The shift towards Cloud Computing
With the sheer mass of files and other data stored, retrieved from and modified on networks every second of the day, we would be constantly trudging through a mess of cables and bulky servers in freezing offices - if not for Cloud Computing. 

Cloud Computing, on the other hand, utilises a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to house, organise and utilise data, rather than the on-premises servers or desktop computers that Traditional Computing typically requires. 

Companies ranging from MNCs to start-ups have adopted Cloud Computing to tap upon its added efficiency for their business processes by cutting production costs, providing more allowance for collaboration, adding security layers and creating readily available data backups.

Cloud computing can be divided into 3 categories:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) where a company provides storage, network, servers and virtualisation on cloud as a service on demand (pay-as-you-go) or as a subscription (e.g. Alibaba Elastic Compute, Amazon EC2 etc)
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) where providers put together hardware and software tools to form a development and deployment environment online to build, test, deploy and scale their applications (e.g.  Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Beanstalk, Microsoft Azure etc)
• Software as a service (SaaS) solutions are typically applications hosted by a cloud provider and delivered to users all over the Internet, nulling the need to maintain and install the previously indispensable hardware and software (e.g. Adobe Suite, Salesforce etc)

Both consumers and businesses use cloud computing in one way or another, and there is huge demand in Singapore for Cloud Computing and the people who run it. 

Key developments in Cloud Computing
Whether you are seeking a career switch or are already preparing for a role in Cloud Computing, you should expect to enter a rapidly evolving landscape within various industries. Here are some of the key changes in Cloud Computing technology today: 

1. Hyperscale facilities are data centres that are sprouting with the increased demand for cloud computing infrastructure and IoT functionality. They offer a unique combination of energy efficiency and functionality to reconcile complex ecosystems of physical and virtual platforms to advance the might of Cloud Computing. 

2. Multicloud is when a company taps upon the infrastructures of two or more cloud providers so their applications can run efficiently. This arrangement can be more cost efficient with improved flexibility and security. 

3. Hybrid cloud is a cloud environment that utilises two or more different cloud infrastructures (on-premises, private or public), accessible data, resources, or services to function as one homogenous technology. 

4. Machine Learning (ML) is a core part of numerous applications today. Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), ML allows different systems to learn behaviour and improve virtual experiences automatically. Cloud Computing eases adoption of ML by providing storage and security to access these applications through the cloud. Cloud Computing giants that have incorporated machine learning include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

When preparing for a job role in Cloud Computing, it is critical that you keep up to speed with changes in the industry and remain familiar with the above-mentioned leading cloud computing technologies that most of the world runs on.

3 key infrastructure roles in Cloud ComputingGiven the world’s dependence on IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and now Anything as a Service (XaaS), job roles that require Cloud Computing skills are no longer limited to tech companies. Getting a Cloud Computing certification opens doors for you to play crucial roles in the data management of different types of companies. If you are keen to explore a career path in Cloud Computing, here are some of the pathways that you can potentially take and the corresponding job responsibilities:  

1. Cloud Solutions Architect

   • Maintain security for the privacy of company’s Cloud database
   • Devise solutions for time-sensitive technical issues
   • Value-add to company’s infrastructure movement techniques such as major application transfers within the Cloud
   • Prepare or deliver company-wide cloud education and best practices
   • Strengthen relations with cloud providers and third-party services
      

2. Cloud Administrator

   • Manoeuvre virtual machines and web applications
   • Upkeep cloud infrastructure services concurrently, on a daily basis
   • Provide technical assistance to cloud environments and solutions for operational issues
   • Shortlist effective tools for cloud storage management
      

3. DevOps Engineer

   • Evaluate and develop methods to improve current systems and processes
   • Create and establish new development tools and infrastructures
   • Develop software updates and patches
   • Oversee code releases together with IT personnel
   • Strategise and manage development projects

These Cloud Computing job roles are not limited to tech companies either as the widespread demand for Cloud Computing professionals can be seen in an article on the energy industry in the US, where the Cloud is being used by the ‘unlikeliest’ of companies to create value by using data to keep an eye on their hardware infrastructure. This improves the efficiency of their complex energy systems (e.g. batteries, wells, stations), evaluates trends in supply and demand, optimises their processes in tandem with changes in energy market trading conditions and performs A/B testing for an optimal customer experience.

