cloud computing training what's right for me

Copyright CloudTek University 2015

Cloud Computing Training: What’s Right For Me

Cloud Computing is an information technology gold rush. Everything from social media and

smart phones to streaming video and additive games come from the cloud. This revolution has

also driven many to wonder how they can retool themselves to take advantage of this massive

shift. Many in IT see the technology as an opportunity to accelerate their careers but in their

attempt to navigate their cloud computing future, the question of what type of training, vendor-

neutral or vendor-specific, is right for them

It’s important to get an answer to this question now because according to Forbes, there are 3.9

million jobs associated with cloud computing today. The median salary for cloud computing

professionals is $90,950 and according to many references, there is a shortage of qualified people

to fill those positions.

"Cloud-related skills represent virtually all the growth opportunities in IT employment

worldwide and demand for cloud-related positions will grow by 26 percent annually through

2015." (http://www.cmswire.com/cms/information-management/tackling-the-cloud-skills-

shortage-027750.php). As an example, 56 percent of European IT departments cannot find

qualified staff to effectively support cloud projects. Moreover, 61 percent are struggling to up-

skill their employees to effectively evaluate cloud service providers. And, 70 percent still need to

learn how to make effective use of automation, self-service, and basic orchestration tools.

(http://www.cloudcomputing-news.net/news/2014/sep/18/how-to-overcome-the-cloud-savvy-it-

talent-shortage/). Currently, there are 18,239,258 cloud computing jobs worldwide, 40.8% of

which are located in China.

http://www.cmswire.com/cms/information-management/tackling-the-cloud-skills-shortage-027750.php

http://www.cmswire.com/cms/information-management/tackling-the-cloud-skills-shortage-027750.php

http://www.cloudcomputing-news.net/news/2014/sep/18/how-to-overcome-the-cloud-savvy-it-talent-shortage/

http://www.cloudcomputing-news.net/news/2014/sep/18/how-to-overcome-the-cloud-savvy-it-talent-shortage/


There are two types of emerging cloud computing careers: IT pros with specific cloud skills and

IT admins with cloud architecture know-how.

How Do I Choose

Companies that require vendor-specific cloud computing or development skills are typically

already committed to a specific cloud provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS),

Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform. These are typically team member positions, tied to

emerging DevOps automation tools and processes and usually in newly formed enterprise

groups. These roles require a depth of technical knowledge in very specific vendor capabilities

and account for the majority of cloud computing jobs today.

In the last year, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure have shown stronger growth rates,

exceeding that of AWS in some respects. This led to more job openings that focus on Google and

Microsoft, a trend that will likely continue as enterprises use a mix of public cloud providers.

However, IBM, HP, Verizon and CenturyLink are still in the mix, generating demand for jobs

related to their own cloud platforms.

Vendor-neutral cloud training teaches best practices and principles that helps organizations

develop and execute strategies that meet the enterprise’s business needs. Since a shift to cloud

computing is a complete business transformation, it also requires changes in people, processes,

and technologies. These are typically team leader positions, that also demand associated

industry experience and a breath of technical knowledge.

Vendor specific certifications takes you down the educational path that the vendor believes is the

minimum required to support their product at that level. A vendor-neutral certification leads you

http://searchcloudprovider.techtarget.com/news/2240231442/Microsoft-Cloud-Solution-Provider-program-gains-business-model-options

http://searchaws.techtarget.com/news/2240223514/AWS-certification-process-calls-for-experience-in-the-trenches

http://searchcloudprovider.techtarget.com/feature/The-need-for-cloud-computing-skills-altering-service-provider-IT-jobs


to study the fundamental issues of that field, enabling a broader understanding of the

environment within which the products operate.

The answer to which type of certification is best for you, depends on where you are in your

career and where you want to go.

Vendor-neutral certifications can take a long time and may be more expensive than vendor-

specific training. This is because vendor often subsidize training on their own products with

money made from selling their actual products. This sort of training also tends to be too forward

thinking, focusing on the company's newest products and neglecting older versions that are still

in use. These certifications also focus on the vendor's terms rather than industry accepted

terminology.

