Cloud architecture has its roots in software development, where cost-consciousness is a rarely seen commodity, and therefore the concept of a cost-aware cloud architect may be alien to some. However, incorporating a cloud architect into your Cloud Center of Excellence could help resolve the cloud skills conundrum.
There is a well-chronicled problem in the cloud. According to multiple sources, businesses are finding it difficult to recruit and retain personnel with the right technology and business skills to drive their cloud journeys forward.
However, some claim businesses are not responding to job applications; or, when they are offered a position, their roles are much different from what was expected. Many suggest businesses don’t know what they want and are simply “following trends and buzzwords over wisdom and experience”.
Both Sides of the Cloud Skills Conundrum have Valid Points
The consequence is a cloud skills conundrum which is exacerbating the cost, performance, and security risks of operating in the cloud – yet both sides of the conundrum have valid points.
On one hand, many businesses migrated to the cloud without fully understanding the implications and without the right personnel in place. They then tried to apply on-premises practices to cloud operations, which left them with a less-than-perfect cloud environment. There is also an argument that because HR doesn´t understand the positions that need filling, advertising the role incorrectly creates confusion.
On the other hand, many would-be cloud professionals have unreasonable expectations. Some apply for positions after obtaining “qualifications” that only require a theoretical knowledge of cloud computing. Their lack of practical experience leaves them unprepared for the roles they are assigned in a less-than-perfect cloud environment. More research into the business´s requirements might resolve this issue.
Introducing the Cost-Aware Cloud Architect
Most people understand what a cloud architect does – he or she converts the technical requirements of a project into the architecture and design that will guide the final product. Usually a cloud architect will have a strong practical background in cloud computing, with a good knowledge of the business’s operating system (i.e. Linux, Windows, etc.), networking, and security, and typically they will work exclusively with the DevOps team to complete the project.
What makes a cost-aware cloud architect different is that he or she is part of a Cloud Center of Excellence; and, rather than working exclusively with the DevOps team, he or she is part of a team which also includes representatives from finance, procurement, HR, and security. This balance of personnel has the effect of raising cost-awareness and ensuring projects are completed within budget, and with mechanisms in place to control and optimize future running costs.
How a Cost-Aware Cloud Architect Can Help Resolve the Cloud Skills Conundrum
By working with representatives from other departments, a cost-aware cloud architect is better able to understand complex business problems and tailor solutions to address these problems. In the context of resolving the cloud skills conundrum, the cloud architect can liaise between DevOps and HR to define the specific roles that will be required as the business progresses on its cloud journey.
This doesn´t necessarily guarantee the right people with the right skills are in the right place at the right time, but by giving HR a better understanding of the roles would-be cloud professionals will be expected to perform, the positions can be more accurately advertised. Job applicants can ascertain whether their qualifications and experience are appropriate for the role – eliminating unreasonable expectations.
Has Your Business Developed a Cloud Center of Excellence Yet?
Throwing money at recruitment has failed to resolve the cloud skills conundrum, so a different approach is required. By developing a Cloud Center of Excellence and bringing a cost-aware cloud architect into the team (or even a cloud architect who is not yet cost-aware), business can gain a better understanding of what skills will be required – and when they will be required – so they can either advertise more accurately or train from within the current skills pool.
