Cloud consulting refers to using cloud consultants by an organization to create, run, oversee, and sustain an ideal cloud ecosystem. As more organizations embrace cloud computing, the role of a cloud consultant has become increasingly vital. A recent study says reveals that the cloud consulting market’s worth was $272 billion in 2018. The same source predicts that the market could exceed $620 billion by 2023, given the increasing number of companies adopting cloud-based applications.

The cloud consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and guidance to businesses seeking to migrate their IT infrastructure to the cloud or optimize their existing cloud environment. A cloud consultant bridges the cloud service provider and the client, facilitating the smooth adoption and efficient use of cloud computing technologies. Let’s understand the role and responsibility of a cloud consultant in detail. 

Roles

A Cloud Consultant has the option to choose from a diverse range of positions and responsibilities within the field of cloud computing. One can either choose a primary cloud computing role or explore other related roles to gain expertise in cloud computing. Some of the commonly found roles are as follows:

1. Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers are professionals who specialize in ensuring the security of digital systems based on cloud technology. Their role is vital in safeguarding an organization’s valuable data by assessing and enhancing the security of current cloud systems and developing new protection measures. They typically collaborate with a larger team responsible for managing and securing the cloud infrastructure.

As part of their job, Cloud Security Engineers 

• Investigate, develop, and suggest innovative security measures to improve the overall security of cloud-based systems. 
• Create and implement cloud-based programs that enhance the security of these systems. 
• Provide improved coding methods and offer security recommendations to address potential security gaps. 
• Perform threat simulations to identify vulnerabilities in cloud systems and develop strategies to address them.

2. Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Organizations needing computing resources but lacking comprehensive physical infrastructure can leverage cloud infrastructure. Cloud infrastructure is a virtual computing infrastructure accessed through the internet or a network. Engineers specializing in cloud infrastructure design systems and networks that support cloud-based computing. They may create cloud networks that store data remotely and enable users to access it online.

The responsibilities of cloud infrastructure engineers include 

• Determining the most effective methods to secure data. 
• Work with the hardware used in cloud systems 
• Assess the requirements of the organization to recommend optimal computing technologies and practices.
• Evaluate new technologies to integrate them with existing systems and enhance their capabilities.

3. Cloud Operations Manager

Cloud Operations Managers are skilled professionals in designing and deploying cloud-based solutions, such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). They create processes for measuring system effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement, and developing automated processes to provide information on current requirements and environmental protection.

Their responsibilities include, 

• Implementing cloud-based solutions
• Offering assistance in app development
• Creating and using disaster recovery solutions
• Overseeing system monitoring solutions
• Assisting in resolving a technical issue
• Creating procedures for assessing the efficacy of the system and identifying areas for improvement
• Providing environment security
• Recommending the latest solutions for organizational management
• Identifying, correcting, and enhancing important software tools
• Optimizing systems operations

4. Cloud Support Engineers

Cloud Support Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of cloud computing systems. Their work requires a high level of expertise in advanced computer programming and familiarity with computer hardware. They are responsible for evaluating processes to identify potential flaws or issues and take action to resolve them.

The job responsibilities are,

• Update hardware and software for best performance.
• Correct system flaws
• Retrieve the lost or corrupted data and provide clients with technical support
• Boost the existing systems’ security
• Document cloud disaster management plans
• Document encountered problems with fixes

5. Cloud Software Engineer

A Cloud Software Engineer is similar to a typical software developer but focuses exclusively on cloud computing systems. They may also be referred to as program architects. Cloud Software Engineers use operating systems that run programs accessible online, eliminating the need to store software on a local machine. Users can connect to cloud services to store data rather than on their devices.

The job responsibilities are:

• Create software for cloud-based systems.
• Provide direction to programmers
• Contribute to the coding
• Review the evolution of cloud computing platforms.
• Upkeep and assurance of cloud system effectiveness
• Create fresh systems
• Update outdated systems

Responsibilities 

Cloud consultants have diverse responsibilities that can vary depending on the organization and the specific role. In this role, you may spend time communicating with clients to understand their needs and researching various cloud services that may align with their goals. On other days, you may work closely with cloud engineers and administrators to develop and implement cloud-based applications that meet client requirements.

In some organizations, cloud consultants may create and implement cloud-based applications themselves. In others, they may advise on the best course of action and leave the implementation to the engineering team. The level of involvement may depend on the organization’s size and the clients’ specific needs.

