Cloud Computing is an information technology gold rush. Everything from social media and smart phones to streaming video and additive games come from the cloud. This revolution has also driven many to wonder how they can retool themselves to take advantage of this massive shift. Many in IT see the technology as an opportunity to accelerate their careers but in their attempt to navigate their cloud computing future, the question of what type of training, vendor-neutral or vendor-specific, is right for them

1. Copyright CloudTek University 2015
Cloud Computing Training: What’s Right For Me
Cloud Computing is an information technology gold rush. Everything from social media and
smart phones to streaming video and additive games come from the cloud. This revolution has
also driven many to wonder how they can retool themselves to take advantage of this massive
shift. Many in IT see the technology as an opportunity to accelerate their careers but in their
attempt to navigate their cloud computing future, the question of what type of training, vendor-
neutral or vendor-specific, is right for them
It’s important to get an answer to this question now because according to Forbes, there are 3.9
million jobs associated with cloud computing today. The median salary for cloud computing
professionals is $90,950 and according to many references, there is a shortage of qualified people
to fill those positions.
"Cloud-related skills represent virtually all the growth opportunities in IT employment
worldwide and demand for cloud-related positions will grow by 26 percent annually through
2015." (http://www.cmswire.com/cms/information-management/tackling-the-cloud-skills-
shortage-027750.php). As an example, 56 percent of European IT departments cannot find
qualified staff to effectively support cloud projects. Moreover, 61 percent are struggling to up-
skill their employees to effectively evaluate cloud service providers. And, 70 percent still need to
learn how to make effective use of automation, self-service, and basic orchestration tools.
(http://www.cloudcomputing-news.net/news/2014/sep/18/how-to-overcome-the-cloud-savvy-it-
talent-shortage/). Currently, there are 18,239,258 cloud computing jobs worldwide, 40.8% of
which are located in China.

2. Copyright CloudTek University 2015
There are two types of emerging cloud computing careers: IT pros with specific cloud skills and
IT admins with cloud architecture know-how.
How Do I Choose
Companies that require vendor-specific cloud computing or development skills are typically
already committed to a specific cloud provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS),
Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform. These are typically team member positions, tied to
emerging DevOps automation tools and processes and usually in newly formed enterprise
groups. These roles require a depth of technical knowledge in very specific vendor capabilities
and account for the majority of cloud computing jobs today.
In the last year, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure have shown stronger growth rates,
exceeding that of AWS in some respects. This led to more job openings that focus on Google and
Microsoft, a trend that will likely continue as enterprises use a mix of public cloud providers.
However, IBM, HP, Verizon and CenturyLink are still in the mix, generating demand for jobs
related to their own cloud platforms.
Vendor-neutral cloud training teaches best practices and principles that helps organizations
develop and execute strategies that meet the enterprise’s business needs. Since a shift to cloud
computing is a complete business transformation, it also requires changes in people, processes,
and technologies. These are typically team leader positions, that also demand associated
industry experience and a breath of technical knowledge.
Vendor specific certifications takes you down the educational path that the vendor believes is the
minimum required to support their product at that level. A vendor-neutral certification leads you

