Cloud Computing

A career in cloud computing is one of the new career options in the IT sector which has bright job prospects. Cloud computing, or the cloud, is a colloquial expression used to describe a variety of different types of computing concepts that involve a large number of computers connected through a real-time communication network such as the Internet. In simple words, the term 'cloud computing' refer to performing computer tasks using services delivered entirely over the Internet.

Cloud computing is the latest technology that is set to make lives easier for people working in the tech-giant organizations and the IT sector, who keep dealing with vast amount of data and information on a regular basis. Cloud computing technology is all set to revolutionize the IT industry in India as well as abroad, and also the lives of people working with it. Cloud computing consists of hardware and software resources made available on the Internet as managed third-party services. Cloud computing means a type of Internet-based computing, where different services such as servers, storage and applications are delivered to an organization's computers and devices through the Internet. In cloud computing, large pools of computer systems share an IT infrastructure, enabling products, services and solutions to be accessed and consumed in real-time over the Internet, typically via a subscription model. This technology allows for much more efficient computing by centralizing storage, memory, processing and bandwidth.

The cloud computing focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of the shared resources. Today both private and government institutions have to spend huge amount for resources like hardware, servers, software licenses, computer memory, etc. The main advantage of cloud computing is that users can just connect to the 'cloud' (a network of shared resources), perform their usual functions and pay only for the resources they have used. Thus they can avoid the huge investments made to store data and perform various applications. Cloud computing reduce maintenance and hardware upgrading needs; because the solutions are all Web-based. They need only a computer and a dedicated Internet connection to develop/run applications. Let us quote a simple example for this: Web-based email services like Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail deliver cloud computing service, users can access their email from any computer with a browser and Internet connection. The emails are hosted on Yahoo, Google's and Microsoft's servers, rather than being stored locally on the client computer.

Another advantage of Cloud computing is that all your software and applications update automatically. At the same time you are least bothered about the technical problems related to storage and it is not necessary to hire many IT professionals to manage the infrastructure. Cloud computing is also considered as a secure service, the reason is even if your hard disk has any problem or laptop get lost your data is safe.

Cloud computing helps in logging in to the computer applications you desire. Cloud computing services include software solutions provided over the Internet, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), virtual server storage (Infrastructure-as-a-Service or IaaS), such as Amazon Web Services, and software and product development tools (Platform-as-a-Service or PaaS), such as Google Apps. Major cloud computing providers include Amazon, Yahoo and Google.

Eligibility

The best way to start your career in Cloud Computing is by earning Cloud Computing certifications. Those with degree in engineering, computer science or related field can enter the field easily. Knowledge of and experience with technologies such as Java, Web services is required.

However, anyone with basic knowledge of computers & the Internet can join the first module (basic course). Aspirants with programming skills in .NET or J2EE (JAVA 2 platform Enterprise Edition) may enroll for the second & third modules in Cloud computing.

Aptech, NIIT provide certification courses in Cloud Computing. IBM and IIJT, Bangalore too have started courses on Cloud Computing along with a few other institutes that are aiming to train cloud architects and cloud computing professionals for the near future.

Personal skills required in this field include problem-solving skills, communication skills, ability to work as a team or team management skill, project management skills etc. They should be able to develop innovative ideas.

Job prospects

There is huge potential and scope of growth in the market for this upcoming technology- Cloud Computing. People with training and experience in information technology, computer science, software engineering, and related fields can find job opportunities in Cloud computing. They can enter the field by attending cloud computing training programmes and workshops. Some of the jobs in Cloud computing field are that of cloud architects, cloud developers and cloud security specialists. Those with training and experience can find employment with Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, Google, Hewlett Packard and many more. Even companies like VMware and Cloud Sigma provide employment to those professionals with cloud computing skills.

Institutes

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