With cloud computing becoming a key part of enterprise IT strategy, we're starting to hear about a shortage of cloud-relevant skills.
We've often discussed the serious shortfall in qualified enterprise architects and data scientists, but according to an IDC report for Microsoft, cloud computing skills are at a premium, too. And it's a problem that's not easily tractable, says IDC:
Unlike IT skill shortages in the past, solving this skills gap is extremely challenging, given that cloud brings a new set of skills, which haven't been needed in the past. There is no one-size-fits-all set of criteria for jobs in cloud computing.
It's estimated that some 1.7 million cloud-related vacancies couldn't be filled in 2012 because of a lack of qualified applicants. The demand is predicted to grow to 7 million vacancies worldwide by 2015.
When you have IT professionals unable to find work, it certainly sounds like re-training is needed. But, of course, it's not that easy. Because of the collaborative nature of cloud computing, IT specialists are being called on to emerge from their silos and broaden their skills sets.
Operations and development teams need to converge. In addition to writing code, cloud specialists need to display "softer skills" -- for example, the ability to engage in a dialog on business needs. In addition to technical expertise, IT pros who want to establish themselves as cloud specialists should have management and interpersonal skills, skills in process management, market understanding, and financial literacy.
For anyone used to spending forty hours a week pulling levers, that's quite a challenge.
Cloud computing is not just a disruptive force for the enterprise in general; it's also disruptive for IT departments, calling into question separation between functions, the adequacy of skills sets, and -- as much as mobile -- encouraging other departments to make an end run around IT by setting up DIY (or rogue) cloud deployments.
Opportunities in cloud computing are clearly going to be plentiful for IT pros with the savvy to expand their horizons and adapt their skills. Certificates are going to come in handy too: CompTIA's Cloud Essentials and the Cloud Security Alliance's narrower Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge are possible options.
The interconnectedness of cloud computing certainly requires that the developers look at both business and technical issues. But I think any IT developer worth the name should have already developed skills in both areas. Not that a pure programmer type who can work to spec isn't an invaluable commodity; but without some vision of the whole project and how the pieces play together that programmer will have limited growth. Those who rise to the top in Cloud computing will be the same ones who would rise to the top within other models.
It's been my observation for a while that cloud requires as much -- or more -- business skills as technology skills. With cloud, IT spends its time managing business relationship with providers rather than wrangling technology directly. Good to see this study supporting my observation.
Does the shortage lie primarily in technical or the softer skills that you cite, Kim? Are companies stepping up to train their existing staff on cloud -- something that, as you say, is challenging while professionals continue taking care of their existing responsibilities. I'd love to hear some ThinkerNetters' experiences as they've transitioned into the cloud, either at their current or a new job.
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