Over the past several years, no other area of IT has generated as much hype, interest and investment as cloud computing. Though the term may have differing meanings for different users, there’s no doubt that the cloud is now a permanent fixture for end users and service providers, as well as global companies and organizations of all sizes. As a result, cloud computing attracts considerable coverage and attention from certification providers and companies that offer cloud-related products, such as Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and VMware.

A Forbes article on cloud computing forecasts summarizes key statistics regarding the current cloud computing landscape and also includes a look to the future. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the dominant cloud computing player and achieved an incredible 43 percent year-over-year growth. According to Wikibon predictions, AWS revenue should top $43 billion by 2022. AWS is followed closely by Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud Platform.

According to industry analyst the International Data Corporation (IDC), the cloud has grown much faster than previously predicted. New projections indicate that spending on public cloud services and infrastructure is expected to top $160 billion in 2018, which is an increase of 23.2 percent from 2017. IDC also predicts a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.9 percent by 2021 with spending for public cloud services to exceed $277 billion. Those are huge numbers, in an era when the U.S. economy is growing at less than 3 percent and global GDP is at 4.2 percent.

A close examination of what’s available to IT professionals by way of cloud-related certifications shows a large and growing number of credentials. For 2019, the best cloud certifications include both vendor-neutral and vendor-specific certification options from some top players in the market. However, certification providers watch technology areas carefully, and seldom jump into any of them until clear and strong interest has been indisputably established.

Cloud professionals should expect to earn a healthy income. SimplyHired reports average salaries for cloud administrators at just under $75,000, while cloud developers average nearly $118,000 annually. Cloud architects are the big winners, with average earnings coming in at $129,469 and some salaries shown as high as $179,115.

Before you peruse our list of the best cloud certifications for 2019, check out our overview of the relative frequency at which the top five picks show up in job postings. Keep in mind that these results are a snapshot in time and genuine demand for certifications could fluctuate.

Job Board Search Results (in alphabetical order, by certification)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

Amazon Web Services launched its AWS certification program in May 2013. Currently, the program offers role-based credentials at the foundation, associate, and professional levels along with several specialty certifications. AWS certifications focus on preparing candidates for developer, operations and architect roles.   

Our featured cert is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification, which targets networking professionals with two or more years of experience designing and deploying cloud environments on AWS. A person with this credential works with clients to assess needs, plan and design solutions that meet requirements; recommends an architecture for implementing and provisioning AWS applications; and provides guidance throughout the life of the projects.

A candidate for this certification should be highly familiar with subjects such as high availability and business continuity, costing, deployment management, network design, data storage, security, scalability and elasticity, cloud migration, and hybrid architecture.

Other certifications in the AWS certification program include the following:

Architect

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: Identifies and gathers requirements for solution plans and provides guidance on architectural best practices throughout AWS projects. Serves as the prerequisite credential for the professional-level certification.

Developer

AWS Certified Developer – Associate: Designs, develops and implements cloud-based solutions using AWS.

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: Provisions, operates and manages distributed applications using AWS; implements and manages delivery systems, security controls, governance and compliance validation; defines and deploys monitoring, metrics and logging systems; maintains operational systems. This certification is a professional-level certification for both developer and operation-based roles. When we ran the job board numbers, we found an extremely strong showing among employers seeking AWS certified devops engineers. If your career path is following devops-related roles, this is definitely a certification worth exploring.

Operations

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: Provisions systems and services on AWS, automates deployments, follows and recommends best practices, and monitors metrics on AWS.

Cloud

The Certified Cloud AWS Practitioner is the sole foundation-level certification offered by AWS. While not required, it is a recommended prerequisite for associate, professional and specialty certs in the AWS certification family.

Specialty

AWS offers three specialty certs that focus on security, big data and networking:  the AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, and the AWS Certified Security – Specialty.

