As more and more organizations migrate to the cloud, there is an increasing need for cloud architects who know how to strategize, build and maintain cloud infrastructure. As such, becoming a cloud architect should interest you as companies search/demand individuals with the right mix of theoretical and practical skills necessary to help them make the move to the cloud.

A cloud architect must have a solid foundation in computer operating systems, programming languages, networking, and security to become a cloud architect.

You will learn more about the cloud, the technologies utilized, employment, certifications, skills, and responsibilities in cloud architecture from this post on becoming a cloud architect.

Overview of Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the provision of computer system resources, particularly data storage (in the form of cloud storage) and computational power, without direct active supervision by the user. Multiple data centers that are part of large clouds frequently have the same role. It depends on resource distribution to accomplish consistency and often uses a pricing model approach, which can aid in decreasing capital expenditures but may also lead to unanticipated running expenditures for unsuspecting users.

Through the use of the cloud, all the labor-intensive data processing is done on servers rather than on the devices you sit on or carry around with you. Additionally, it transfers all of that work to enormous computer clusters located far away in cyberspace. Your data, work, and apps are now accessible from any connected device, anywhere on the globe, thanks to the Internet’s transformation into the cloud.

What is Cloud Architecture?

Cloud computing architecture refers to the systems and subnetworks necessary for cloud computing. These systems often include a front-end platform, back-end platforms, cloud-based delivery, and a network. These components, when combined, form the cloud computing architecture.

The design of cloud solutions is based on architectural procedures and approaches that have been established over the last two decades. Cloud architecture differs somewhat from the architecture you might have learned about. It is just a formal computer discipline that deals with the design, construction, and interoperability of systems.

What does a Cloud Architect do?

Basically, the primary purpose of a Cloud Architect is to translate a project’s technical requirements into design and architecture, leading to the creation of the final result. Furthermore, they bridge the gap between complicated cloud challenges and enterprise solutions. Furthermore, they collaborate with other departments within the firm, such as developers and engineers, to ensure that the technology being produced is correct.

These specialists create the cloud environment based on the needs of the firm. They are in charge of managing the cloud computing strategy, which includes cloud deployments, application design and architecture, and cloud adoption goals.

Cloud architects frequently report to IT directors, chief technology officers, or other elements of high management. As a result, a cloud architect manages the organization’s cloud database, develops new solutions to meet the company’s goals, and stays current on all the newest trends and advances in cloud computing.

Roles of a Cloud Architect

Some of the common job responsibilities of cloud architects include the following:

• Discusses the company’s long- and short-term goals with top management and executives, and explains how cloud-based solutions can help them achieve these goals.
• Develops continual cloud strategies that support company objectives.
• Creating solutions and strategies, planning the organization’s cloud, and creating cloud-based applications
• Evaluates and maintain current cloud applications along with resolving any technical issues that may come up.
• Ensures that data, assets, and applications are safe while monitoring and maintaining privacy in the cloud.
• Creating a cloud security architecture and using the appropriate technologies
• Consider factors like security procedures, industry compliance, and how the architecture will fit into the company’s structure and operations when making your choice of cloud service providers.
• The cloud usage policies of the company include guidelines and standards.
• Creates a culture of cloud adoption through the development of a strategy for special cloud solutions, documentation of cloud processes and procedures, instruction of others on cloud solutions, and openness to continual modification depending on the most recent data.

What are the basic required skills for a Cloud Architect?

You must have a solid background in cloud computing before you can begin working as a cloud architect. Understanding various cloud service providers, recommended security procedures, and various cloud service concepts and operational architectures are all part of this. Basic cloud architect skills required include:

• Computer programming languages: Knowing programming languages like Python, C#, or Java will enable you to develop solutions and proofs of concepts that will be more convincing to top executives.
• A solid grasp of networking: IP addresses, HTTP, DNS, and TCP/IP. Before applying for a position as a cloud architect, you should be somewhat familiar with these ideas. It may be challenging to develop efficient cloud-based systems that are both scalable and safe without a solid grasp of networking.
• Cloud-based Security Ideas: As a cloud architect, it is crucial that you secure access and data.  The use of firewalls, VPNs, in-plane switching (IPS) systems, and identity and access management are just a few examples of things you should be knowledgeable about.
• Basic Business Knowledge: As a cloud architect, you’ll develop business solutions to support the objectives of the organization as a whole. This calls for a solid foundation of business knowledge, including the ability to read financial statements, calculate return on investment, and understand the fundamental concerns of C-level executives.
• Management Skills: You will frequently manage teams of other IT professionals, including developers and engineers, who will collaborate with you to construct powerful, efficient cloud systems. Good cooperation, leadership, and communication are essential.

Guide to Becoming a Cloud Architect

A strong set of pertinent computing and cloud architect abilities must be developed even if there are no formal school requirements to become a cloud architect. Your career can be advanced by following these three steps.

a) Get a Bachelor’s Degree.

Employers often prefer to hire applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree. One of the greatest methods to acquire knowledge and abilities in both the theoretical and practical realms is to obtain a degree in computer science or a closely related discipline. It might provide you with a solid basis for dealing with operating systems, comprehending networking principles, following recommended procedures for cloud security, and learning programming skills.

b) Get Certified in Cloud Architecture.

Although obtaining certification won’t guarantee you a job, it can help you stand out from the competition and raise your earning potential. The Cloud Architecture Certifications demonstrate your proficiency in that particular platform.

IBTLearning has the best certification course in Cloud Architecture. Check it out here.

c) Obtain Experience in the Field.

The position of a cloud architect is not entry-level. Hence, you must obtain practical experience by working in the technology industry. You may begin your career in a variety of ways and stay on the path to your goal because there is a great deal of overlap among diverse IT professions. Cloud or IT support, IT support technicians, web developers, system engineers, database administrators, developers, and data management specialists are some of the more prevalent entry-level positions.

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