Quote:
Originally Posted by ddk632
Haha, he's not talking about iCloud 
Taking about setting up a cloud infrastructure company for business use, and seeking guidance in the hardware architecture and virtualization methodology that would be used to back such an infrastructure.
Cloud in the business sense is server virtualization provided to small businesses for their internal networks, as well as their public facing web application needs. Typically, these services are provided by huge companies with services such as Amazon AWS, MicroSoft Azure, and a host of small companies that provide similar services on a smaller scale.
Cool stuff, lots of competition.
Or, you know, something like that... |
You do realise that most Fortune 500's are using "cloud" in some way, right? It's not just SMB. Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google to a lesser extent all provide virtualised instances of applications as well as infrastructure. It stopped being just
"server virtualization provided to small businesses for their internal networks, as well as their public facing web application" before I even started.
The value of the large players isn't just in the price of their services and how the CFO jumps at it, but rather their specialisations. If you take a look AWS, yes their IaaS is cheap, but one of the awesome things they offer is the ELB (Elastic Load Balancer)- allowing scale out/scale in easily. Netflix is a consumer of this for their web front ends and CDN. (google that for more info).
Microsoft entered with Office 365 in the SaaS arena, yet this ties into the Azure portfolio through integration points and shared directories; whilst also offering a simple to use and well priced selection of IaaS and web hosting. Their access management is worth keeping an eye on. Also, Azure offers some great HA/DR reference architectures for most of the MSFT inf/app suite, and unlike AWS provides supported SQL instances to allow you stretch an always on AG.
There are also regional data centres where those offering the Express Route or links to the data centre (into your MPLS network or their DC), typically T1/T2 telcos, are then offering value-added wrappers around the services to simplify consumption- and to maintain relevancy by connecting you + value add.
'Cloud' isn't just 'the future', it's now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dek25ive
Yeah ddk632 looking at it as a future career. Currently overseas contracting as a Satellite Communications Engineer via experience but taking majoring in CS online through Regis University. Im at the point where Im about to begin core classes and just wanted to talk to some people that are in the field since I know there is a ton of people working in IT on the board. Interested in it but don't want to continuously cert chase so Im kinda thinking about switching to marketing or another major where my 10+ in the IT field could still pay off. How do you like being in that career field and where do you see it going in the future? Any information concerning becoming a cloud architect or other career fields would be appreciated. Thanks.
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If you want to do comp-sci, start in a dev-ops/consulting role and expect to hit architect in 3-5yrs, then another few years to grow into it.
Depends what interests you and what your actual driver is. What motivates you?
Certs?
I sit certs when required, but I don't bother unless a director asks.
How do I find the industry?
I wouldn't do anything else. I've been consulting to CxO for the past maybe 4-5years? I doubt I'd leave this industry, just keep moving around.
Career expectations?
I've worked T1 IT shop -> transformation -> start up consultancy which is now spreading through APAC -> Global Consultancy turn-around/incubation.
I've got a bunch of certs, no under-grad, stopped my MBA to focus on work.
I make very good money compared to my peers, friends etc; statistically it is also ahead of the bell curve.
I shouldn't have issues with future work, every role change I've been poached anyway. I could transition to leading a team of technical architects or similar if I wanted a cushier role. There is an ever growing list of options for everyone.
My view?
Find what you will enjoy and be motivated to pursue. Passion and dedication stand out in every industry, but more so in the IT field which historically has a shit rep for work ethic etc.
Oh yeah, don't be scared of the business aspects. If business interest you more than code- do Business Information Systems or Commerce.