Cloud computing has taken the market by storm and is completely consuming it. Where a few years ago, the businesses were sitting on the fence with their doubts and apprehensions about this new-age technology, more and more organizations are now embracing the goodness of the cloud. This is in turn leading to an emergence of newer careers and a paradigm shift in the job market.
So, what is Cloud computing in the first place?
Before we discuss the opportunities thrown open by cloud computing, it will be worthwhile to take a step back and understand what it is all about and how it has grown to such large proportions in the market. The Cloud basically gives you unlimited virtual storage space on the internet to store, process and manage your data via a network of servers located remotely as opposed to the traditional methods of storing and managing on a physical hard drive. Such an arrangement liberates individuals as well as organizations from having to use discretion in storing large data. The other big advantage is the elimination of the risk of losing data due to any technical or other glitches.
The journey of the cloud so far: its benefits to an organization explained
The adoption of cloud services (SaaS) has grown manifold in the past three years from a mere 11% in 2011 to a whopping 72% in 2014. And, this trend is expected to grow at a CAGR of 66%.
The cloud which initially started simply as a storage space has evolved to offer a plethora of internet services leading to a paradigm shift in how companies perceived it. Not only large businesses, but even mid-sized and smaller firms are beginning to realize the immense growth potential offered by the cloud services. Let’s consider a few of the many benefits that the cloud-based services offer organizations today:
Unhindered accessibility: Data stored on a cloud is not restricted to a physical space and hence can be accessed from any user location making it highly flexible and convenient to use. This has a cascading effect on the productivity of employees since they can connect to the cloud from anywhere and work virtually from any location.
Scalability and elasticity: The cloud gives an organization the freedom to scale up and down its resources as needed and also empowers the organization to handle an unexpected or sudden increase in load.
Reduced risks and cost effective: By migrating to the cloud the companies can put an end to a constant worry of losing crucial and sensitive data to virus attacks or a hard-drive crash. Also, since the resources are shared and charged as per use, the costs to the company are optimized.
Better security: While there was an initial reluctance to cloud migration by certain industries (like health care and government) with respect to security and privacy threat to sensitive data, the presence of advanced security measures and technology that enables users to customize and upgrade their security levels has allayed fears of misuse of data.
How is the cloud set to affect the job market?
Statistics reveals that services (SaaS-Software as a service) that are cloud-based will generate 14 million jobs around the world, of which 1.2 million would be in U.S. and Canada alone.
As more companies are embracing the cloud, it is a natural consequence that the kind of jobs that will be in demand in future will be the ones that require the knowledge of cloud computing. As put by Tony Asro, CEO of INI group, rather than seeing this as a threat to the current job holders, one can take it as an opportunity to upgrade one’s skills, seize a growing opportunity to rule the roost and earn better.
A strong technical background, knowledge of programming languages and an aptitude for analysis are a few criteria to make a mark in the cloud computing arena.
If you are already bitten by the cloud bug or looking to test the waters, you could look at the following (a few among many more) career options:
A cloud architect: This would mean someone who can head the implementation and development of cloud services and make sure they are secure, reliable, scalable, and, in general meet the objectives of the company.
A career in cloud sales: Depending upon your skill-set you could look at being a cloud sales executive, manager or a consultant whose primary task would be to develop and expand business that is outsourced by collaborating with high-level executives.
A cloud storage or security specialist: A cloud storage specialist would be someone that would look into providing storage solutions, offering the best of technologies that are suited to meet client requirements. A cloud security specialist would be responsible to take care of the security aspect of the clients, providing the best security services and suggestions to ensure that the client data is not lost and is free from any unauthorized access, and threats in the cyberspace.
Big Data Analytics: Large volumes of data and mushrooming of businesses driven by insights gleaned from the data makes analytics one of the most attractive cloud-based career options. A big data analyst understands the nature of data, applies relevant analytics, and gathers logical insights therefrom to tailor best suited business scenario for an organization.
We hope this gives you a general idea about the scope of cloud computing. Feel free to contact us to know more.
Cloud computing and the emergence of new careers
previous post