What skills should IT professionals learn to transition to cloud computing?

Go for basic certifications with hands on but even before that you should have basic knowledge of Compute, Storage, Networking etc.

My experience has taught me the value of a solid foundation in cloud fundamentals. Grasping how cloud services like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS differ and their applications in various scenarios is crucial. For example, in a project where we integrated SaaS solutions, understanding these principles helped us make informed decisions about which services to adopt for optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

???? Starting with basics might be overwhelming. Stay focused ?? Pick your battles wisely = don't learn all cloud providers at the same time. Do you homework. Which cloud provider has the biggest market share in the country where you're going to look for job? Choose accordingly ??

The basics of Storage, Compute, Networking, and Databases are absolutely necessary. Infact these are the major services provided by Cloud Service Providers(CSPs) on pay-as-you-go basis. If we are good in these domains, then it would be not be very difficult moving to the cloud. Select one cloud platform and live with it. Understand the fundamentals and take tiny steps forward. The basic concepts and services are similar across clouds, but with different naming conventions and interfaces. If you learn one cloud, then cross-cloud skills is not a major task. Every major cloud platform provides a starter pack with free credits and tons of free learning sources. Once you grasp a concept, go hands-on with labs provided by the cloud service.

Cloud Fundamentals: Acquire a solid understanding of cloud computing concepts, including service models, deployment models, and key terminology.

??Good news alert?? Cloud skills are transferable. No matter whether you started with AWS or Azure - names & details differ but the concepts of high availability or scalability - stays the same

Align as per your need, see the discounts, features and compatibility with your product. There is nothing like good or bad about a CSP, it’s just they hold different features which might be beneficial for one but not for the other one.

To transition to cloud computing by studying specific cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), IT professionals should focus on a combination of platform-specific and general cloud skills. AWS (Amazon Web Services): Master core AWS services, IAM, security features, networking services, and serverless computing. Azure (Microsoft Azure): Excel in core Azure services, networking, Azure Active Directory, and Azure DevOps. GCP (Google Cloud Platform): Develop expertise in core GCP services, IAM, networking, and serverless computing. Pursue platform-specific certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect) to validate your skills.

Gain proficiency in using major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Explore platform-specific services and features.

AWS has the most market share with many projects. On 2nd number is Microsoft Azure, while GCp from Google has third largest market share. For a long term cloud career, I would suggest start with AWS. If you are having .NET background, then go for Microsoft Azure

Even if you're not going to be developing applications in the cloud yourself (but supporting their development or production), it's good to be able to support them with robust knowledge around the ecosystem. Security, networking, logging and monitoring are some areas that are worth investing time in learning about as they're required to support cloud applications.

Learn cloud-native development practices and tools. Acquire skills in containerization and orchestration technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

As a cloud developer, I've learned the importance of being proficient in cloud-supported languages and frameworks. My work with Python on AWS, for instance, demonstrated how language choice can significantly impact the efficiency of cloud application development, especially when leveraging AWS’s extensive suite of tools and services.

My most important insight is that the software architecture you use when using the cloud is very different from the architecture without the cloud. In my opinion, it is particularly important to understand how I can develop software in the cloud that is scalable, resilient and secure. The most important book for this is: Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems written by Martin Kleppmann

In my perspective, the essential skills to kickstart a career in the cloud and DevOps realm include: -Automation Tools: Learn tools like Gitlab,AzureDevOps and Ansible for automation. -Version Control: Understand version control systems like GitHub. -Containerization: Familiarise yourself with containerization using Docker and Kubernetes. -Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC): Learn IaC tools such as Terraform. -Cloud Platforms: Gain knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. -Monitoring Practices: Acquire skills in monitoring practices for cloud-based systems. -Scripting: Develop scripting skills in languages like Python and Bash for automation and configuration management.

Many of my students ask me about the difference between Well- Architected Framework and Cloud Adoption Framework ?? As the name suggests, you use the latter BEFORE you move to the cloud - to make your journey seamless. Once you are there, the work doesn't stop. You can use WAF as a benchmark to assess the environment you already have.

In my experience, moving to cloud computing and learning to design and architect cloud solutions marked a significant shift. It was more than gaining new technical skills. It was about adopting a new perspective on solving problems and optimizing systems. Understanding concepts like decoupling, caching, load balancing, and fault tolerance changed our systems' efficiency and resilience and our approach to challenges. Using frameworks like the AWS Well-Architected Framework and the Microsoft Azure Architecture Center provided clear guidance, ensuring our solutions were solid and followed best practices.

Try to see and learn from the architecture diagrams, creating one will make you so confident about the exact process and how the traffic will move across various cloud resources.

Develop expertise in designing scalable, resilient, and cost-effective cloud architectures. Understand how to leverage cloud services to meet specific business requirements.

Top 3 public cloud providers (Azure, AWS, GCP) provide recommended design patterns, architecture center/framework as well as cloud adoption framework. Go through them. Also look at or create architecture diagram for given scenario/requirements. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be at cloud architecture.

