Cloud Computing

Cloud ComputingExactly what and where is this cloud everyone’s talking about? The imagery that comes to mind, of course, is a big puffy floating body of white mist. And, while that is a cloud, it’s not the cloud everyone is referring to.

Most people have used this cloud technology without realizing it. For example, if you’ve downloaded software from a vendor website or bought something online, you have most likely been to the cloud.

Traditionally, companies have spent loads of money buying hardware on which to store company data. If you’ve ever visited an IT department you may have seen racks of big black boxes with lots of blinking lights. In short, those rows of boxes were where the company data was stored.

Data systems like these require periodic and expensive updates, as well as constant monitoring for damage, temperature control, power failures, security, and more.

Companies who move their information to the cloud essentially give all of those responsibilities to the service provider. In addition, they are able to access their data via the internet or network connection. So, the company’s data is accessible anywhere.

How cloud computing will change the industry

Three Types of Cloud Computing

The three types of Cloud Computing are:

(Iaas) Infrastructure as a Service (AKA utility computing): This is where companies or individuals buy raw computer hardware over the internet. An example would be web-hosting services.

(SaaS) Software as a Service: This is where you would use a complete application running on someone else’s service. An example would be using web-based email or Google documents.

(PaaS) Platform as a Service: This is where you develop an application using web-based tools so they run on someone else’s software and hardware. An example would be software such as salesforce.com.

Benefits of the Cloud

There are many benefits to cloud computing such as:

  • Information is managed for you by the service provider, including security, backups, and all of the issues included with data storage. In addition, the service provider takes all of the responsibility such as virus protection, hard drive crashes and more.
  • You can buy only what you need, which reduces capital investment costs. Additionally, storage and software can be purchased on a subscription basis.
  • No periodic updating of expensive equipment—that too is the responsibility of the service provider.
  • Services are on-demand:
    • Add or remove services virtually instantly
    • 24/7 accessibility via the internet or network set up
  • Cloud computing is both for public and private use:
    • Web-based email and free services like the ones Google offers are examples of public services
    • The company intranet is an example of private service

Cloud Industry Forecast

Cloud computing and cloud technology is growing at a phenomenal pace. Below are a few forecasts regarding the growth of cloud computing:

According to Gartner, Inc., worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is forecasted to grow 18% in 2021 to total $304.9 billion, up from $257.5 billion in 2020.

It is reported that 94% of enterprises already use a cloud service and 66% of them have a central cloud team in place. In addition, 50% of enterprises spend more than $1.2 million on cloud services annually (Galov, 2021).image of data storage towers in the cloud

Cloud Careers

The cloud computing industry is booming, which means there is an increase in demand in that job market. Therefore, considering a job in this field may be a worthwhile goal.

There is and will continue to be a shortage of cloud computing experts

Some of the technical skills that may be required for a cloud computing career are:

  • SQL and MySQL Database languages
  • Linux
  • DevOps software development
  • Systems Automation
  • Python,
  • Ruby on Rails
  • Software quality assurance
  • Information Security (CIPPS certification)
  • Project management

An advanced career will require some additional skills such as:

  • Project management skills
  • Vendor negotiations
  • Business and financial skills
  • Security and compliance/security protocols/mandates and regulations (such as Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA)
  • Data integration and analytical skills
  • Mobile app development and management

These skills can be obtained at CCI Training Center through the Cloud Technology Administration program. The school offers three specialized tracks in the cloud technology field. Additionally, CCI offers career services to help students find employment after their program completion.

In conclusion, more and more companies are moving their data and other services to the cloud. As a result, companies will need skilled professionals to manage their cloud computing needs. Therefore, this may be a good time to start looking into a career in this fast-moving industry.


nichole schmitt it instructor CCI training center information bio

https://hostingtribunal.com/blog/cloud-adoption-statistics/#gref

https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-11-17-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-public-cloud-end-user-spending-to-grow-18-percent-in-2021

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