With about 40 percent market share, Amazon continues to hold the top spot in the cloud computing services market. That makes the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional credential a feather in the cap of channel partners for whom AWS is a major part of their business. The credential also distinguishes partners from their competitors, perhaps giving them an advantage in the pursuit of new clients.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Facts & Figures

CCNA Cloud: Cisco Certified Network Administrator Cloud

Cisco Systems was founded in 1984 and has become a household name in the realm of IT. Cisco maintains a strong global presence, boasting more than 74,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of $49.3 billion.

To support its products and customers, Cisco developed and maintains a strong training and certification program, offering credentials at entry, associate, professional, expert and architect levels. Cisco offers two cloud-based credentials: The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cloud and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud. The CCNA and CCNP enjoy a strong presence in the cloud and are featured in this year’s top five list.

An entry-level credential, the CCNA Cloud targets IT professionals working in roles such as network or cloud engineer and cloud administrator. The CCNA Cloud credential validates a candidate’s ability to support cloud-based Cisco solutions. Candidates should possess a basic knowledge of cloud infrastructure and deployment models, cloud networking and storage solutions, provisioning, preparation of reports, ongoing monitoring and other cloud administrative tasks.

Two exams are required to earn the CCNA Cloud. Training is highly recommended, but not required. The credential is valid for three years, after which the credential holder must recertify by passing one of the qualifying recertification exams. Credential holders should check Cisco’s certification webpage for the current list of qualifying exams.

In addition to cloud, the CCNA credential is available for numerous other solution tracks, including Cyber Ops, Routing and Switching, Wireless, Data Center, Security, Collaboration, Industrial, and Service Provider.

CCNA Cloud Facts and Figures

CCNP Cloud: Cisco Certified Network Professional Cloud

Cisco certifications are designed to prepare IT professionals working in specific job roles for common challenges they may encounter in the normal scope of their duties. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud credential is designed to validate the skills of administrators, designers, architects, engineers and data center professionals working in a cloud-based environment. In addition to Cloud, the CCNP is available in six other solution tracks: Collaboration, Routing and Switching, Service Provider, Data Center, Security and Wireless.

As the certification name implies, this is a professional-level credential for experienced cloud practitioners. Candidates should be well-versed in cloud-related technologies, such as Cisco Intercloud and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and cloud models (hybrid, private, public). The CCNP Cloud isn’t all about theory. Successful candidates should also possess the skills necessary to design and implement network, storage and cloud infrastructure solutions and security policies, troubleshoot and resolve issues, automate design processes, design and manage virtual networks and virtualization, provision applications and IaaS, and perform life cycle management tasks. Candidates must also understand Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) architecture and related concepts.

The requirements to earn the CCNP Cloud credential are rigorous. Candidates must first obtain either the CCNA Cloud or any Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. In addition, candidates must pass four additional exams covering cloud design, implementing and troubleshooting, automation, and building applications using ACI. Training is highly recommended as the best way to prepare for CCNP Cloud exams.

The CCNP Cloud is valid for three years. There are several paths to recertification; most involve passing either a written or practical exam. However, candidates may also recertify by passing the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview and board review.

CCNP Cloud Facts and Figures

MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure cert (replaced the MCSE: Private Cloud cert in 2017) recognizes a candidate’s ability to manage data centers and validates skills in networking virtualization, systems and identity management, storage and related cloud technologies.

The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure credential requires candidates to first obtain one of the following Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA) certifications:

Each MCSA requires two or three exams depending on the path chosen. The MCSA: Linux on Azure credential requires both a Microsoft exam and the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) exam.

Candidates must also pass an MCSE exam. These exams include subjects such as developing, implementing and architecting Azure-related solutions; configuring and operating hybrid cloud using Azure stack designing and implementing solutions for cloud data platforms; designing and implementing big data analytics solutions; and implementing server infrastructures.

Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers free courses and training materials on many subjects relevant to the cloud development. Microsoft Learning occasionally offers Exam Replay, a program that allows candidates to purchase a discounted exam with a retake (and a practice exam, for a small added cost).