The responsibilities of a Cloud Consultant Include:

1. Assessing Business Requirements: The first step in a Cloud Consultant’s responsibilities is to assess the client’s business requirements and objectives. This involves analyzing their current IT infrastructure, identifying gaps, and recommending suitable cloud solutions to meet their business needs.
2. Cloud Architecture Design: Cloud Consultants design cloud architecture solutions based on the client’s business requirements. This includes selecting the right cloud service providers and tools to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and reliability.
3. Cloud Migration Planning: Cloud Consultants help businesses move their existing applications and data to the cloud. This requires planning and executing the migration process, ensuring that data is migrated securely, and that downtime is minimized.
4. Cloud Security: Cloud Consultants ensure that the client’s cloud environment is secure by implementing security policies, procedures, and controls to prevent data breaches, unauthorized access, and other security threats.
5. Cloud Cost Optimization: Cloud Consultants work with clients to optimize their cloud usage and minimize costs. This involves identifying cost-saving opportunities such as rightsizing cloud resources, implementing cost management tools, and selecting the most cost-effective cloud service providers.
6. Cloud Monitoring and Performance Optimization: Cloud Consultants monitor the client’s cloud environment to ensure that it is running smoothly and identify any performance issues. They also optimize cloud performance by implementing best practices, conducting performance tests, and implementing tools to monitor and manage cloud resources.
7. Cloud Governance: Cloud Consultants help businesses establish cloud governance policies and procedures that ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and industry best practices. This includes setting up a framework for cloud management, establishing cloud service level agreements, and implementing cloud security controls.

What Skills Does a Cloud Consultant Need?

Cloud consultants rely on diverse skills in their work, enabling them to interact proficiently with customers and deploy cloud-driven solutions as needed.

Here are some of the key skills that a cloud consultant should possess:

1. Cloud architecture: A Cloud Consultant should have a deep understanding of cloud computing architectures, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each of these architectures has a unique set of characteristics and benefits, and it is important for a Cloud Consultant to understand them to develop effective cloud solutions for clients.
2. Cloud platforms: As a cloud consultant, having knowledge of various cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is crucial. This is because different organizations have different needs, and one cloud platform may not fit all of their requirements.
3. Security: As a cloud consultant, having a good understanding of security principles is crucial. This is because cloud platforms are susceptible to various security threats, and clients need to ensure that their data and applications are secure.
4. Networking: As a cloud consultant, having an understanding of networking principles and concepts is essential. This is because networking is a fundamental aspect of cloud computing, and it is critical to ensure that applications and services can communicate with each other seamlessly.
5. DevOps: As a cloud consultant, having an understanding of DevOps principles, tools, and methodologies is crucial. DevOps is a software development approach that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to automate and streamline the software delivery process.
6. Project management: Strong project management skills are essential for cloud consultants. This is because cloud projects involve multiple stakeholders and complex tasks that need to be managed effectively to ensure successful project delivery.
7. Communication: Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for a cloud consultant to effectively communicate with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
8. Analytical thinking: Identifying possible solutions and recommending the best course of action is crucial to being a cloud consultant. This is because cloud projects often involve complex technical issues that require a high level of expertise to resolve.
9. Collaboration: As a cloud consultant, the ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams is critical. Cloud projects often involve multiple stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and expertise, and effective collaboration is essential to ensure successful project delivery.
10. Continuous learning: 

Being open to constantly learning and adapting to new cloud technologies, trends, and best practices is indispensable for a cloud consultant. Since cloud technology is continuously changing, staying up-to-date with the latest developments is critical for delivering the most effective advice and solutions to clients.

How to become a cloud consultant?

Becoming a Cloud Consultant involves gaining expertise in cloud computing technologies, building a strong technical skillset, and gaining practical experience working with cloud platforms. Here are the steps to becoming a Cloud Consultant:

1. Obtain Relevant Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required to become a Cloud Consultant. Some universities also offer specialized courses in cloud computing, which can help gain knowledge and skills related to cloud computing.
2. Gain Technical Expertise: To become a Cloud Consultant, gaining strong technical skillset in cloud computing technologies is essential. This includes knowledge of cloud architecture, infrastructure, and platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Learning programming languages like Python, Java, and C# can also benefit.
3. Get Certified: Cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, and GCP offer certifications that validate a candidate’s knowledge and skills in cloud computing. Earning certifications in cloud technologies can help demonstrate your expertise to potential clients and employers. The most popular cloud certifications include AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect.
4. Gain Practical Experience: Practical experience working with cloud platforms is essential to become a successful Cloud Consultant. Consider working on cloud-related projects, joining a cloud consulting firm, or working with cloud providers as a solution architect or engineer.
5. Build Soft Skills: As a Cloud Consultant, you must effectively communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Developing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills is essential.
6. Stay Updated: Cloud computing technologies are constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments is important. Attend conferences, read industry publications, and participate in online forums to stay informed and improve your knowledge.

The Final Verdict

The role of a Cloud Consultant is multifaceted and requires a combination of technical expertise, communication skills, and business acumen. Cloud Consultants are responsible for helping organizations develop and implement effective cloud-based solutions that improve their operations, reduce costs, and enhance their competitiveness.

To achieve this, a Cloud Consultant must possess a deep understanding of cloud computing technologies, including cloud architecture, infrastructure, and platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP. They must also stay up-to-date with the latest cloud trends and developments and have experience working with cloud providers and tools.
As an IT staffing agency, MyTalents can help you find the right Cloud Consultant for your organization. With our extensive network of skilled professionals and a personalized approach to staffing, we can connect you with the talent you need to achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your staffing needs.