Cloud computing demands a mix of technology skills, negotiating skills, business acumen and people skills. Here are 10 key skills that can help boost your career into the clouds.
MORE ON CLOUD CAREERS: Steer your career to the cloud
TECHNICAL DEPTHA core understanding of cloud-enabling technologies such as server and storage virtualization, moving to a flatter data center switching architecture, etc.
PROJECT MANAGEMENTThe ability to manage the full life cycle of a specific IT project.
ARCHITECTURE SKILLSBeing able to architect both in-house and hosted cloud environments.
CONTRACTSThe ability to negotiate and manage multiple contracts with cloud service providers.
SERVICE DELIVERY The ability to negotiate and follow through on service-level agreements with internal and external customers.
COMMUNICATIONThe ability to explain and sell cloud computing to stakeholders in the organization.
UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESSCloud managers need to have a deep understanding of how cloud services can improve the business.
LEADERSHIPThe ability to convince others to make the leap to cloud computing.
INNOVATIONBeing open to exploring the newest cloud-based technologies and services.
RISK-TAKINGCloud computing requires IT execs who are willing to take risks for the overall betterment of the company.
Read more about data center in Network World's Data Center section.