As more and more Microsoft technologies are delivered and consumed in the cloud rather than on premises, Microsoft continues to beef up its cloud-related certifications. It does so by offering new credentials or sprinkling cloud subjects into existing credentials. If you click the Cloud tab, you can see all the cloud-related certifications on the Microsoft Certification webpage.

MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Facts and Figures

VCP7-CMA: VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation

If there’s a contributing technology that enables the cloud, it must be virtualization, and nobody has done virtualization longer or from as many angles as VMware. The company’s latest cloud credential is the VCP7 – Cloud Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA) certification, based on vSphere 6.5 and vRealize, which recognizes IT professionals who can extend data virtualization throughout the cloud.

To earn the VCP7-CMA, candidates need to follow one of these paths:

VMware offers additional credentials with strong cloud connections, such as these:

VMware regularly updates and replaces certifications in its program to reflect new technologies, so check the  VMware Cloud Management and Automation webpage and the certification roadmap for the latest information.

VCP7-CMA Facts & Figures

Beyond the Top 5: More Cloud Certifications

There’s no overall shortage of cloud-related certifications (nor certificate programs that also attest to cloud competencies).

Although it didn’t make the top five list this year, the CompTIA Cloud+ is still an excellent entry-level credential for those looking for a foundation-level credential. More experienced practitioners should check out Dell’s EMC’s Proven Professional Cloud Architect Specialist (DECE-CA).

You’ll find vendor-specific cloud certifications from companies such as Google, IBM (search for “cloud”), Oracle, Red Hat, Rackspace (CloudU), CA AppLogic and Salesforce. On the vendor-neutral side, the Cloud Certified Professional (CCP) is a comprehensive program aimed at those who aren’t tied to any specific platform. Mirantis offers performed-based OpenStack and Kubernetes certifications at the associate and professional levels. And while it’s a relative newcomer, the vendor-neutral National Cloud Technologists Association (NCTA) CloudMASTER certification is also worth your attention. Candidates must achieve three prerequisite certifications or pass a challenge exam to earn the CloudMASTER.

• MCSA: Windows Server 2016
• MCSA: Cloud Platform
• MCSA: Linux on Azure
• MCSA: Windows Server 2012

Path 1 (for current VCP-Cloud or VCP6-CMA credential holders): Candidates who already possess a valid VCP-Cloud or VCP6-CMA certification need to obtain experience working with vSphere 6.x and vRealize and complete the VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA) exam 2V0-731 to earn the certification.

Path 2 (for current VCP6, 6.5, or 7 credential holders in a different track): Candidates who already possess a valid VCP6, 6.5 or 7 credential in a different track should gain experience working with vSphere 6.x and vRealize and then pass exam 2V0-731: VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation.

Path 3 (for expired VCP-CMA credential holders): Candidates who hold an expired VCP-CMA certifications must obtain six months of experience on vSphere 6 and vRealize, take a training course and pass exam 2V0-620: vSphere 6 Foundations exam or exam 2V0-602 vSphere 6.5 Foundations Exam, plus complete exam 2V0-731: VMware Certified Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation.

Path 4 (for non-VCP credential holders): Candidates who are just starting with VCP7-CMA must gain six months of experience with vSphere 6.x and vRealize, take one of the required training courses, and pass the required exams mentioned in Path 3 above.

VMware Certified Advanced Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation Design (VCAP7-CMA Design)

VMware Certified Advanced Professional 7 – Cloud Management and Automation Deployment (VCAP7-CMA Deploy)

VMware Certified Design Expert 7 — Cloud Management and Automation (VCDX7-CMA)

Job board search results (in alphabetical order, by certification)*

*Search results for the generic phrase “VCE data center engineer”

Regardless of which job board you use, you’ll find many employers looking for qualified people to join their data center teams. SimplyHired lists 114,000-plus data center jobs in the U.S., with more than 172,000 on Indeed, 50,000 on LinkedIn Jobs and 20,000 on LinkUp. With the right credential(s) in hand, one of these jobs is sure to be yours.

