The amount of data generated is increasing at a never-seen-before rate, all thanks to tech advancements. This data is huge, From emails and social media posts to significant corporate transactions!
But, have you wondered where this data is stored? It is impossible to handle such enormous volumes of data using conventional physical storage techniques like hard disks. So, what is the fix? Cloud Computing is the one-stop solution. Cloud computing platforms allow data to be stored and accessed online without physical equipment, providing infinite capacity and flexibility. Let’s find out all about the top cloud computing platforms aspiring engineers should master.
Why Cloud Computing?
The on-demand, scalable access to cloud computing resources has completely changed how businesses and companies run. From start-ups to multinational conglomerates, all are adopting cloud solutions. Cloud computing platforms improve scalability, stimulate creativity, and streamline operations.
With the increased need for cloud computing solutions among various industries, mastering cloud computing platforms is a smart move.
Top Cloud Computing Platforms for Engineers
For an aspiring engineer like you, mastering a cloud platform is an essential step towards building a successful career. Here are the top cloud computing platforms that can help your résumé stand out among others:
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services or AWS is the largest cloud computing firm owned by Amazon. The most widely used types of cloud computing by AWS users are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Amazon launched cloud computing to increase the utilisation of its pricey data centres, which later overtook other revenue-generating initiatives of the company.
“Cloud computing may become the largest Amazon business in the near future as people continue to need inexpensive processing and storage capacity,” said the founder and CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos.
2. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
How can a multinational tech company not participate in the growing trend of cloud computing platforms in the IT industry? Yes, you got that right; this is about Google.
With the potential to drastically change the landscape of cloud platforms in the industry, Google has its own Google Cloud Platform, or GCP. The cloud infrastructure of Google has a limited preview as it does not support Windows. Owned by Google, GCP is designed to support its own company, such as Google Search, Gmail, and other Google products.
3. Microsoft Azure
The cloud computing platform by Microsoft is called Microsoft Azure. This is another worthwhile learning platform for a cloud software engineer nowadays. Many large and small businesses are switching from Google Cloud Platform to Azure. This makes Microsoft Azure the second best cloud platform to master after AWS.
Azure offers several services, including computation, network, storage, and Azure serverless functions, similar to AWS. Azure Marketplace is another platform where numerous developers provide customised solutions.
4. CloudBees
The next platform in the cloud computing race is a recent addition known as CloudBees. This platform specialises in Java PaaS and continuous delivery. It differs from many other Platform as a Service provider for its dedication to Java, Grails, and JRails.
Being a Service Platform, CloudBees also provides continuous integration services via its Jenkins plugins. The cloud computing toddler has partnerships with several ecosystem players, such as PaperTrail for log sequencing and New Relic for monitoring. This platform is well-suited for start-ups and small-scale companies relying heavily on Java, third-party libraries and open-source technologies like GitHub and Jenkins.
5. CloudSigma
A start-up not so big as AWS or GCP, called CloudSigma, offers a close-to-customer option. This makes it easier for clients and public cloud providers to have a more flexible and cooperative relationship. The company believes the public clouds that are now available are far more restrictive than they should be.
6. Rackspace
In the IaaS and PaaS sectors, Rackspace is another rapidly expanding cloud computing start-up. The extensively discussed open source cloud software, OpenStack, is the developmental and influential result of Rackspace. The company lighted the path for other big cloud service providers with its public cloud services based on OpenStack in August 2012.
Cloud Computing Courses & Career Opportunities
To master the best cloud computing platforms and build a promising cloud computing career, you need to have a degree. Indian educational institutions offer different cloud computing courses for students. The most common degrees opted by students are:
1. B Tech CSE Cloud Computing
The four-year B Tech program covers foundational topics on computer science, cloud computing technologies and cloud-based systems.
A B Tech in Cloud Computing grad can work as a cloud architect, cloud engineer, DevOps engineer, network administrator and cloud security specialist.
2. BCA Cloud Computing
A Bachelor’s Degree in Cloud Computing teaches students the basics of cloud computing technologies, programming, database management, and cloud-focused software development.
Your BCA Cloud Computing degree opens the door to career prospects like junior cloud developer, cloud support engineer, system administrator, cloud application tester and technical support executive.
3. M Tech Cloud Computing
The two-year postgrad program provides in-depth knowledge of cloud infrastructure, cloud services and cloud environment management. The program offers research opportunities to students which involves advanced applications of cloud technologies.
M Tech Cloud Computing degree comprises job options like cloud consultant, cloud solutions architect, cloud software engineer, cloud security analyst and research scientist.
4. MCA Cloud Computing
The MCA in Cloud Computing degree focuses on cloud technology and its applications, as well as managing and securing cloud environments.
The career prospects for an MCA Cloud Computing grad include cloud software developer, cloud consultant, cloud system administrator, cloud database administrator, solutions architect, and many others.
5. PhD in Cloud Computing
PhD in Cloud Computing involves in-depth and extensive research on cloud computing technologies and software. PhD scholars develop new cloud computing frameworks or systems for improved user experience.
You can work as a cloud research scientist, cloud solution architect, cloud technology innovator, professor, or consultant for cloud-based enterprises after a PhD.
Also read: Cloud Computing in 2024 – Everything You Need to Know
The Future of Cloud Computing
The future of cloud computing looks pretty bright. A Cloud Engineer has enough opportunities on his/her plate. Let’s check out the reasons for these opportunities:
- Enhanced Adoption: Cloud computing is now widely adopted by all kinds of small- to large businesses. This, in turn, increases demand for cloud computing professionals.
- Edge computing: The growing number of IoT devices will lead to the proliferation of edge computing. Quicker data processing and lower latency of edge computing will contribute to this surge.
- Hybrid Cloud: Hybrid cloud systems combine public and private clouds. This maximises flexibility and security, an essential need of the future.
- AI Integration: Cloud platforms integrated with AI functionalities will allow enterprises to use predictive analytics and machine learning efficiently and effectively.
- Cost Optimisation: Cloud computing providers will adopt more affordable options for companies to optimise their cloud infrastructure and cut costs.
- Blockchain Integration: Integration of Blockchain technology and cloud computing will provide safe data processing and storage.
- Green Cloud Computing: Low-energy data centres and sustainable procedures will be prioritised to lessen cloud computing’s adverse environmental effects.
Conclusion
Cloud Computing is expected to bring significant advancements, including more competitive pricing, lower costs, and more alluring cloud usage packages.
As cloud computing enthusiasts, you should know how the IT infrastructure evolves. Being up to date on the latest developments in technology and trends and mastering cloud computing platforms is the need of the hour.
Spend your time wisely and learn all about technological advancements that could help you become a Cloud Computing expert.
