Individual Research Project

We are currently expanding our team with specialists in this field, and would like to invite you to undertake a task that will help us assess your expertise and fit for the role. The details of the test are outlined below. We value your time and effort, and as such, we will provide compensation for your participation. However, we expect excellent performance in this test, as it is crucial for a high-paying remote position that may include the opportunity to be sponsored for a work visa in London.

Please note that integrity is paramount in our evaluation process. Any instances of plagiarism will lead to immediate disqualification and we will initiate a dispute on Upwork for breach of contract.

As part of the selection process for the cloud computing position at our company, we have prepared a practical assessment to evaluate your skills and approach to cloud-based solutions. This task mirrors real-world responsibilities you would handle in the role and will help us understand your capabilities in cloud architecture and project implementation.

Assessment Overview:

Title:
Objective: Develop a cloud-based solution for the specified scenario, documenting the process and justifying your architectural choices.
Scenario: Vertical Sector – Smart Metering
Duration: This task should be completed within 3 days.
Task Details:

Introduction: Provide an overview of the current system in the Smart Metering scenario. Identify and describe a problem or issue that cloud computing can address.
Requirements Gathering: Detail both functional and non-functional requirements of the existing system.
Cloud Architecture Design:
Choose a cloud platform (AWS, MS Azure, Google Cloud) and justify your choice.
Design a cloud system architecture to solve the problem, including a rationale for the services and technologies selected.
Implementation:
Implement 50% of your designed architecture on the chosen cloud platform.
Provide screenshots demonstrating the architecture plus a video recording of you executing the architecture from start to finish. (If you don’t know how to do this, please download OBS and screen record your screen from start to finish.)
Project Documentation:
Prepare a project report (1000 – 1500 words, excluding references and appendices) that includes:
Project plan and milestones.
Analysis of the chosen data centre, standards, and compliance considerations.
Cost analysis of the proposed solution.
Reflective analysis on maintaining the system and responding to evolving business needs.
Ensure the document is well-organized with a coherent structure, table of contents, and is free of spelling errors.
Include all relevant references and label them appropriately.
Submission:

Your final report must be submitted in PDF format via Upwork.
Evaluation Criteria (VERY IMPORTANT):

Your work will be assessed on design thoroughness, implementation practicality, and clarity of documentation. Specific attention will be given to your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to follow best practices in cloud architecture.
We are excited to see your approach to this challenge and how you leverage cloud solutions to address real-world problems. Please confirm receipt of this assessment and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.