Cloud computing has become an increasingly popular way for businesses to store and process data. According to a report by Gartner, The worldwide public cloud services market will grow 17.5% in 2019 to reach $214.3 billion, up from the 2018 total of $182.4 billion.”
As more businesses move their operations into the cloud, demand for experienced professionals who can manage these systems has also grown significantly. Cloud computing includes a range of roles, each with their own set of responsibilities and necessary skill set, mostly requiring expertise in areas such as infrastructure management, security protocols, and software development.
This blog will describe you through different roles in cloud computing, their responsibilities, and the skills and qualifications needed for each.
Different Roles in the Cloud
Following is a detailed explanation of the different roles in the cloud:
Cloud Architects
“A cloud architect develops and executes a company’s cloud computing strategy.”
This involves figuring out if a private, public, or hybrid cloud would be ideal for a company and then ensuring that cloud infrastructure is safe, scalable, and dependable. Cloud architects need a thorough familiarity with the business’s needs and a solid understanding in cloud technology.
Key Responsibilities
Cloud architects carry out the following responsibilities:
- Planning a company’s approach to cloud computing
- Finding the right cloud setup for the business (public, private, or hybrid)
- Making sure the cloud is safe and reliable to use
- Collaborating with relevant parties to establish cloud computing specifications
- Contributing to the development and deployment of the cloud-based infrastructure
- Following the most recent developments in cloud computing
Skills and Qualifications
Top skills and qualifications in demand for cloud architects include the following:
- Expertise in cloud computing technology
- Superior abilities in both leadership and communication.
- The capacity for original thought and problem solving
- Effective knowledge of cloud data protection and security
- Familiarity with cloud computing services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
- An understanding of cloud computing and its deployment types, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS etc.
Cloud Engineers
“Engineers working in the cloud are accountable for the upkeep and management of a company’s cloud resources.”
New application deployment, cloud performance monitoring, and problem-solving all fall under this category. Engineers working in the cloud should have extensive experience in cloud management and a solid understanding of the technical aspects of cloud computing.
Key Responsibilities
The following comprise the key responsibilities for the cloud engineer role:
- New app deployment in the cloud
- Controlling the cloud’s operation and making sure it’s always accessible
- Fixing problems with cloud infrastructure
- Working in collaboration with other IT departments to fix issues arising from cloud computing.
- Knowing what’s new in cloud computing
- Making sure the cloud is safe and reliable to use
Skills and Qualifications
Skills and qualifications for this role include:
- Expertise in cloud computing technology
- Expertise in cloud computing and management practices
- The ability to think critically and find solutions to problems quickly and effectively
- Effective knowledge of cloud data protection and security
Cloud Administrators
“Administrators in the cloud oversee all aspects of a company’s cloud setup, from software to data storage to networking.”
Tasks like configuring cloud resources, establishing security measures, and keeping tabs on cloud performance fall under this category. Administrators in the cloud need to be technically savvy and well-versed in cloud computing and its management practices.
Key Responsibilities
Here are the responsibilities that could administrator performs:
- Setting up the virtual machines and cloud storage
- Managing cloud-based resources through establishing permissions
- Controlling the cloud’s operation and making sure it’s always accessible
- Fixing problems with cloud infrastructure
- Knowing what’s new in cloud computing
Skills and Qualifications
Required skills and qualifications for this role include the following:
- Expertise in cloud computing technology
- Expertise in cloud computing and management practices
- The ability to think critically and find solutions to problems quickly and effectively
- Competence in collaborating with others
- Effective knowledge of cloud data protection and security
- Working knowledge of cloud computing services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google Cloud Platform
Cloud Developers
“Developers working in the cloud create and release software for use in the cloud—coding, testing, and releasing apps to the cloud all fall under this category. “
Professional cloud developers will have extensive experience writing code and be well-versed in the best practices of the latest cloud development.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities of cloud developers include:
- Developing Cloud-Based Applications via Coding.
- Validating the proper operation of cloud-based software.
- The process of releasing cloud apps into the cloud.
- Working in tandem with other IT departments to fix issues arising from cloud computing.
- Knowing what’s new in cloud computing.
- Protecting and supporting cloud-based software
Skills and Qualifications
Here are some skills and qualifications required for this role: :
- Competent in the field of software development
- Expertise in cloud-based software development practices
- The ability to think critically and find solutions to problems quickly and effectively
- Ability to work effectively in a team
- Effective knowledge of cloud data protection and security
- Working knowledge of cloud computing services like Amazon Web Services, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
Cloud Security Analyst
“The cloud security analyst watches over the safety and confidentiality of all the information that is kept in the cloud.”