Data center job roles start at the network technician level and advance through senior architect. Most of the certifications covered would fit well with an associate- or professional-level network engineer position. According to SimplyHired, the average salary for network engineer jobs is about $79,000, and $111,000 for senior network engineers. Glassdoor reports a U.S. national average salary of about $73,000 for network engineers, and their average for senior network engineers climbs to $94,000.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Data Center

Cisco certifications continue to be some of the most recognizable and respected credentials in the industry. The CCNA Data Center certification is a great introductory certification for networking professionals who want to specialize in data center operations and support and have 1-3 years of experience.

Candidates for the CCNA Data Center certification need to understand basic data center networking concepts. These include addressing schemes, troubleshooting and configuring switches with VLANs and routers using Nexus OS, network and server virtualization, storage, and common network services such as load balancing, device management and network access controls.

The CCNA Data Center is valid for three years, after which credential holders must recertify. Recertification requires passing a current version of one of the following exams:

• Associate-level exam (except for ICND1 exam)
• 642-XXX professional-level or 300-XXX professional-level exam
• 642-XXX Cisco Specialist exam (does not include Sales Specialist exams or MeetingPlace Specialist exams, Implementing Cisco TelePresence Installations (ITI) exams, Cisco Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction exams, or any 650 online exams)
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) written exam
• Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) written exam or current CCDE practical exam

Candidates can also sit through the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview and the CCAr board review to achieve recertification for CCNA Data Center.

CCNA Data Center facts and figures

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center

Networking professionals looking to validate their data center skills and achieve a competitive edge in the workplace can’t go wrong with the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center credential.

Geared toward technology architects, along with design and implementation engineers and solutions experts, the CCNP Data Center identifies individuals who can implement Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) rack-mount servers; install, configure and manage Cisco Nexus switches; and implement and deploy automation of Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). The CCNP Data Center is designed for candidates with 3-5 years of experience working with Cisco technologies.

When pursuing the CCNP Data Center, Cisco lets you choose either a design or troubleshooting track. Related data center certifications include the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA Data Center), for those with 1-3 years of experience, and the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center, aimed at professionals with seven or more years of experience.

The CCNP Data Center is valid for three years, after which credential holders must recertify. The recertification process requires candidates to pass a single exam to maintain the credential, or to sit for the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview and the CCAr board review. Credential holders should check the Cisco website for the current list of qualifying exams before attempting to recertify.

CCNP Data Center facts and figures

JNCIP-DC: Juniper Networks Certified Professional Data Center

Juniper Networks, based in California and incorporated in 1997, develops and sells network infrastructure equipment and software aimed at corporations, network service providers, government agencies and educational institutions. The company has a large certification and training program designed to support its solutions, which includes Data Center, Junos Security, Enterprise Routing and Switching, and Service Provider Routing and Switching tracks.

The Data Center track recognizes networking professionals who deploy, manage and troubleshoot Juniper Networks Junos software and data center equipment. The single exam (JN0-680) covers data center deployment and management, including implementation and maintenance of multi-chassis link aggregation group (LAG), virtual chassis and Internet Protocol (IP) fabric, virtual extensible LANs (VXLANs), and data center interconnections.

The JNCIP-DC certification is good for three years. To renew the certification, candidates must pass the current JNCIP-DC exam.

JNCIP-DC facts and figures

VCE-CIAE: VCE Converged Infrastructure Administration Engineer

VCE, short for Virtual Computing Environment, was part of EMC Corporation, which Dell acquired in 2016. The VCE line of converged infrastructure appliances are still being manufactured and widely sold, and the company has a handful of VCE certifications geared toward designing, maintaining and supporting those solutions.