Vendor-neutral certifications are best for people breaking into the cloud computing field. It is

also good for people seeking corporate or industry leadership roles since the training is widely

applicable. These certifications provide an external validation of a baseline standard of

knowledge and helps in establishing a common set of experiences when dealing with others in

the broader industry or field.

Business executives also tend to hire people with a better understanding of the technologies

behind devices like firewalls, rather than picking a person certified in a specific firewalls.They

would rather have someone that understands the how and why behind the use of a technology,

rather than know how to set up and use one particular vendor's product.

A recent ComputerWorld article echoes this sentiment by saying that companies aren't looking

for any single skill when hiring people to work on cloud projects. Rather, they're seeking

technologists who are familiar with a variety of programming languages and various platforms,

often preferring those with experience in multiple areas over people with a laser-focus in just one

discipline. (http://www.computerworld.com/article/2489794/cloud-computing/10-hot-cloud-

computing-skills.html)

According to Kyle Hilgendorf, research director at Gartner Inc., and James Staten, principal

analyst at Forrester Research, cloud architects that have broad cloud computing knowledge are

becoming vital assets for companies.

“[A cloud architect] has to have a good understanding of IT service management or IT

operations management so, for example, things like ITIL-based processes and practices, change

management, configuration management, incident [management], asset deployment, problem

resolution.”

Other key skills include vendor management and finance, integration, enterprise architecture and

procurement.

http://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/definition/ITIL


“People that are in some of the traditional roles [can] become the cloud architect -- whether that's

a traditional enterprise architect or someone from operations. However, they may not see the

cloud as an opportunity for career growth [but] as a threat to their job. And as a result they'll be

resistant to it and come up with a million excuses about why the organization can't move to the

cloud. But they need to shift that mentality, because one of the things we have found in

organizations that move aggressively to the cloud is that people who get on board with the

program end up with a job that's more relevant to the company, more relevant to the business and

better for their career. The people that don't make this transition are the ones who dig their heels

in, don't want to change their skill sets and don't want to embrace new things -- and that's always

been a recipe for disaster in IT. … So, the IT leaders, CIOs, VPs -- anyone who manages people

-- need to help their employees see their career path so that those people don't become resistors.”

(http://searchcio.techtarget.com/answer/What-specific-skills-should-a-successful-cloud-architect-

have)

Companies with cloud architect positions seek people who can define the cloud -- from business

requirements to the actual cloud deployment. These jobs tend to be with companies that have yet

to define their path to the cloud and need some assistance. They may be defining the use of

existing private and public clouds, or building clouds from the ground up

Typically posted as "cloud solution architect" or "cloud architect," cloud architecture jobs require

strategic knowledge of most cloud computing technology and providers, as well as the ability to

form those clouds to fit enterprise goals or needs. Cloud architecture candidates should have

enterprise architecture and/or service-oriented architecture experience, with some knowledge of

proper cloud computing technology use. Salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000 annually,

depending on location and experience. Consulting firms typically pay the most, but these jobs

require a great deal of travel, and you can bet your dance card will be full.

(http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/feature/Are-you-on-the-right-cloud-computing-

career-path)

CloudTek University Overview

CloudTek University is a unique platform that marries “Just-in-Time” professional cloud

computing education with contemporary and relevant insight and information. This blend is

critical to enabling the balanced and informed viewpoint needed for cutting through all the cloud

computing hype. The following specialized learning paths are available online from CloudTek:

http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/feature/Are-you-on-the-right-cloud-computing-career-path

http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/feature/Are-you-on-the-right-cloud-computing-career-path


Cloud Basics

The Cloud Basics learning path gives you the

baseline you need to participate in initial

business and technology discussions. It covers

cloud computing essential characteristics, cloud

service and deployment models, business use

cases and benefits and cloud computing

challenges and concerns. This is for you if you

need a quick start without the vendor hype.

What Is Cloud Computing

Traditional Computing Challenges & Concerns

Cloud Computing Benefits

Cloud Computing Challenges & Inhibitors

Cloud Use Cases And Examples

Cloud Computing Frameworks

Cloud Technology

Were you just assigned to lead a cloud transition

effort? The Cloud Technology learning path will

help you hit the ground running. It covers cloud

computing basics and the underlying

technologies that combine to make cloud

transformative. Virtualization, technology

standards, application migration and pilot

selection are all covered.

