Top 5 Skills Gaps Every Cloud Practitioner Needs to Close

With 94% of leaders now using cloud services for their technology initiatives, it’s clear that cloud is a vital part of an organization’s infrastructure. The problem is, simply using the cloud won’t garner the strategic advantages your organization is seeking. In fact, only 27% of leaders say their cloud initiatives are driving customer value.

One of the most vital components of working with the cloud is aligning technology decisions with skill development strategies and desired outcomes. So, how can you create this operating plan and integrate cloud technology successfully enough to generate valuable results within your organization? One key solution that business leaders should focus on first is closing cloud skills gaps.

If your organization is hitting a wall with cloud adoption, or you aren’t seeing the long-term results that were expected, expanding cloud literacy across all employees is the answer. PluralSight research shows that 62% of organizations limit cloud training to their technical teams, something that plays a substantial part in the challenges of building an organizational cloud strategy. Investing in your own talent and upskilling internally is integral for any company’s success, and cloud skills are no exception.

Here are five skills gaps that anybody working with cloud technology should close in order to support an organization’s comprehensive cloud strategy.

Related:A Guide to Cloud Resilience: Maximize Security, Minimize Downtime

1. Cloud Security

PluralSight's State of Cloud reports shows that, for cloud leaders and technologists, cloud security is both the number one challenge and in-demand skill. Even expert cloud engineers must familiarize themselves with the foundational principles of cybersecurity, as leaders among all industries are growing more alert when it comes to data breaches and the overall security of their technical systems. The most prominent security factors in cloud data breaches, according to CrowdStrike, include unrestricted outbound access, neglected cloud infrastructure, and disabled logging -- roadblocks that can be alleviated with heavier cybersecurity training.

2. Data Analytics, Storage, and Management

Just like cybersecurity, proficiency in data skills is absolutely essential to building better cloud solutions. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are causing technologists to be increasingly aware of data breaches, and one of the best solutions is the upkeep of data processes and practices. A higher level of analytical experience leads to more efficiency in finding patterns in data, making strategic decisions, and generating value through optimized system performance. On top of these skills, knowledge and experience in data storage and management allow technologists to build reliable and expandible cloud infrastructures. In short, solidifying your data skills is necessary to maintain cloud security as well as increase durability in cloud solutions.

Related:Top Cloud Migration Challenges and How to Face Them

Read the rest of this article on InformationWeek