Specialize in cloud security practices and principles. Learn how to implement and manage security controls, encryption, and access management in the cloud.

Ensuring cloud security has been a paramount part of my work. Implementing robust security measures, such as using Azure's advanced encryption and identity services, has been crucial in protecting sensitive data and maintaining compliance with standards like GDPR.

In cloud computing, robust security entails mastering encryption, identity and access management, and network security. Understanding the shared responsibility model is paramount, distinguishing between provider and customer security responsibilities. Proficiency in implementing least privilege principles, enforcing strong access controls, and staying abreast of evolving threats is crucial. Cloud professionals must embrace industry compliance standards, implement governance policies, and prioritise continuous monitoring and logging. Elevating security measures through automation, timely threat response and regular training ensures a resilient defense against emerging cyber threats in the cloud environment.

Utilize IAM services provided by your cloud provider to manage user identities and control access to resources. Implement the principle of least privilege to ensure users have only the necessary permissions. Enable multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit. Implement proper authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorized entities can access your APIs. Set up monitoring and auditing tools to track user activities, resource usage, and potential security incidents. Keep your cloud infrastructure, operating systems, and software up to date with the latest security patches.

Transitioning to cloud security involves mastering concepts and mechanisms to safeguard your cloud environment. Familiarize yourself with encryption, authentication, authorization, firewall, and monitoring techniques to protect cloud data and assets from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. Utilize cloud security standards and best practices such as Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical obligations.

The final step in transitioning to cloud computing is showcasing your skills and knowledge to potential employers and clients. Create a compelling presence by developing a personal website, maintaining a GitHub repository, or sharing your insights through a blog. Obtain cloud certifications and credentials like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer, or IBM Cloud Associate Architect to validate your proficiency and expertise. Demonstrating your cloud projects, portfolio, and certifications effectively communicates your capabilities, enhancing your appeal to employers and clients seeking skilled professionals in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.

Hone skills in areas such as serverless computing, microservices, and DevOps practices. Understand how to optimize performance and costs in a cloud environment.

Develop a portfolio that highlights your cloud projects, achievements, and the impact of your work. Display relevant cloud certifications and badges prominently on your resume, LinkedIn profile, or personal website. Connect with professionals in the cloud computing community. Contribute to open-source cloud projects or share your own projects on platforms like GitHub. Build a personal website or blog where you can share insights, experiences, & tutorials related to cloud computing. Join & actively participate in online cloud communities, forums, and discussion groups. Share your knowledge, ask questions & engage with professionals in the field. Attend cloud-related events, conferences, and meetups to network with industry professionals.

As per me this is the most important, if you don’t have skills or are not having the hands on knowledge you’ll be stuck. It’s always preferable to go ahead and try anything you study on the portal or console.

Demonstrating cloud skills effectively to potential employers is about showcasing real-world applications. Creating a comprehensive portfolio that includes my work on cloud migrations and solutions, and obtaining certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, has been instrumental in validating my expertise.

During Covid, I was out of work. I started learning about cloud and Azure during this time and started giving certification exams. I failed in many initially however started passing subsequently. I have passed 11 Azure certifications and am Microsoft Certified trainer now. Have taken many azure trainings and also worked as cloud solution architect on projects. In a way, Covid was a a blessing in disguise for me.

For IT professionals transitioning to cloud computing, beyond technical skills, understanding the business impact of cloud solutions is crucial. Aligning cloud strategies with business objectives is key. Staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies through workshops and conferences is essential due to the fast-evolving nature of cloud computing. Gaining practical experience through hands-on projects and collaborations is invaluable. Certifications from major cloud providers can validate skills and improve job prospects. Also, a strong grasp of data privacy and regulatory requirements is critical, especially in sensitive sectors like finance or healthcare.

Other focus areas: ->Join the LinkedIn community for the cloud platform. ->Follow the free official YouTube channels sourced or supported by the CloudPlatform. ->Udemy has some good budget courses that can help as starters -> Try achieving Cloud certifications to support your skills. Cloud Certifications are invaluable assets. A cloud project + certification adds so much value to your learning.

Let's be honest. At the end of the day, there is little difference between a Public Cloud provider and your co-located racks. Sure, the control plane is different, and the terms and names of services can be confusing, but it should be pretty easy to pivot from on-prem to the cloud. The rate at which the cloud is growing should give you some idea of how in-demand the skills are. Now, a better question to approach this discussion would be how to move from traditional it service delivery to cloud-specific methodologies (e.g., DevOps, DevSecOps, and Platform Engineering) and then work to ensure that your skill sets match those needs before trying to collect all the certifications based on the nuanced differences between CSPs.

One often overlooked aspect is the continuous learning mindset required in cloud computing. The field is evolving rapidly, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Engaging in ongoing education and community discussions has been invaluable in keeping my skills and knowledge current.