VCE certifications are now part of the larger Dell EMC Proven Professional certification program but have retained some independence. The program currently offers the VCE Certified Converged Infrastructure Associate (VCE-CIA), VCE Converged Infrastructure Administration Engineer (VCE-CIAE) and VCE Converged Infrastructure Master Administration Engineer (VCE-CIMAE) credentials. We focus on the VCE Administration Engineer in this article because it’s available to the public as well as Dell employees and partners, and it ranks well in job board searches.

The VCE-CIAE is a professional-level credential that recognizes professionals who manage and support Vblock Systems. The single exam includes subjects such as system concepts, administration, security, resource management, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Candidates must recertify every two years to maintain a VCE certification. To renew, credential holders must pass the current VCE-CIA exam (this is the prerequisite for the VCE-CIAE certification), as well as pass the current VCE-CIAE exam or earn a higher-level credential.

VCE-CIAE facts and figures

VCP6-DCV: VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization

The VCP6-DCV is one of those credentials that sits firmly on the line between traditional data center networking and cloud management. As such, it appeals to a wide networking audience. In fact, the VMware website states that more than 100,000 professionals have earned VMware VCP6-DCV certification, making it one of the company’s most popular certifications.

VMware offers an extensive certification program with a rigorous Data Center virtualization track, which includes the VCP6-DCV. Candidates must thoroughly understand Domain Name System (DNS), routing and database connectivity techniques, and how to deploy, configure, manage and scale VMware vSphere environments and storage. VMware recommends that candidates have a minimum of six months of experience with VMware vSphere 6 before attempting the VCP6-DCV certification.

New candidates must take a VMware training course and pass two exams. Training courses start at $4,125; pricing is based on the specific course, delivery format and learning partner.

VMware requires credential holders to recertify every two years. Recertification is achieved by taking whatever exam is most current for the certification, earning a new VCP certification in a different solution track or advancing to the next-level VMware certification.

Note: VMware certifications are geared toward the VMware vSphere product, the latest incarnation of which is Version 6.5. As of April 2019, VMware is still rolling out various Version 6.5 exams. Currently, Version 6.5 exams are offered for the Professional and Advanced Professional (Design only) levels. We anticipate that Version 6.5 exams and credentials at the Associate, Advanced Professional Deploy and Expert levels will follow soon.

VCP6-DCV facts and figures

Beyond the top 5: More data center certifications

While not featured in the top five this year, the BICSI Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) is a terrific certification, designed for IT professionals with at least two years of experience in designing, planning and implementing data centers. This vendor-neutral certification is ideal for data center engineers, architects, designers and consultants. Another good vendor-neutral certification is Schneider Electric’s Data Center Certified Associate (DCCA), an entry-level credential for individuals who design, build and manage data centers as part of a data center-centric IT team.

CNet’s Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP) and Certified Data Centre Technician Professional (CDCTP) are also worthy of honorable mention. Based in the U.K., these certifications don’t appear in a lot of U.S. job board postings but still deliver solid results from a general Google search.

IT professionals who are serious about advancing their data center careers would do well to check out complementary certifications from our featured vendors. For example, Cisco also offers a number of certifications in data center design and support, including application services, networking infrastructure, storage networking and unified computing. VMware also offers additional data center virtualization certifications worth exploring, including the VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization Design (VCAP6.5-DCV Design) and the VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX6-DCV). Also, the Dell EMC Proven Professional certification program offers a bevy of data center-focused certifications, including the Dell EMC Implementation Engineer (EMCIE) and the Dell EMC Certified Cloud Architect (EMCCA).

Because of the proliferation of data center virtualization and cloud computing, you can expect the data center networking job market to continue to remain strong soon. Achieving a certification can be a real feather in your cap, opening the door to new and better work opportunities.

The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.