Cloud Technology Components

Virtualization

Cloud Applications

Cloud Computing Standards

Architecting For Cloud Transition


Cloud Operations

Cloud Computing is all about IT services

operations. The Cloud Operations learning path

focuses on this aspect by addressing the basics

plus operational requirements, operations

support models and IT service management

essentials.

Operational Requirements

Cloud Service Brokerage

Cloud Operations Support Models

IT Service Management

Implementing Cloud Services

Implementing IT Governance

Cloud Buyers Decision Tree

Cloud Interoperability And Portability

Cloud Technology Professional Certification Prep

Cloud professionals seeking professional certification

will get tremendous value from this learning path. After

presenting technology, operations and business basics,

this path will delve deeply into security, risk

management, cloud adoption strategies and cloud pilot

management.

Traditional Computing Challenges And

Concerns


What Is Cloud Computing


Cloud Technology Components

Virtualization

Cloud Applications

Cloud Computing Standards

Architecting For Cloud Transition

Critical Threats

Threat Vectors

Risk Management

Cloud Adoption Lifecycle

Cloud Pilot Service Model Selection


Cloud Pilot Deployment Model Selection

Application Migration

Cloud Adoption Obstacles





Cloud Business Leader Certification Prep

Cloud computing enables revolutionary business models

that can deliver quantum improvements to the bottom

line. The Cloud Business Leader is expected to know

why and how. This learning path will prepared you to

lead your organization’s transformation as a certified

professional.

Traditional Computing Challenge And Concerns


Cloud Computing Challenges & Inhibitors

What Is Cloud Computing?


Cloud Computing Frameworks

Virtualization

Cloud Applications

Critical Threats

Threat Vectors

Risk Management

Cloud Computing Business Models

Business KPIs And Goals

Cloud Adoption Lifecycle

Cloud Computing ROI

The Economic Benefit Of Cloud Computing

Cloud Business Context

Cloud Pilot Service Model Selection

Cloud Deployment Model Selection






CloudTek videos, blogs, social media feeds and training tracks serve as a resource, reference and

trusted advisor to the cloud computing professional we serve.

In 2015, vendor-specific training will also be added. These course will cover AWS, Azure,

Google and others. Cloud solution computer aided design training and certification will also be

added.


Cloud Computing Professional Certifications

CloudTek University prepares student for vendor neutral professional certification by the Cloud

Credential Council. The Cloud Credential Council (CCC) is the international industry

representation body mandated to develop and drive alignment of standards training and

certification for individuals in the cloud computing domain. The CCC is independent and vendor

neutral, and has an expanding list of members consisting of public sector and academic

institutions, cloud providers, cloud consumers, cloud brokers, professional associations and

international certification bodies from across the world. CloudTek training prepares students to

take the following certification examinations:

CCC Cloud Business Associate™ - certification demonstrates that candidates have the

basic skill set and knowledge associated with cloud and business. The certification is a

critical step to advance your career as organizations look for qualified Cloud Business

Associates. The certification allows business professionals to leverage cloud effectively

as they can demonstrate an understanding of the key cloud concepts and how it applies to

business scenarios.

CCC Cloud Technology Associate™ - certification demonstrates that candidates have

the basic skill set and knowledge associated with cloud and virtualization. The

certification is a critical step to advance your career as organizations look for qualified

Cloud Technology Associates. The certification allows IT professionals to operate

effectively in a cloud environment as they can demonstrate an understanding of the key

concepts and relevant terminology. It furthermore provides the foundation needed in

order to successfully complete subsequentvendor-specific training / certification

programs and also provides a baseline for the subsequent CCC Professional level

certifications.


Professional Cloud Solution Architect – PCSA designation is a globally recognized

certification for technology architects. Solution Architects need to understand the impact

that cloud is having on business and information architecture, application design, data

management and security architecture and be very familiar with the topology and

ecosystems that are being created as a result of increasing adoption of cloud technologies

and operating models. The Cloud Solution Architect certification is designed for senior

technology professionals who are architecting and designing the future generation of

technology solutions.

