Case Study:
Cloud Computing Is Changing the Nature of Jobs
Cloud computing is not only driving changes in organizations, it is also changing the nature of jobs–not only within the IT department—but throughout the enterprise as well. IT Takes on More Strategic and Executive Roles For chief information officers (CIOs) and other chief executives, cloud-driven changes reflect the more strategic role IT plays in setting the direction of businesses. For businesses, cloud storage, services, and other computing arrangement have led to more reliable and predictable supporting IT. IT and other managers recognize that the best and most cost-effective solutions—including IT solutions—are those that may have been built, tested, and verified elsewhere. Being able to identify and leverage from a public cloud or company-owned data centers is becoming a key part of IT leaders’ responsibilities. The ability to introduce and develop valuable cloud computing engagements or infrastructure may even be the career path to the corner office, according to a study from CA Technologies (ca.com/). About 54% of 685 CIOs surveyed, believe that cloud computing has enabled them to spend more time on business strategy and innovation. Approximately 71% who have adopted cloud computing see their position as a viable path to pursue other management roles, compared to only 44% of non–cloud adopting CIOs. Growing Demand for Cloud Professionals and Managers Because of the shift to the cloud, there is growing demand for professionals and managers who are more focused on business development than they are in application development. There are greater opportunities for enterprise architects, cloud architects, cloud capacity planners, cloud service managers, and business solutions consultants. Jobs being created may not always bear the term cloud in their titles, but cloud is at the core of their job descriptions. Cloud-Related Job Descriptions—a few examples Here are two excerpts from the titles and descriptions posted on online job sites. Notice that each job deeply engages the person with business strategy or operations.
Q1. Cloud Computing Architect: Serves a critical role to drive the architect/design and implementation for [our] cloud-based solutions. Interact effectively with CTO, product manager, and engineering managers to drive an optimized solution under known constraints. Provide innovative idea or direction to our product.
Q2. Lead Software Developer—Cloud Computing Focused: This position is a great opportunity for someone who is motivated by building high business value applications and working with smaller teams to directly influence company growth.
Your answer must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format and also include references.