Cloud computing refers to the use of services hosted on remote computers, usually to store data and to run software. It is contrasted with on-premise computing for similar tasks. Careers in cloud computing are usually categorised in terms of scope and responsibility, such as cloud architects and cloud security engineers.
This note is written more from the perspective of companies who use cloud services (e.g. a hospital or a bank) and not the perspective of companies who host and provide cloud services, such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft etc. The latter companies also provide a range of certifications which are valued in industry.
A good way to think about cloud computing roles and how to get started is in terms of the different technical aspects of cloud computing. Here are some of the main technologies:
Programming: Being a good programmer is central to building and maintaining services. While there are specialised languages, competence in Java, Python and other broad languages is still expected.
Database: Cloud services often leverage data. SQL and NoSQL tools are important in their own right, and on top of distribution technologies like Hadoop that help optimise them for speed and consistency.
Operating systems: When using a cloud to provide Infrastructure-as-a-Service, being comfortable in operating systems is necessary. For example, knowing how to use Linux through its kernel and shell.
Software development: Software-as-a-Service is a typical use of a cloud. Development workflows like DevOps as well as specialised software utilities like containerisation and virtualisation are valued.
Web technologies: As many services are deployed on the Web, functionality descriptors such as XML and WSDL as well as API design architectures like SOAP and REST are extensively used.
Computer networks and security: Being remote, cloud computing is done though computing networks. Cloud engineers are expected to be familiar with network protocols including secure access control.
The most common way to get started in cloud computing or to transition to it is by obtaining a certification from a cloud service provider. These are typically based on specific cloud platforms and the technologies they use and support. Here are some examples:
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Provides foundational knowledge of cloud concepts as well.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: Gives a high-level understanding of Amazon services.
- GCP Cloud Architect: Leveraging Google cloud technologies, including security and compliance.
In addition to cloud certification, there are certifications available in other areas that have strong connections to cloud computing. These include:
- SnowPro Core Certification: Data engineering and data management from Snowflake.
- CompTIA Security+: Cybersecurity fundamentals, including for cloud and mobile.
Upskilling opportunities within data science, information technology, and technology management also typically have components relevant for cloud computing.
In conclusion, it must be mentioned that the best way to get started in any career is to ‘just do it’ and showcase the work. As more and more industries leverage the cloud, professional in these industries have opportunities to gain expertise. A bank or a hospital storing their confidential data on the cloud rely on their own industry professionals to be comfortable in setting up and using a platform-as-a-service. The IT or data management professional in those organisations can take such opportunities to learn what it takes to do cloud computing. As many have shown, it is not that difficult.