Cloud computing engineers are the key players in the formation of cloud solutions that must to be plugged into an organization’s infrastructure. Cloud technologies are popping up everyday, most of the technology companies have already adopted cloud computing ecosystem and have migration towards it, therefore the demand of cloud engineers is also increasing. The professionals in cloud computing can help in tapping into the features provided by cloud platforms such as scalability, efficiency for improved collaboration and innovation.

In my previous articles on HR Managers, IT Network Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Business Analysts in IT industry, IT Delivery Managers, Project Managers, Test Managers, Program Managers, and IT Managers etc., you can review their roles and responsibilities and certifications needed for their respective domains to enhance your knowledge in the respective fields.

For this article, I will give a small detail of what a cloud engineer is to do and what certifications required that they may need to know the domain specific knowledge and be continuous with current trends and latest technologies.

Roles and Responsibilities of Cloud Computing Engineers

1. Cloud Architecture Design

Cloud computing engineers have to take into account the designing of cloud architectures with having at least the scalability, reliability, and security. The process of selection of cloud services, setting up network arrangements, and ensuring adaptability with the organizational framework are the components of the process concerning this.

2. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

By implementing IaC mechanisms through the use of providers like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation, cloud engineers can automatically design and manage infrastructures, maximizing consistency and efficiency.

3. Cloud Service Selection

Selecting and getting services on the cloud based on specific needs. At the same time, that means deciding which one from IaaS, PaaS or SaaS for service approaches.

4. Deployment and Configuration Management

Implementing Management of applications as well as services through cloud, also configuring them to perform at the optimum level. Which container getting orchestrated can be an example of utilizing tools such as Kubernetes for container orchestration.

5. Security Implementation

A business should put in place strong measures to protect all the cloud-based resources and assets. It includes developing access policies, encryption, and security monitoring for preventing any possible cyber threats.

6. Cost Optimization

Tracing and specifying cloud costs with cost-efficient approaches and choosing the suitable pricing model during application construction. The cloud architects try to derive the greatest benefit from the least possible spending.

7. Performance Monitoring and Optimization

Application of monitoring applications that provide complete visibility into the operation of cloud systems. Engineers detect obstacles, invent ways for resource allocation, and they nominate cloud resources to be efficiently used.

8. Disaster Recovery Planning

Creation and implementation of disaster recovery approaches above the mentioned type of situations to guarantee the continuity of your business process.

9. Collaboration with DevOps Teams

This allows for collaboration with DevOps teams to make cloud as part of the seamless implementation of CI/CD pipeline.

10. Adopting DevSecOps Practices

By ensuring secure practices in the lifecycle of plan and operations, and integrating preventative security measures all across the cloud environment.

11. Migration to the Cloud

Helping migrate and install the on-premises system in the cloud, allowing for an easy transition and less likely causing disruption to operations of the firm.

12. Vendor Management

Working with cloud service providers, keeping relationships fully managed, starting to perform comfortably with the new version and new features offered by cloud platforms.

13. Capacity Planning

Ensuring future resource needs are being monitored and scalability is planned in advance. Cloud engineers calibrate the system to design robust infrastructure that can accommodate increasing workloads.

14. Training and Documentation

Establishing training for teams on suitable cloud practices and generating cloud configuration documentation and procedures for cloud usage and management respectively.

15. Staying Current with Cloud Trends

In order to promote the continuous learning and bring into play the modern technologies and trends in cloud computing, and asses their potential influence on the strategy making processes of the organization.

The cloud computing engineer is the key to advise on the model transformation from the traditional local IT infrastructure to the mature, flexible, and secure cloud ecosystem. While they supplement the IT teams, their skills help in realizing the benefits of cloud technologies that make it possible for organizations to innovate, scale, and transform themselves during the current uncertainty.

Certifications in Cloud Engineering

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Issued by Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate certification, which only proves that the service holder has all the needed skills for designing distributed systems and application development on AWS.

2. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Provided by Microsoft, Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert expert-level certification which is among one under the category of Microsoft Certified: helps in Designing and implementing Azure cloud-based solutions.

3. Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect

Issued by Google Cloud, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect is for those who develop and run scalable, reliable, secure, Google Cloud environments.

4. CompTIA Cloud+

Offered by CompTIA, Cloud+ will be one of the cloud certifications that features cloud concepts, virtualization, and application practices.

5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Issued by (ISC)², CCSP certifies expertise in cloud security, covering topics such as data security, identity management, and compliance.

6. Professional Cloud Administrator

Provided by the Cloud Credential Council (CCC), Professional Cloud Administrator is an admin level certification covering cloud technologies, architecture, and adoption for the 2-5 years of cloud administrators.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cloud

Offered by Cisco, CCNA Cloud validates skills in cloud infrastructure, cloud technologies, and network fundamentals.

8. VMware-Cloud Management and Automation 2023 (VCP-CMA)

Issued by VMware, VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation 2023 (VCP-CMA) certification exam validates ability to install, configure, administer, and operate VMware Aria Automation to support the self-service and automated provisioning of services into Private, Public and Multi-Cloud environments.

9. IBM Cloud Advanced Architect

Provided by IBM, IBM Cloud Advanced Architect certification validates skills in designing, planning, and architecting cloud solutions.

10. Red Hat Certified Specialist in Cloud Infrastructure

Issued by Red Hat, Red Hat Certified Specialist in Cloud Infrastructure certification is for professionals who design and manage Red Hat solutions in a cloud environment.

11. Certified OpenStack Administrator (COA)

Offered by the OpenStack Foundation, COA certifies skills in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting OpenStack clouds.

12. Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA)

Provided by Salesforce, CTA is the pinnacle of Salesforce certifications, validating expertise in designing complex, scalable, and secure solutions on the Salesforce platform.

13. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2023 Certified Architect Associate

Issued by Oracle, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2023 Certified Architect Associate (OCI2023CAA) certification is for professionals who design and implement OCI solutions.

14. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

Provided by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), CKA certifies proficiency in Kubernetes administration.

15. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer-Professional

Issued by AWS, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer-Professional certification aims to formalize individuals’ knowledge and proficiency in DevOps best practices in the AWS environment.

Certification providers respectively present the units consisting of subjects for different function areas of clouds such as cloud architecture, cloud security, cloud operations, and platform-specific skills. With businesses now migrating to the cloud at a swift pace, experts proficient in these certification accolades will face no scarcity of jobs as they will be able to handle the dynamic blossoming of IT environment.

Image credit- Pixabay (pixabay[dot]com/illustrations/cloud-computing-network-internet-2001090/)

Cloud computing as a technology is savvy, versatile and multi-purpose alternative to local storage. Making use of the cloud can be the optimal way for businesses to save on costs and get the most returns for the tech spend.

Over the past 5 years or so, the cloud has truly transformed the way businesses operate. For small businesses and startups in Manhattan, Mumbai or anywhere else, making use of the cloud can be the optimal way to save on costs and get the most returns for your tech spend. You can easily engage an IT support expert or firm to handle the migration to the cloud and thus save significantly on hardware, software, personnel and expenses.

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Cloud computing as a technology is savvy, versatile and multi-purpose alternative to local storage. Not only can a business store and share information on a common external platform, this assures access, security, backup and avoids redundancy.

It has become a part of our lives so much that you probably already are using the cloud even if you don’t realize it. It very much intertwined into our daily activity through aspects like accessing our email, social media interactions and carrying out online transactions.

There are several advantages to the technology, which is why cloud adoption rates have soared in recent times. We take a look at the ways that the cloud enables your business to have a sustainable, competitive advantage.

