Companies now have the ability to access their platforms, databases and software remotely through the cloud. The pandemic has also accelerated the use of the cloud, with the reliance of video conferencing software and communication platforms for remote work.
Therefore, companies are increasingly seeking Cloud Engineers and Architects. Here are some of the top skills required if you are looking for a job in this area.
1. Cloud Service Providers
Cloud Service Providers offer end to end services for cloud computing, including storage, networking, security, migration etc. AWS and Microsoft Azure are two of the most common Cloud Service Providers, with AWS currently holding the number one position. Other cloud providers include GCP and OpenStack. Each of these cloud service providers have their own strengths. For example, AWS is useful in infrastructure, Microsoft Azure excels in software and GCP offers easy integration with other vendor products.
2. Programming
Programming is an essential skill for any software developer, including cloud architects, engineers and administrators. Programming languages that are suitable for cloud-based software includes Java, JavaScript, Python, Go and .Net. For database programming, SQL, NoSQL & Linux would be suitable.
3. Networking
Networking is a critical skill for cloud engineers because centralised computing resources are shared through the cloud. Therefore, cloud engineers should be familiar with network fundamentals and virtual networks.
4. Cloud Security
The Cloud is particularly vulnerable to attacks and compromises, which can have a devastating impact on businesses. Therefore being skilled in Cloud Security is extremely important. Businesses need to protect their data and applications in the cloud and adopt preventative measures to trace unexpected threats and be able to respond quickly.
5. Databases
Traditionally databases were stored in physical data centres and managed locally. However, they are now moving to and running in cloud-based environments. The cloud provides a convenient and cost-friendly solution, enabling vast volumes of data to be stored, along with on-demand access from multiple connected devices, which also reduces the dependence on computer hard drives. Therefore, it is essential that cloud engineers have the skills to manage cloud databases.
6. Virtualisation
Virtualisation involves running applications on virtual machines, rather than depending on hardware which may face problems when scaling. Virtualisation plays an important role in making fault tolerable resources available to organisations. Therefore, experience of EC2 or Lambda is a must for cloud professionals.
7. Storage
Data is at the heart of cloud computing, therefore it is essential that cloud professionals understand how and where to store it. Cloud storage allows a company’s data to be stored and accessed from multiple, distributed and connected resources. There are different types of storage, which differ depending on accessibility, cost and reliability.
8. Data migration
There are two main types of data migration to the cloud;
- Moving an old application from an onsite server to the cloud
- Moving from one cloud platform to another
Moving software applications from a data centre to the cloud is not as straightforward as it sounds. To successfully migrate data, cloud professionals need to carry out a thorough assessment beforehand. They must also be able to assess and map out their infrastructure, understand each cloud platform’s process for data migration and indicate where data has been moved to – all while ensuring that nothing is lost during the process.
9. Containers
Containerisation involves abstracting applications from one another in the cloud, making applications easy to deploy on the cloud. Therefore, having knowledge and experience in today’s most popular container technologies, such as Docker and Kubernetes will increase your chances of securing a role in Cloud Engineering.
10. Linux
Linux is an open source operating system that offers features such as easy customisation and security. The demand for cloud professionals who can design, build, deploy, maintain and administer Linux-based servers is on the rise. Linux powers most of the webpages and apps that is used today.
If you are looking for your next role as a Cloud Engineer, check out our jobs page.
Written by Michelle Corry