Cloud Computing courses to pursue
Now that you’ve read about the common jobs in Cloud Computing, it’s time to turn your aspirations of working in this industry into a reality. 

Here at NTUC LearningHub, our course content is carefully curated and updated according to industry standards, with the help of various stakeholders that continuously help make our courses relevant, timely and professional. 

a. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS is a cloud platform that has been built for the most cost-effective, scalable cloud computing strategies. AWS is currently used by numerous big MNCs, application providers, ISVs, and vendors to help securely host their applications – whether an existing or a new SaaS-based one. 

Individuals pursuing this course typically become: 
-    Systems administrators
-    Software developers, especially those in a DevOps role

1. AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials (SF)
   This course is for individuals who want to gain a rudimentary understanding of AWS Cloud, and is suitable for professionals across a variety of industries.

   Participants who take this 8-hour course will be able to:

   • Understand the basic global AWS Cloud infrastructure
   • Elaborate on AWS Cloud’s six benefits
   • Explain the core AWS services including computing, network, databases, and storage
   • Use AWS Cloud to devise appropriate solutions
   • Describe AWS Cloud migration basics

   
   Learn about this course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/aws-cloud-practitioner-essentials-sf

2. Architecting on AWS (SF)
   As AWS is one of the top cloud providers in the world, there is a huge demand for Cloud Computing professionals who are able to build IT infrastructure on its platform.

   Individuals pursuing this course typically become:

   • Solutions architects
   • Solution-design engineers
   • Developers with a deeper AWS architecting know-how

   
   This one-week course will improve your understanding on how AWS services fit into cloud-based solutions, including the best practices and design patterns for architecting optimal IT solutions on AWS with guided, hands-on activities.

   Read all about this course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/architecting-on-aws-3

3. Cloud Operations on AWS (SF)
   Aimed to prepare you for the entry level of cloud operations, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. This course also provides foundational knowledge for current and potential support technicians involved in the basic installation, operation, and verification of Cisco networks and hardware.

   This course paves the way for you to become a:

   • Entry-level network engineer
   • Network administrator
   • Network support technician
   • Help desk technician

As part of NTUC LearningHub’s collaboration with Cisco, this course offers a broad understanding of installing, operating, configuring, and verifying IPv4 and IPv6 networks, through a combination of interactive lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and comprehensive self-study.

Find out more about this course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/cloud-operations-on-aws-sf

b. Microsoft Azure

1. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
   This course was created for individuals who wish to develop an elementary understanding of how Microsoft Azure provides its cloud services.

   Professionals without technical backgrounds stand to benefit the most from this course. This also includes people involved in selling or purchasing cloud solutions or services that are cloud integrated.

   Learn more about this course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/microsoft-azure-fundamentals-sf

2. Microsoft Azure Administrator

   IT Professionals at all levels will gain much from this course, particularly if they:

   • Understand on-premises virtualisation technologies including VMs, virtual networking, and virtual hard disks
   • Are familiar with network configurations such as TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, and other encryption technologies
   • Possess knowledge of Active Directory concepts that includes users, groups, and role-based access control

   Click this link for more on this course: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/microsoft-azure-administrator-sf

c. DevOps Hands-on Training

DevOps is a software development and IT operations process that smoothens the collaboration between developers and operators through usage of deployment automation, configuration, monitoring, and application management. Participants will need an understanding of software development and familiarity with the Linux command line.

Learn more about this course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/devops-hands-on-training-terraform-jenkins-github-sonarqube-sf