Cloud-based computing has risen exponentially in popularity in recent times, with potential clients enjoying a growing choice of cloud service providers. Notable in the ranks of high-profile providers are Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud Services. Amazon’s cloud provider is Amazon Web Services, or AWS, and is arguably the largest of the service providers.
As more and more business concerns transition from the more traditional ‘brick and mortar’ business methods to internet-based technology, so are their computing and data storage habits changing – from the traditional data-centric operation to cloud-based operation.
Career opportunities in cloud technology
As the way we do business changes, the need for specialists in new technology grows to support new business methods and patterns of operation. Given the exponential rise in cloud-based operation, a broad range of career paths are opening up in cloud technology. For those contemplating a move into this rapidly expanding world, the range of online courses and following a cloud learning path at ACG is worthy of investigation.
The cloud computing market is big business
A recent research study shows that the cloud computing market had a global net worth of $321 billion USD in 2019. That net worth is expected to reach $1025.9 billion USD by 2026. In real terms, the market’s compound annual growth is expected to be 18% from 2019 to 2027.
Put in more simplistic terms, the cloud computing market is big business, so too are the employment opportunities.
With commercial operations presently undergoing a major transformation in the way they carry out business, the demand for a wide range of IT and cloud experts is growing steadily. So what types of jobs are available?
The answer is there is an extremely broad range of specialist options when you consider the complexities of the cloud computing market. The first key area is in software and related development, with jobs ranging from developers to systems architects and DevOps engineers. System security forms an integral part of the market, and security experts and data specialists are in high demand.
Many companies are embarking on a “cloud migration” process as the market evolves. This entails the cutover from traditional hardware and infrastructure to a cloud-based operating system. As a result, employment opportunities for suitably trained systems administrators, IT and data migration specialists are opening up.
The complementary field of machine learning and artificial intelligence offers further opportunities.
How should I start?
Firstly, there is no better time to make a start than now. A typical learning path will begin by introducing a prospective candidate to the structure and dynamics of the major cloud providers – typically Amazon Web Service (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform – before moving into more specialist streams.
Summary
Cloud computing is a significant growth industry that is opening up demand for specialist staff and operators. It perhaps also represents a platform to transition further into leading-edge industries involved with machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Weighing up the present and future potential, it represents a lucrative long-term market for a new starter to immerse themselves in and to begin a potentially rewarding career.