1. Lower Costs

The upfront costs associated with acquiring popular software packages and their recurring licensing fee can set you back by thousands of dollars. While some software applications can be prohibitively expensive to acquire, if it’s on the cloud, chances are that they are far more affordable.

For those on a modest budget, the convenient alternative is to take to the cloud where you not only enjoy smaller fee, but also flexibility. Most popular programs have user friendly subscription and pay-per-use models that are light on the wallet.

2. Enhanced Access

Easy and round the clock accessibility is another major benefit of cloud computing. It is possible to access most cloud-based programs by either an app or a web browser from any device connected to the internet. You are no longer chained to the workplace and being present in your office is not necessary to get the work done.

You can easily accomplish tasks on your laptop on your commute or while traveling on your phone or tablet. The cost of such access is typically built into the periodic hosting service fee, which lets you save considerably.

3. Backup and Recovery

Information security is one of the major hurdles that small businesses face. Cyberthreats tend to evolve quickly and most businesses (large or small) are unable to protect critical infrastructure or data in time.

Your data on the cloud is backed up in real-time. This allows you the security from any redundancy of your information storage. Cloud storage also offers more protection against security breaches in that there is not much reliance on physical infrastructure and manual backups.

4. Infrastructure Flexibility

Scaling your cloud-based infrastructure is a quick and easy way to complement the growth of your business. You can easily add storage, increase the number of users, additional functionality etc. in line with your requirements.

Businesses in web-based commerce tend to be subject to unpredictable server loads. An unexpected spike in traffic can overload the server and diminish customers’ access. Cloud technology is there to automatically pick up the overload when you require more resources. You need to pay for only the additional server load for the time that it’s required.

The cost of data management keeps in pace with your use, thus providing you the most economical solution. Small businesses benefit by being efficient and responsive to the demand in an inexpensive manner.

5. Hardware Demands

With cloud-based computing, it’s easier to cut back on expenses related to high end hardware, for instance maintaining your own server. You also don’t need sophisticated computer systems with advanced specifications to run complicated software.

All you will need is a handy device with a good internet connection to make your cloud computing system both quick and reliable. Small businesses who are not able to afford in-house tech support can easily migrate to the cloud and resort to some external it support as and when needed.

6. Software Hassles

With cloud-based computing, you no longer have to worry about expired software or periodic updates. There is no need to spend on installing software and upgrade it multiple systems at regular intervals. There is also no worrying about whether it’s compatible with the operating system. All that’s required is a modern web browser and an internet connection,

You can leave matters related to the software to your cloud software provider. You also get to avoid the risk or disadvantage of running an older software because you cannot budget the expense to update it.

7. Return on Investment

Perhaps the strongest advantage of the cloud is its cost-effectiveness. This is mostly possible because of the reduced need for physical storage and the need for IT personnel to maintain necessary equipment.

Not only does the cloud significantly reduce equipment costs, but also frees up your physical space and budget to put it to better use. Also not to mention the administrative hassles you’ll be able to save.

The approach is also advantageous for smaller businesses by granting them the same access to high-end software that only big companies enjoyed in the past. This levels the playing field and help smaller enterprises gain an edge.

These are several areas by which cloud-based computing can make a difference to your business’ financial success or failure. So, if you’re not already taking advantage of the cloud, you should definitely look at doing so.

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Initially, cloud computing was just a tool to facilitate smooth computing experiences. With time, it has evolved to be a scalable service essential for a modern firm. It has turned out to be a buzz offering a lot of practical value. Cloud Computing has changed the way the business environment operates. The enterprises are striving hard to provide cheap, advanced and secure services to grow themselves in this competing world. Today, the cloud has come a long way and has been widely acknowledged by analysts and enterprises as the driving force to alter the IT landscape.

