From a futuristic expansion strategy to the reality of doing business, cloud computing has undoubtedly taken a 360-degree since the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown, business breakdown, scattered workforce and revenue loss compelled enterprises to adopt the cloud, and now, there is no turning back.
Why Cloud?
Is it possible to practice a traditional setup in the future? While the answer to this question remains a point of discussion for decision-makers, enterprises have understood the role of the cloud in workforce management and business growth. Cloud is the future.
Cloud offers tremendous benefits, including effectiveness, workforce management, flexibility, security, cost reduction, reliability, data privacy and disaster management.
However, not every enterprise can transition and implement cloud technology at an organization level, especially the more prominent business moguls. Before opting cloud, analyzing organizational resources and team capabilities is essential.
A Peek Into the Cloud Computing Market
The Cloud industry is thriving, and public cloud computing is expected to reach an estimated USD 482 billion in 2022 globally. This comprises business processes, platforms, infrastructure, software, management, security, and advertising services.
The Role of Cloud Computing Service Providers
To implement cloud technology securely, it is essential to take help from an expert. Cloud service providers take care of the end-to-end process and reduce overall implementation costs.
With cloud computing service providers, businesses only need to invest in operating expenditure (OpEx) rather than capital expenditure (CapEx).
Cloud technology service providers are responsible for understanding business cloud needs and providing the best-suited solution, team training and operational issue management.
This allows companies to avoid larger IT budget increases, faster cloud strategy execution and revenue generation.
With an increase in the cloud infrastructure and technology worldwide, the need for cloud professionals & experts has increased tremendously. Cloud engineers and service providers are needed at each cloud tech implementation and maintenance step.
In-demand Cloud Computing Skills
Some of the in-demand cloud computing skills in 2021 are:
- Cloud service platform expertise: understanding CSP marketplace, software & tools.
- Programming languages: knowledge of programming languages, such as Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, NoSQL & Linux.
- Application programming interfaces (APIs): knowledge of coding APIs and the links to integrate workloads into the cloud.
- Database management: skills that extend beyond traditional database management.
- Network management: Knowledge of networking basics and integrating cloud services with the underpinned networks.
- Development and operations (DevOps): Knowledge of harmonizing and integrating development and operations activities throughout the entire service lifecycle, including design, the development process and production support.
- Machine learning and AI: You should grasp the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Cloud security: Knowledge of both the storage and retrieval of data plus firewall.
- Automation: Well-versed in the mechanics of a business’s cloud architecture and components essential for automation
- Analytics: Expertise in metrics and analytics-specific cloud services.
Apart from the skills mentioned above, the expertise of cloud computing professionals differs for each cloud service model and deployment method. So, it is essential to keep a tap on the emerging cloud market trend and constantly upscale.
What are Different Cloud Service Models?
There are five types of cloud service models primarily, namely:
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
- Platform as a service (PaaS)
- Software as a service (SaaS)
- Mobile “backend” as a service (MBaaS)
- Serverless computing or Function-as-a-Service (FaaS)
Primarily there are 4 types of cloud computing deployment methods used to implement the above-listed service models, namely:
- Private Cloud
- Public Cloud
- Hybrid Cloud
- Multi-Cloud
The accelerating demand for the cloud has also given rise to several next-gen cloud technologies & skills, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Mobile Supercomputing
- Internet of Things
- Big Data
However, while the world is getting a digital transformation, enterprises are looking for the most humane touch at every digital touchpoint. The result is increased demand for committed, not just talented, talents. Besides skill expertise, businesses need cloud computing professionals who can go the extra mile to take the lead, provide custom solutions, maintain the human touch and increase reliability. After all, we are trying to be digitally savvy, not robots.
Future of Cloud computing is Bright
Although cloud computing is at a very early stage of adoption, its future looks shiny. Today, the cloud has become an essential workforce and business requirement, forcing companies towards quicker implementation.
With more businesses taking the cloud route, the usage and demand of cloud computing technologies, professionals and service providers will surely increase.
Cloud is the latest trend, and it is here to stay.