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to study the fundamental issues of that field, enabling a broader understanding of the
environment within which the products operate.
The answer to which type of certification is best for you, depends on where you are in your
career and where you want to go.
Vendor-neutral certifications can take a long time and may be more expensive than vendor-
specific training. This is because vendor often subsidize training on their own products with
money made from selling their actual products. This sort of training also tends to be too forward
thinking, focusing on the company's newest products and neglecting older versions that are still
in use. These certifications also focus on the vendor's terms rather than industry accepted
terminology.
Vendor-neutral certifications are best for people breaking into the cloud computing field. It is
also good for people seeking corporate or industry leadership roles since the training is widely
applicable. These certifications provide an external validation of a baseline standard of
knowledge and helps in establishing a common set of experiences when dealing with others in
the broader industry or field.
Business executives also tend to hire people with a better understanding of the technologies
behind devices like firewalls, rather than picking a person certified in a specific firewalls.They
would rather have someone that understands the how and why behind the use of a technology,
rather than know how to set up and use one particular vendor's product.
A recent ComputerWorld article echoes this sentiment by saying that companies aren't looking
for any single skill when hiring people to work on cloud projects. Rather, they're seeking
technologists who are familiar with a variety of programming languages and various platforms,
often preferring those with experience in multiple areas over people with a laser-focus in just one
discipline. (http://www.computerworld.com/article/2489794/cloud-computing/10-hot-cloud-
computing-skills.html)
According to Kyle Hilgendorf, research director at Gartner Inc., and James Staten, principal
analyst at Forrester Research, cloud architects that have broad cloud computing knowledge are
becoming vital assets for companies.
“[A cloud architect] has to have a good understanding of IT service management or IT
operations management so, for example, things like ITIL-based processes and practices, change
management, configuration management, incident [management], asset deployment, problem
resolution.”
Other key skills include vendor management and finance, integration, enterprise architecture and
procurement.

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“People that are in some of the traditional roles [can] become the cloud architect -- whether that's
a traditional enterprise architect or someone from operations. However, they may not see the
cloud as an opportunity for career growth [but] as a threat to their job. And as a result they'll be
resistant to it and come up with a million excuses about why the organization can't move to the
cloud. But they need to shift that mentality, because one of the things we have found in
organizations that move aggressively to the cloud is that people who get on board with the
program end up with a job that's more relevant to the company, more relevant to the business and
better for their career. The people that don't make this transition are the ones who dig their heels
in, don't want to change their skill sets and don't want to embrace new things -- and that's always
been a recipe for disaster in IT. … So, the IT leaders, CIOs, VPs -- anyone who manages people
-- need to help their employees see their career path so that those people don't become resistors.”
(http://searchcio.techtarget.com/answer/What-specific-skills-should-a-successful-cloud-architect-
have)
Companies with cloud architect positions seek people who can define the cloud -- from business
requirements to the actual cloud deployment. These jobs tend to be with companies that have yet
to define their path to the cloud and need some assistance. They may be defining the use of
existing private and public clouds, or building clouds from the ground up
Typically posted as "cloud solution architect" or "cloud architect," cloud architecture jobs require
strategic knowledge of most cloud computing technology and providers, as well as the ability to
form those clouds to fit enterprise goals or needs. Cloud architecture candidates should have
enterprise architecture and/or service-oriented architecture experience, with some knowledge of
proper cloud computing technology use. Salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000 annually,
depending on location and experience. Consulting firms typically pay the most, but these jobs
require a great deal of travel, and you can bet your dance card will be full.
(http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/feature/Are-you-on-the-right-cloud-computing-
career-path)
CloudTek University Overview
CloudTek University is a unique platform that marries “Just-in-Time” professional cloud
computing education with contemporary and relevant insight and information. This blend is
critical to enabling the balanced and informed viewpoint needed for cutting through all the cloud
computing hype. The following specialized learning paths are available online from CloudTek:

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Cloud Basics
The Cloud Basics learning path gives you the
baseline you need to participate in initial
business and technology discussions. It covers
cloud computing essential characteristics, cloud
service and deployment models, business use
cases and benefits and cloud computing
challenges and concerns. This is for you if you
need a quick start without the vendor hype.
 What Is Cloud Computing
 Traditional Computing Challenges & Concerns
 Cloud Computing Benefits
 Cloud Computing Challenges & Inhibitors
 Cloud Use Cases And Examples
 Cloud Computing Frameworks
Cloud Technology
Were you just assigned to lead a cloud transition
effort? The Cloud Technology learning path will
help you hit the ground running. It covers cloud
computing basics and the underlying
technologies that combine to make cloud
transformative. Virtualization, technology
standards, application migration and pilot
selection are all covered.
 Cloud Technology Components
 Virtualization
 Cloud Applications
 Cloud Computing Standards
 Architecting For Cloud Transition