Instructors CloudTek University instructors are industry leaders, providing the experience and foresight

needed to help you expand and accelerate your cloud computing career.

KEVIN JACKSON

BUSINESS EXECUTIVE AND WRITER, GOVCLOUD NETWORK


Kevin L. Jackson is the founder and CEO of GovCloud

Network, a consultancy specializing in solutions that meet

critical commercial and government operational

requirements. Prior positions include Vice President and

General Manager Cloud Services NJVC, VP Federal

Systems at Sirius Computer Solutions, Worldwide Sales

Executive at IBM, Vice President Global IT Project Office

at JP Morgan Chase, and CTO at SENTEL Corporation.

He has a M.S. in Computer Engineering from Naval

Postgraduate School; an M.A. in National Security &

Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a B.S.

Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval

Academy. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Information

Technology at the George Mason University Volgenau School of Engineering. Through his

“Cloud Musings” blog, Jackson has been recognized as one of Cloud Computing Journal

“World’s 30 Most Influential Cloud Bloggers” (2009, 2010). He is also a co-author of the white

paper “Cloud Computing: Risks, Benefits, and Mission Enhancement for the Intelligence

Community.”


SANDRA JOHNSON

CEO, SKJ VISIONEERING, LLC

Sandra K. Johnson is the CEO of SKJ Visioneering, LLC, an

information technology consulting firm with a focus on sub-

Saharan Africa. She is formerly the CTO for IBM Central, East

and West Africa, responsible for customer satisfaction,

technical strategy, development and leadership. Her previous

IBM assignments included working as a Business

Development Executive and Senior Technical Staff Member,

and managing the Linux Performance, WebSphere Database

Development, and Java Server Performance teams within IBM

development and research organizations.

She has conducted research in computer-performance related

areas and was a member of the IBM Academy of Technology.

Dr. Johnson has received technical and professional awards, and is a Master Inventor with over

40 issued and pending patents. She received an Outstanding Technical Achievement award for

her IBM work as the CTO for global small and medium businesses. She has authored and co-

authored over 80 publications and is Editor-in-Chief of the book “Performance Tuning for Linux

Servers.”

JODI KOHUT

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT, GOVERNMENT CLOUD COMPUTING

PROFESSIONAL


Jodi Kohut is an established subject matter expert with six

years of exclusive dedication to the Federal Cloud Computing

Strategy and related Agency initiatives. During this time, she

has worked with both industry and Federal executives on the

most prominent cloud programs to date. Jodi communicates a

wealth of knowledge about the CSP market landscape, Federal

cloud acquisitions to date, and compliance strategies.

Jodi’s background includes two decades of leadership in

Federal acquisition support, contract administration and

supply chain management. In this capacity, she often leads

diverse teams of project and program managers, engineering

resources, and business developers. Jodi holds multiple

industry certifications including ITIL Intermediate, and

ISO9001/20000-1/27001 and BS25999-2. Jodi earned her master’s degree in Communication

and Leadership Studies in 2012 from Gonzaga University and currently teaches part time in the

Northern Virginia Community College System.

MELVIN GREER

MANAGING DIRECTOR, GREER INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP AND

INNOVATION

Melvin Greer is Managing Director of the Greer Institute for

Leadership and Innovation, which is focused on research and

deployment of his 21st century Leadership Model. With over

29 years of systems and software engineering experience, he is

a recognized expert in Service Oriented Architecture, Cloud

Computing and Predictive Analytics. He functions as a

principal investigator in advanced research studies, including

Nanotechnology, Synthetic Biology and Gamification. He has

advanced knowledge in basic research and critical, highly

advanced engineering and scientific disciplines. He is a

Certified Enterprise Architect, the Chair of the Network

Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC), Cloud Computing Working Group and the

Steering Committee Chair of the Cloud Standards Customer Council.


Greer has been awarded the BEYA 2012 Technologist of the Year Award and has been

recognized for his outstanding technical contributions to cloud computing and service-oriented

architecture. He is an author; his most recent book is “21st Century Leadership.”