Many companies are starting to realize the importance of having experts in the cloud field in a company, along with the increasing use of cloud technology in accelerating the realization of digital transformation in these companies.
This is in contrast to research findings, which show that 90 percent of corporate IT policymakers report low skill of their employees in the cloud field.
Currently, there is a growing need for professionals in the IT field who have expertise in cloud architecture and are good at planning, designing, developing, migrating, and operating applications in the cloud.
We can say that the role of the cloud architect is almost non-existent. However, since the rapid adoption of the cloud, the role of cloud architect has become a target and is expected to continue to bring many new opportunities for business growth and innovation in companies.
What are the tasks of a cloud architect?
A cloud architect is responsible for managing the cloud computing architecture in an organization.
They must have in-depth knowledge of the technical principles of architecture and services used to develop cloud strategies, ensure continuity of system migration to the cloud, review workloads on architectures, and issue guidance on how to address high-risk issues.
To be able to do this, a cloud architect must have a high understanding of business, technical, and interpersonal skills. In addition, they are expected to be able to provide technical training that is continuously updated so that they can keep up with the times.
A character like this is very important to have because the role of a cloud architect is no longer limited to designing infrastructure solutions such as databases and storage. Today, building and creating today’s reliable solutions equipped with cutting-edge technologies, such as machine learning, is also the job of a cloud architect.
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What skills are most needed in a cloud architect?
1. Flexible and have a high desire to learn
A cloud architect must be able to work in all working conditions and be open to learning about new things that characterize each project and customer they deal with.
The high desire to continue honing their skills, be it for those who are beginners or those who already have long working hours, will certainly help them in making guidelines for each organization.
A cloud architect who has a high sense of curiosity will have a wider provision in presenting solutions to any problems that occur.
2. Time management
Cloud architects must be able to manage their time well. Their daily activities are always dynamic: meeting with customers, business trips, writing scripts, preparing migration plans, deepening their knowledge of new features through online training, and doing troubleshooting.
Everything is done in order to solve the various problems and needs faced by each customer. Therefore, a cloud architect must make daily plans based on priorities and understand very well how to maximize their work within their limited time.
3. Proficiency in communication and high business sense
There are many parties involved in a company’s cloud journey, from budget providers, security teams, and technical teams, to decision makers about cloud provisioning in companies.
Therefore, a cloud architect is expected to be proactively involved in every meeting regarding this matter and always be ready to communicate their design plans to all interested parties in the company.
Successful cloud architects are those who understand how to convey messages to an audience with minimal or no technical knowledge, while how they align recommendations with company needs in achieving the growth they want to achieve.
4. Quick in making decisions
Oftentimes, cloud architects are the ones that stakeholders look up to when they need solutions to the problems they face. It is important for a cloud architect to be able to provide a clear and unequivocal perspective.
This is a guarantee that not only are these problems in the right hands to be handled properly, but also that the cloud solutions that have been recommended by cloud architects are safe, robust, affordable, and have excellent operations.
Quick in making decisions does not necessarily mean dominating. Cloud architects need to be able to provide guidance with ease, thereby demonstrating that they know what they do.
5. Technical prowess in the industry
A cloud architect must also have the technical expertise that forms the foundation of cloud architecture planning and management. These skills include basic programming, software development and continuous system integration, databases, network and security expertise, architecture expertise that supports modern applications, and many other technical skills.
In recent years, we have watched the development of cloud computing, from a relatively foreign technology to become one of the driving pillars of business. Although technology itself has changed a lot, most of the skills needed to be successful in this field have remained the same.
It takes a high level of commitment to understand how to optimize the potential of the cloud and empower them to make the most of it.
Educational Path
To establish a strong foundation, most cloud architects pursue degrees in:
- Computer Science.
- Information Technology.
- Software Engineering.
Key Topics to Master:
- Language of programming such as Python, java or c sharp.
- TCP/IP in networks, VPNs.
- Examples include Linux, Linux Unix and Windows server operating systems..
- For learners who never obtained their degrees, there are other ways: online boot camps, MOOCs and topical courses. Services such as edX and Coursera host complete courses on cloud fundamentals through to more specializing areas.
Building Technical Expertise
One of the first things that a cloud architect requires is a range of technical competencies. Here’s a breakdown of the core areas:
Cloud Platforms
- AWS (Amazon Web Services): Practice on services like EC2, S3, Lambda etc.
- Microsoft Azure: The following is a list of Services that should be targeted: Azure compute services, Storage and AI services.
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Understand BigQuery Compute Engine & Kubernetes.
Networking Concepts
- Master VPN, DNS, and load balancing.
- That means comprehending what network security entails, firewalls, and intrusion detection.
Programming Languages
- That is why many developers utilize Python for cloud automation.
- As far as voice and data are concerned, their programming languages, such as Java and C#, are mandatory for developing cloud applications.
DevOps Tools
- Learn about containerization, a key aspect of a microservices architecture through a technology known as Docker, and container orchestrations through Kubernetes.
- Learn about using Jenkins or GitLab by practicing CI/CD pipelines for your projects.
Gaining Certifications
Certifications give confidence in your competence and make you more preferable in the employers’ labor market. Some top certifications include:
AWS® Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
This certification is perfect for newbies; it tests the candidate on the needed fundamentals of AWS architecture and principles to be followed when designing a cloud solution.
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
This advanced certification is for persons who implement and manage Microsoft Azure-based solutions.
The Google Professional Cloud Architect
Specifically, this certification is oriented in Google Cloud and highlights the overall development of solutions that are more flexible and secure.
Besides, there are multi-cloud certifications that one can be certified on such as CompTIA Certified Cloud Architect.
About The Career
Cloud architects are believed to have promising prospects by increasing the need for cloud services in technology companies. In addition, many businesses are realizing the importance of the cloud in storing and accessing data on a large scale.
This means that the need for human resources in this field continues to increase.
Cloud architects who have professional certifications can generally work in cloud service provider companies themselves, such as AWS and Google Cloud Platform.
In addition, many medical companies have targeted cloud architects to help them map and design solutions for their systems.
For example, to map the genome and predict disease from its symptoms. Companies engaged in traveling or entertainment, such as Traveloka and Netflix, also need a cloud architect to host their services.
Strengths and Limitations of This Work
Common challenges include:
- Complex technologies or technologies that are rapidly developing, hence the need for upgrades.
- How to address questions of security and usability of cloud solutions at the same time?
- Reducing cost proportion whilst doing infrastructure development.
Tips for Success:
- Spending time with practical sessions through lab sessions and project works should also be made.
- Put together a group of contacts that can guide and assist you as you grow in the industry.
- Ensure you go through your certifications now and then to remain updated.
Conclusion
Cloud architecting is a gratifying process that allows transferring or developing independently complex knowledge in an IT field, showing problem-solving skills, and drawing for further self-education. The cloud job market is predicted to boom in the near future with a sharper increase of cloud professionals demand – this is a perfect time to jump into this field.
If you stick to this path and remain persistent, you will be a successful cloud architect as well as one of the designers of the future for cloud technology.
