I learn by playing Cloud Challenge?

After successfully completing the game, players will be able to:

  • Comprehend the characteristics of clouds and cloud services from a business perspective.
  • Demonstrate how the characteristics of cloud computing and virtualization lead to business value.
  • Explain the steps that lead to the successful adoption of cloud computing and virtualization services.
  • Identify the organizational capabilities that are relevant for realizing cloud benefits.
  • Understand the impact and changes of cloud computing on IT service management.
  • Explain and identify the issues associated with integrating cloud computing into an organization's existing compliance risk and regulatory framework.
  • Comprehend how to maintain strategic flexibility.
  • Understand the relationships and differences between virtualization and cloud computing.

What do I need to play Cloud Challenge?

Cloud Challenge can be played from the Web browser of any computer with an Internet connection and Flash Player version 10.

Recommended technical specifications

  • Computer (Pentium IV, Internet Explorer 8, cookies enabled, Macromedia Flash Player 10, speakers or a headset, and 1,024x768 pixel resolution)
  • Broadband Internet connection