Consider an IT expert currently performing server, network, or storage administration (or some combination thereof). The growing emphasis on "cloud-based IT" can appear as a job threat to these administrators. If a company increasingly outsources IT functions, there is less of a need to employ IT generalists and experts.
Fortunately many IT departments are moving to private cloud deployments, where cloud architectures are built in-house. They are also investigating hybrid cloud deployments (mixture of in-house and out-sourced IT).
The complete outsourcing of IT will begin to dominate at some point in the future.
How can current IT administrators best position themselves for the short-term future (private/hybrid), while also positioning themselves for consulting, planning, and building the public clouds of the future?
Certification is a logical choice. The new courses announced by EMC Education Services today can result in a "cloud certification" resume-enhancer, effectively adding new skills that are relevant for the design and deployment of private, public, or hybrid clouds.
Two Possible Tracks
There are two choices to make when considering certification: Cloud Architect (EMCCA) and Data Center Architect (EMCDCA). Which certification track would be most appropriate for today's IT administrator?
It depends (getting certified in both is an option as well!).
The Cloud Architect track makes sense for the person who wishes to enter into the field of high-level cloud architecture and design. This type of individual would be well aware of the important concepts, principles, and best practices for building cloud infrastructures (regardless of vendor choice).
The Data Center Architect track is for the person who wishes to work with a Cloud Architect on the specific deployment. This type of training includes storage network, information availability, security, and service management. It's a level of education that's closer to the deployment side of a cloud.
The chart below gives a great view of these two tracks. On the right are the existing tracks and curriculum. Cloud Architect is shown in blue, and Data Center architect is shown in green.
These courses will be rolling out and generally available in early 2011. Certification is a great option for any IT administrator currently worried about job security in the cloud.
I'm considering taking the Virtualized Infrastructure training (trying to keep up with Gina!).
Steve
Twitter: @SteveTodd
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