LAS VEGAS, (BUSINESS WIRE) -- HPE DISCOVER –VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) today announced the company was named the 2022 HPE Global Technology Partner of the Year. This award recognizes VMware as an HPE partner that exemplifies commitment and success in delivering value to customers on their digital transformation journey.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220628005048/en/

The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.

CLAREMONT, N.H. & CHANTILLY, Va., June 30, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Red River, a technology transformation company serving government and enterprise customers, announced today that it has been designated as a VMware Regional Academy for IT support and training. In partnership with the VMware IT Academy, Red River will provide instructors and students at academic institutions with training and learning resources for high-demand IT skills such as digital workspace, application modernization and multi-cloud.

VMware academic programs have created positive change throughout the pandemic, providing next-generation technology to academic institutions, allowing instructors to teach virtually and giving students access to industry certifications.

"Red River understands the evolving needs of the IT Industry and its talent," said Jackie Barker, Director of VMware IT Academy. "VMware IT Academy is thrilled to work with Red River to provide educational resources and experience to students in academia."

As a VMware Regional Academy for IT support, Red River will contribute to industry and economic development, providing skills to students seeking high-demand careers in areas such as cloud, dev ops, data, mobility and security. Red River will also support the remote delivery of VMware courses, helping students excel through online certification opportunities, hands-on labs and other VMware learning resources.

"We are pleased to be a part of the Regional Academy, sharing years of technology expertise to benefit the next generation of IT professionals," said Richard Ackerman, Vice President of Workforce Development for Red River. "This opportunity enables us to invest in our industry, so we can better prepare students for work and career growth in a digital world."

Red River’s workforce development program offers extensive training programs, new career opportunities and dedicated partnerships. The company is set on making a positive impact on employees, customers, partners and communities. To learn more about workforce development at Red River visit www.redriver.com/resources/workforce-development. For more information on the VMware IT Academy, visit https://www.vmware.com/company/it-academy.html.

Story continues

About VMware
VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company’s 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company.

About Red River
Red River brings together the ideal combination of talent, partners and products to disrupt the status quo in technology and drive success for business and government in ways previously unattainable. Red River serves organizations well beyond traditional technology integration, bringing 25 years of experience and mission-critical expertise in security, networking, analytics, collaboration, mobility and cloud solutions. Learn more at redriver.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220630005833/en/

Contacts

Media Contact:
Ed Levens
Ed.Levens@redriver.com

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The digital transformation spree is propelling with vigour as we witness a paradigm shift in work culture. In addition, most organisations have embraced remote working as a new normal.

Cloud computing can be a panacea for this transformation. It provides cost-effective and easily scalable computing and storage solutions. 

A recent NASSCOM report highlights that India needs 20 lakh cloud professionals by 2025. But with the current growth, there will only be 14-15 lakh cloud professionals, leading to a shortage of 5 lakh cloud professionals. 

The wide adoption of cloud computing by most organisations to ensure business continuity through collaboration and remote working has created a boom for cloud computing technologies and relevant cloud skills. Research estimates that 85% of organisations worldwide will adopt a cloud-first principle by 2025.

In addition, in the post-pandemic world, the demand for online entertainment via video streaming cloud platforms like OTT has disrupted the traditional television-cable, and movie-theatre-based ecosystems have triggered the boom in cloud computing careers.  

Career in cloud computing

The cloud professional roles are not limited to one type. Cloud professionals can work as Cloud Architect, Cloud Administrator, Cloud Security professionals, Software Engineers and many more parts in development and operations.

Also, one can take up roles without the prefix of the word ‘cloud’ in the designation. For instance, various designations are Computer Network Architect, Computer Systems Analyst, DevOps practitioners, Computer and information systems managers, Database administrators, Network and Computer systems administrators, etc.

To pursue a career in cloud computing, one can always build on their existing IT skills. Knowledge of computer networking, security, programming, and project management makes it easier to transition into the field. 

Cloud certifications are the key to success. Take up cloud certification exams from Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), VMware, and other major public cloud providers and get the skill sets validated. All the major public cloud providers have a well-structured certification path in place.