In the era of cloud computing buying servers, updating applications or operating systems or disposing of hardware becomes outdated. The world of internet is sure to suffer without a cloud. According to a report, industries run 79% of their workloads in the cloud. Companies leveraging the emerging trends in cloud computing are expected to grow at a faster rate. Here are a few emerging cloud technology trends to watch in-

1. Hybrid Cloud Solution

Hybrid cloud is likely to become the dominant business model in future since it enables a modernized infrastructure with two or more delivery models. Hybrid cloud environment connects a mix of public cloud, private cloud and on-premises infrastructure evolving to suit the unique needs of an organization.

Cloud bursting is the primary reason for its rising demand.  Hybrid cloud allows the enterprises to use unlimited resources to process the fluctuating workloads. To balance the organizations demand with supply, it offers close monitoring of the used resources.

The hybrid cloud solution is more popular among medical organizations to keep full control over sensitive data. It enables organizations to protect their most confidential data on their terms. In other words, Organizations themselves decide the data storage and conditions to secure the data.

2. Artificial Intelligence Platform in Cloud

Artificial Intelligence is expected to aid the world mainly in providing intelligent business functionalities in future. The amalgamation of both artificial intelligence and cloud computing is “The Intelligent Cloud”. It is capable of processing big data with greater efficiency and speed.

The two critical pillars of AI are data and compute. Artificial intelligence has automated businesses with robotic process automation. It automates human tasks in organizations and used for hiring employees for a job. It is increasingly adopted in industries to reduce human workloads.

Hardware optimization is the primary reason behind its rapid adoption. AI-optimized silicon chips can be inserted in any device to carry AI-oriented tasks.

3. Server-less Computing in Cloud

Server-less architecture is event-driven. In other words, for each request, a state is generated, and once the architecture serves the application, a state is destroyed.  Server less computing referred to as Functions as a Service (FaaS). Since the Server less functions are accessed as private APIs, you need to set an API Gateway.

The industries are leveraging Server less computing to support a wide variety of dynamically changing needs including IoT, mobile applications and web-based applications.

This event-based programming spins up to complete user request and spins down once the task accomplished. It runs typically for a few seconds or milliseconds at a time thus, reducing the cost.

4. Edge Computing in Cloud

Edge computing is shifting the computing functions close to the source – edge of the network. It dramatically reduces the complexity of interconnected systems making it much easier to gather and analyze data in real time.  It has a distributed and open-ended architecture that decentralizes the processing load.

Edge computing enables industrial equipment to make autonomous decisions without human intervention. It is the building block for smart factories equipped with temperature, motion and climate sensors capable of controlling light, cooling and other environmental factors. This will result in efficient use of power.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery in Cloud

The increasing usage of data is driving the adoption of backup and disaster recovery software among organizations. The thought that hardware failure can result in companies compromising its confidential data leads to the rise of disaster recovery software in the market. Data backup can’t be considered as a “set and forget” solution. It requires regular maintenance and testing to ensure an appropriate facility and easily accessible to the company.

The customers enjoy a better business continuity plan since a cloud disaster recovery plan is automated and recovers the files in seconds.  The pay-per-consume feature makes it more popular among enterprises with less budget.

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6. Cloud Security

Cloud computing security is a set of policies, controls, technologies and procedures working together to protect cloud-based systems, data and infrastructure. The delivery of cloud security depends on individual cloud provider or cloud security options in place.

Cloud security is mainly responsible for securing the data and fighting against hackers. Cloud backup ensures your data is protected from external threats without a need to have an antivirus plan.

The security layer in cloud consists of network security, physical security, measuring endpoint security and communication encryption. The traffic moves to and from the cloud through public channels. The encryption like SSL is vital to maintaining the integrity of data. Carefully inspect the data movement and implement the possible checks.

Final Thoughts

Cloud computing growth continues to accelerate with the technological innovations and rising trends. It is capable of providing better security, storage and helps in better decision making. The trends in cloud computing are sure to automate the businesses thus reducing the machine complexity and labor.  The companies are leveraging these cloud-computing trends to stay ahead of the competition.

