What is Cloud Infrastructure?

Cloud Infrastructure is the term used to describe the overarching systems behind any cloud storage system. This comprises both the physical components, such as servers, to the front-end software, such as Azure or Openstack, which lets users access their files.

Since the inception of cloud computing in the mid-2000s, the storage systems have become increasingly widespread and just as intricate to understand. Similarly, the jobs required to keep Cloud Infrastructure running have diversified along with the technology itself, splitting into three distinct areas: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Put simply, IaaS cloud providers offer businesses the host applications, operating systems, and development programs, while looking after the hardware themselves. As such, IaaS Specialists have similar skillsets to IT admin staff, since these services are mainly employed for storage, websites hosting, and data processing.

SaaS is a simplified form of cloud infrastructure, which keeps the management of all software and hardware in the hands of the vendor. SaaS programs generally take the form of web apps, from office software packages to email providers and CRM systems.

PaaS careers are an ideal pivot for anyone already working as a developer, as the cloud infrastructure provided allows users to create their own applications to test and run on the cloud. This removes any need to keep any costly server space in-house, allowing staff to focus on their day-to-day development tasks rather than maintenance.

What is EUC?

EUC stands for end-user computing, which is a term used to describe all front-end computer functions. Also termed as Modern Workplace transformations, EUC transformations allow for much better collaboration and communication between users with increased functionality through modern applications.

In the context of cloud infrastructure, EUC functionality is most frequently seen through the use of virtual desktops. This means that desktops, used by any operating system, are saved in the cloud and cast to the devices of any user within an organisation. Designing these systems is the role of a cloud architect, who conceives and develops storage solutions for EUC systems to maximise engagement and make user experience as simple and intuitive as possible.

Opportunity

According to the most recent statistics, 83% of companies will be running their operations via cloud technology by the start of the next decade. The move away from bulky physical servers to remote storage has obvious benefits, and while jobs in server maintenance may be dying out, as a result, there is ample opportunity to transfer these skills to jobs in Cloud Infrastructure. Both jobs require knowledge of data management, IT systems and operations, and a background in computer science. Furthermore, as more industries and companies embrace cloud storage for their day to day IT usage, the need to maintain and, in higher roles, completely design cloud storage systems will only increase.

• Recent changes in the sector

  The shift to cloud storage and infrastructure has been huge, with the popularity of Cloud Infrastructure for businesses growing exponentially since the technology was first introduced. Indeed, the cloud computing market is now worth hundreds of billions of dollars, as major tech companies introduce their own cloud storage systems. Many businesses are also beginning to use more than one cloud storage system at a time, so roles in Cloud Infrastructure require an increasing level of versatility.

• Future prospects

  Competition between cloud storage providers is likely to fuel demand for jobs. Between the popularity of Amazon’s AWS service, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive, for example, the responsibility of cloud architects to create new services and innovations is vital.

• Salt’s advice for getting a Cloud Infrastructure or EUC job

  Interview preparation

  In an interview setting, candidates will most likely be required to discuss previous projects they have worked on. Demonstrating knowledge of the industry and cloud storage solutions will also be extremely beneficial. You should also be able to answer more general questions about managing workloads and taking charge of a team.

  Educational requirements

  Most employers will require any prospective candidates to have a degree in Computer Science, with further extensive knowledge in Mathematics and a strong grasp of written and spoken English.