For instance, Microsoft Azure certifications are available at four levels fundamentals, associate, expert, and speciality. A beginner can start with fundamentals certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, AZ-900, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals, DP-900 or Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals, AI-900.

Cloud Career Transformation ensure Programs are available for working professionals. However, preparing for certification exams demands rigorous training and proper guidance. Aspirants must be trained by an authorised training partner of prominent public cloud organisations.

Rising digitisation and increased understanding of the benefits of cloud and related technology adoption will accelerate in future. India is in an excellent position to become a global cloud solutions centre if there are enough talented and skilled professionals.

(The author is a founder of a cloud consulting firm)

As a resident of Alachua County, I am concerned about the state of our public education locally. This school year, only 50% of Alachua County third graders scored as proficient on the Florida Standards Assessment, compared to 53% for the state.

In fact, the 2014-15 school year was the last time Alachua County third-graders performed better than the rest of the state. Additionally, the achievement gap exceeds 40% and there is a decline in academic performance among all students.

Change and sustainable solutions are vital if the success of every student is truly our goal. Without the implementation of necessary changes, students will continue to lag behind their peers and be ill-prepared for college and/or the workforce.

I am a business owner, degreed educator, behavioral specialist and an educational advocate who will courageously lead the way to needed change. I did not jump into this race as a ploy to maintain the status quo or to continue the practices that currently fail our children. I have a plan to Improve the educational state, not a strategic façade that masks the problem!

My plan includes working collaboratively with the community; too often they feel unwelcomed and unheard. I will also devise strategies that build schools and our community, while addressing and emphasizing the importance of a college education and the need for skill-oriented developmental programs that increase workforce marketability beyond high school. Every student must graduate well-prepared for college or the workforce.

Because our system is tied to standardized testing, these tests heavily influence curriculum and constrict the opportunities available to our students. I am compelled to act, now! Our students cannot afford the risk of elected officials too closely connected to the status quo, because they have not significantly addressed the diverse needs of our children.

What are these officials doing and why are they in leadership? Obviously, their leadership has steered our educational path in the wrong direction.

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I will produce solutions and manifest change. Our school programming and curriculum mirror the past. Students and staff need efficient, innovative and safe learning environments with a viable behavioral curriculum.

Alachua County Public Schools’ curriculum must include collegiate and workforce programs that address the opportunity gap by engaging students in an innovatively relevant manner. Diversified career technology and on-the-job training need to be re-incorporated to supplement life management skills courses focused on financial literacy, employability, entrepreneurship, technology and life skills.

Financially responsible decisions focused on students and not political interests must be our guiding priority. All students must have access to sustainable, high-interest programs that support all learners. As a successful entrepreneur, I know what needs to be done to ensure that funds are allocated appropriately and strategically.

My plan of action is premised in culturally relevant pedagogical practices and educational strategies. Teachers need support and access to useful professional development. Behavioral/disciplinary support must be effective as well; problematic situations within the classroom prohibit learning. Parental engagement must also be supported by providing opportunities for active participation.  

Transparent decision-making that includes community input is imperative. All stakeholders must be aware of how their decisions impact students and the allocation of resources, based on the academic/social needs of students.

With improved leadership, Alachua County’s School Board can successfully tackle these issues. As a leader focused on total student achievement, I’m committed to problem-solving, inclusive wrap-around services, socio-emotional support systems and building a first-class education system.

A vote for Diyonne McGraw is a vote for our students, and not the continuation of ineffective systems that have failed them. Vote for me by mail, vote early (Aug. 13–20), or vote on Aug. 23.

Diyonne McGraw is running for the Alachua County School Board, District 2. Opinion columns written by the candidates in this race and others running in the upcoming election can be found online at bit.ly/august22electioncolumns. 

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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Column from Alachua County School Board Candidate Diyonne McGraw