A neutral Internet Exchange (IX), AMS-IX India, is pleased to announce the launch of a third AMS-IX India PoP (Point-of-Presence) in GPX’s Mumbai data center.

With the addition of a third PoP AMS-IX India has a presence in all areas of Mumbai – South, Central and North.

The PoP at GPX DC, which has the richest ecosystem of Carriers and Content providers, will be operational in Q2 2018. However, five GPX customers have already committed and are ready to join and peer at AMS-IX India reported in a Press Release sent to Newskart.

On this development, Onno Bos, Sales Director, AMS-IX said, “By opening a third POP in Mumbai we are expanding our AMS-IX India footprint in one of the world’s fastest growing internet markets. Furthermore, it makes it easier for customers to connect to AMS-IX India. We are therefore very pleased to be present at GPX and are confident that this will enhance the growth of AMS-IX India.”

Manoj Paul, MD, GPX India, added, “GPX’s Mumbai data centre is True Carrier Neutral and IX neutral and is the most interconnected data center in India with the largest number of Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), Internet Service providers (ISPs), and is also the hub for all major content providers. The addition of AMS-IX India’s Internet Exchange platform allows our customers, mainly the ISPs and Content providers, to enhance their connectivity, reduce costs, introduce new products, and increase the level of their customer’s experience and satisfaction”.

About AMS-IX India

AMS-IX India is a collaboration between the India based Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service provider, Sify Technologies, and the European based AMS-IX.

Customers are able to connect to the IX via dedicated ports with speeds in multiples of 1Gbps or 10Gbps. AMS-IX India serve as a neutral and independent peering platform with unrivalled quality, offering both private and public peering services at carrier-grade level to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Internet Content Providers (ICPs), and telecom operators. By connecting to the exchange, content providers and eyeball networks can exchange their internet traffic and benefit from reduced latency and costs.

About GPX

GPX develops and operates state-of-the-art, private, carrier-neutral Data centers in emerging, but fast-growing commercial markets within the MENA, South Asia markets. GPX’s Data centers are thriving carrier-neutral internet ecosystems, and home to the largest carriers, content providers, cloud service providers, and internet companies.

Other data centers operational are VMWare, Arkin Net, StrataCloud etc.

Frontback, among top 17 Photo sharing apps, A Photo Sharing App akin to Instagram (albeit with a much smaller user base), is expanding into the social media realm. Frontback lets you capture a photo of you and what you see. Take a photo with the front camera, another with the back camera, and share them both in a single image. It’s you and your perspective.

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The app allows users to share two photos stitched together as one — one photo taken with the front-facing camera and the other with the rear-facing camera, hence the name — and added both public and private comments on Thursday. Now users can respond to images they see in their stream, sending back their own image or video complete with text if they want.

It’s one of the first major product changes for Frontback, which launched just over a year ago and gained early attention thanks to celebrity users like Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and actor Ashton Kutcher (an investor). The San Francisco-based startup, which took a $3 million seed round shortly after launch, has been relatively quiet since.

App Features

— Capture moments & events using the front and back camera
— Share photos instantly via all standard iPhone sharing features
— Explore many feeds including: recent posts, staff picks and posts your friends liked
— Follow friends, family or other community members
— Frontback Reactions: Interact with friends by commenting on their posts with text and/or photo

Frontback was recently acquired and is managed by a fresh new team with lots of new ideas to make ths fun photo social app more interesting!

One can download this app from Google Play store and App store for their respective devices.

Top 17 Photo Sharing Apps

1. Instagram
2. EyeEM
3. Flickr
4. PhotoBucket
5. Snappr
6. StreamZoo
7. Trover
8. TouchReTouch
9. Cluster
10. SnapSeed by Google (developed by Nik Software), SnapSeed Android, SnapSeed iOS
11. VSCO
12. Tumblr
13. AfterFocus
14. FacebookMoments
15. Google Photos
16. ImGur
17. Foap