A university uses WAF++ to structure a cloud architecture course, teach vendor-neutral assessment, and let students compare public cloud designs using PASS scores.
A graduate cloud-architecture course was struggling to keep labs vendor-neutral. Every cloud provider has its own Well-Architected lens, so grading criteria differed depending on which platform a student chose. The teaching team wanted a single, open framework that could be applied to any cloud.
The syllabus introduces WAF++ and the PASS scoring model in week two. Students then assess a sample workload across all 8 pillars, defend their scores in a review session, and propose concrete improvements. Case studies include Sovereignty and Sustainability discussions that other frameworks rarely cover.
Students can now compare AWS, Azure, and GCP designs using the same rubric. Peer reviews are more objective, and several students have reused the framework in thesis projects and internships. The course materials are shared as open educational resources.
WAF++ now includes an eighth pillar — AI-assisted architecture reviews, autonomous remediation, and policy-aware agents for secure cloud operations.