This encompasses a broad range of activities, from setting up security measures to keeping an eye out for potential dangers and handling events when they occur. Analysts in the field of cloud security should be well-versed in the latest developments in cloud security technology and have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of information security.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities that fall under this category include the following:
- Protecting cloud-based information by implementing new security protocols
- Responding to security issues and keeping an eye out for potential dangers
- Staying up-to-date with cloud security developments for cloud-based security issues by working together with other IT groups
- Protecting the privacy and security of personal information in cloud storage
Skills and Qualifications
The list of skills preferred include the following:
- Solid familiarity with safety concepts
- Knowledge of cloud-based security resources and methods
- The ability to think critically and find solutions to problems quickly and effectively
- The capacity to collaborate efficiently with others
- Expertise in the many rules and statutes that govern privacy and confidentiality
- Working knowledge of cloud computing services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
Cloud Data Engineer
“Engineers working in the cloud are accountable for safeguarding and analyzing massive volumes of data.”
This category includes ensuring data processing systems are reliable and performing well, creating data pipelines, and designing and deploying data storage solutions. Engineers working with cloud data should have experience with data management and a solid understanding of the tools and methods used to manage cloud data.
Key Responsibilities
Cloud data engineer needs to perform the following responsibilities:
- Solutions for cloud-based data storage design and implementation
- Making use of data pipelines to handle massive volumes of data
- Validating and improving the functionality of computerized systems
- Working with other IT groups to fix issues with cloud data
- Staying up-to-date with data management developments in the cloud
- Protecting the privacy and security of personal information in cloud storage
Skills and Qualifications
The following skill set and qualifications are required from a cloud data engineer:
- Expertise in managing and analyzing data
- Working knowledge of cloud-based data management systems
- The ability to think critically and find solutions to problems quickly and effectively
- Expertise in the many rules and statutes that govern privacy and confidentiality
- Strong understanding of cloud computing services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
Cloud Solutions Architect
“The job of a cloud solutions architect is to create and deploy cloud computing solutions tailored to a company’s specific requirements.”
Work in this area involves ensuring that cloud systems are scalable, dependable, and secure and also, determining the architecture of cloud solutions. Cloud solutions architects must be conversant in cloud computing ideas and practices and have a solid grounding in cloud computing technology.
Key Responsibilities
The list of responsibilities that cloud solutions architect has to perform include:
- Defining the architecture of cloud computing solutions
- Choosing appropriate cloud services for businesses
- Validating the scalability, dependability, and safety of cloud-based solutions
- Working in tandem with other IT departments to fix issues arising from cloud computing.
- Knowing what’s new in cloud computing
- Fostering the growth and development of other IT experts through instruction and mentoring.
Skills and Qualifications
Below are some skills and qualifications that are required from a cloud solutions architect:
- Complete familiarity with cloud computing concepts
- The ability to comprehend and apply cloud architecture design ideas and methods
- The ability to think critically and find solutions to problems quickly and effectively
- Competence in leading and communicating effectively
- Working knowledge of cloud computing services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
Is there a Best Cloud Role?
No single cloud role is the perfect fit for everyone; the one most suitable depends on each individual’s skills, experience and interests. Each role has its own set of responsibilities and expectations.
For instance, Cloud Architects design and implement cloud architectures that satisfy business requirements while guaranteeing scalability, dependability and security. Cloud Engineers construct the infrastructure required to support cloud-based applications and services while Cloud Developers construct and maintain these applications.
Other cloud roles include Cloud Security Specialists, Data Analysts and Operations Engineers – each requiring a unique set of skills and experience.
Finding the ideal cloud role requires you to assess your own strengths and interests, then match them with those required by various roles. If you possess strong technical abilities and enjoy problem-solving, a role as a Cloud Engineer or Developer could be ideal. On the other hand, if communication and leadership abilities are your forte, a role as Cloud Architect or Project Manager could be more suitable.
Ultimately, the ideal cloud role is one that matches your skills, experience and interests and allows you to make a significant contribution to the organization.
Takeaway by Taikun!
The advent of cloud computing has spawned a wide range of new job descriptions due to its impact on how businesses handle data storage, management, and processing. Opportunities for professional development and progress abound in any cloud-related field, including cloud architect, cloud engineer, cloud administrator, and cloud developer. If you have the knowledge and expertise, you can help businesses reap the benefits of cloud computing and play a significant part in developing future technologies.
