Get an edge with a cloud computing certification

Siddarth Bharwani 

Data is the biggest buzzword in the industry today. From bytes to terabytes, the amount of data that now exists in every organisation is immense. Whether it is in the finance or the sales or the operations department, each and every working unit of an organisation collects a vast amount of data on suppliers, vendors, employees and customers. Due to this large size, physical devices are now unable to hold and store the data effectively, making cloud computing an essential part of any organisation. As a result, career options like Cloud Computing Solutions Architect, Cloud Management Sales Specialist, Cloud Corporate Sales Representative and Cloud Solutions Executive among others, specialised courses in Cloud Computing have emerged as popular options and today hold great importance and value.

If you have passed Class XII or are a technical graduate, and are looking to be a part of the cloud computing industry, then below are some of the reasons why you should get a certification in this field:

1 Growth in demand 

Companies are on the lookout for IT professionals who have received a professional training in cloud computing and are capable of propelling the implementation of a seamless cloud ecosystem in their infrastructure. Year-long comprehensive cloud computing training and certification courses like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Training can be of a great advantage as these cover the core lessons, industry trends, and help in becoming ready for the industry. 

The AWS-certified courses require one or more years of experience in designing and deploying AWS systems.

2. Competitive payscale

Most organisations have already, or are in the process of turning completely digital. Keeping this in mind it is safe to say that individuals with knowledge of the tech landscape can expect a competitive pay scale option. In India, the salary of an entry-level cloud architect varies between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh per annum, more than any other IT professional in the field.

3. Job opportunities

According to an IDC report, the ratio of available candidates to job openings is 1:100 across the globe. A major reason for the abundance of these opportunities is that there is a huge amount of investment involved in building a cloud infrastructure, almost 5 times the rate of the usual IT spending. IDC indicates that spending on public cloud services and infrastructure is expected to top $160 billion in 2018, which is an increase of 23.2 percent from 2017. They also predict a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.9 per cent by 2021 with spending for public cloud services to exceed $277 billion. 

Companies are therefore, willing to hire skilled professionals who can manage the costs and reduce risks, whilst successfully implementing projects on varied cloud platforms.

4. Accreditation

A formal certificate in any field renders your skills and knowledge credible, making you stand out for being a better candidate as compared to your peers. A cloud-computing certification proves that you have the skills, knowledge, and expertise for the job, thus, providing prospects for cloud-related projects and becoming a credible subject matter expert for the clients.

5.  AI algorithms and Big Data

Major organisations, including the likes of Fortune 500 companies, are using Big Data and AI to empower and promote their profits and businesses. Cloud platforms are compatible with AI algorithms and Big Data, and considering this may be a huge expenditure for the company, having a certified professional on board becomes an essential element. 

— The writer is VP - Brand & Marketing, JETKING