According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, information technology occupations are expected to grow by 12 percent between 2014 and 2021. New jobs will be created, and new fields and professions will emerge. The drivers for this growth are technologies such as big data, cloud computing, the internet of things, and mobile computing. The two cloud initiatives, which are; migrating legacy systems and cloud-specific initiatives such as identifying the relevant cloud services, documenting requirements, and evaluating vendors, require expertise that may be beyond your staff. Therefore, you need to make changes by creating new roles and hiring experts with specific knowledge. Some talent that you may want to add to your IT department include:
- Cloud architect
This individual will offer leadership and recommendations that are needed to achieve business objectives with minimal disruption to operations. A cloud architect sets the requirements and standards and leads in choosing the correct vendor and products that the business needs to enhance its cloud vision. They may also help in system maintenance.
- Cloud developer
The job of a developer in a cloud environment is often complex. It involves processes like rebuilding, migrating, and managing in-house hybrid and cloud systems. Therefore, the cloud developer is responsible for the creation of custom applications or interfaces to access cloud services. They also help bridge local systems to the cloud and can code using languages like Java, SQL and Hadoop while using various storage approaches.
- Information security analyst
Their work is mainly involved with establishing, instructing, and monitoring security procedures. They monitor cloud activity and interfaces between the cloud and in-house systems to ensure data is protected regardless of where it is stored.
- Hybrid cloud virtualization engineer
This engineer is responsible for designing and implementing solutions that are aligned with the needs of the business and also provides technical support to users. This is mainly the case where the on-premise applications or data storage must be integrated.
- Predictive modeling analyst
These people ensure that the business gets the full benefit of the cloud. They use data analysis, modeling, and data mining tools to offer actionable information, which can uncover new opportunities, minimize risk, and enhance business efficiency.
- Data analytics engineer
This professional is responsible for researching, writing, and testing the cloud analytics systems to identify patterns or anomalies. They work with large data sets and sometimes use real-time systems. They work with business executives who help in defining goals and understanding the deliverables. This optimizes decisions and improves capabilities in analytics.
- Cloud project manager
They keep cloud projects on track. This is critical in the delivery of quality cloud initiatives. They create, manage, and execute plans that are needed to support cloud initiatives. They provide status reports to senior management showing the progress.
The cloud computing staff within an organization must work together towards a common goal. Similarly, business and IT goals should be well-aligned and integrated. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many IT departments are siloed, which affects collaboration and productivity.