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Cloud Operations
Cloud Computing is all about IT services
operations. The Cloud Operations learning path
focuses on this aspect by addressing the basics
plus operational requirements, operations
support models and IT service management
essentials.
 Operational Requirements
 Cloud Service Brokerage
 Cloud Operations Support Models
 IT Service Management
 Implementing Cloud Services
 Implementing IT Governance
 Cloud Buyers Decision Tree
 Cloud Interoperability And Portability
Cloud Technology Professional Certification Prep
Cloud professionals seeking professional certification
will get tremendous value from this learning path. After
presenting technology, operations and business basics,
this path will delve deeply into security, risk
management, cloud adoption strategies and cloud pilot
management.
 Traditional Computing Challenges And
Concerns
 Cloud Computing Benefits
 What Is Cloud Computing
 Cloud Use Cases And Examples
 Cloud Technology Components
 Virtualization
 Cloud Applications
 Cloud Computing Standards
 Architecting For Cloud Transition
 Critical Threats
 Threat Vectors
 Risk Management
 Cloud Adoption Lifecycle
 Cloud Pilot Service Model Selection

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 Cloud Pilot Deployment Model Selection
 Application Migration
 Cloud Adoption Obstacles
 Cloud Adoption Obstacles
 Operational Requirements
 Cloud Operations Support Models
 Implementing IT Governance
Cloud Business Leader Certification Prep
Cloud computing enables revolutionary business models
that can deliver quantum improvements to the bottom
line. The Cloud Business Leader is expected to know
why and how. This learning path will prepared you to
lead your organization’s transformation as a certified
professional.
 Traditional Computing Challenge And Concerns
 Cloud Computing Benefits
 Cloud Computing Challenges & Inhibitors
 What Is Cloud Computing?
 Cloud Use Cases And Examples
 Cloud Computing Frameworks
 Virtualization
 Cloud Applications
 Critical Threats
 Threat Vectors
 Risk Management
 Cloud Computing Business Models
 Business KPIs And Goals
 Cloud Adoption Lifecycle
 Cloud Computing ROI
 The Economic Benefit Of Cloud Computing
 Cloud Business Context
 Cloud Pilot Service Model Selection
 Cloud Deployment Model Selection
 Cloud Adoption Obstacles
 Operational Requirements
 Cloud Operations Support Models
 Implementing IT Governance

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CloudTek videos, blogs, social media feeds and training tracks serve as a resource, reference and
trusted advisor to the cloud computing professional we serve.
In 2015, vendor-specific training will also be added. These course will cover AWS, Azure,
Google and others. Cloud solution computer aided design training and certification will also be
added.

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Cloud Computing Professional Certifications
CloudTek University prepares student for vendor neutral professional certification by the Cloud
Credential Council. The Cloud Credential Council (CCC) is the international industry
representation body mandated to develop and drive alignment of standards training and
certification for individuals in the cloud computing domain. The CCC is independent and vendor
neutral, and has an expanding list of members consisting of public sector and academic
institutions, cloud providers, cloud consumers, cloud brokers, professional associations and
international certification bodies from across the world. CloudTek training prepares students to
take the following certification examinations:
CCC Cloud Business Associate™ - certification demonstrates that candidates have the
basic skill set and knowledge associated with cloud and business. The certification is a
critical step to advance your career as organizations look for qualified Cloud Business
Associates. The certification allows business professionals to leverage cloud effectively
as they can demonstrate an understanding of the key cloud concepts and how it applies to
business scenarios.
CCC Cloud Technology Associate™ - certification demonstrates that candidates have
the basic skill set and knowledge associated with cloud and virtualization. The
certification is a critical step to advance your career as organizations look for qualified
Cloud Technology Associates. The certification allows IT professionals to operate
effectively in a cloud environment as they can demonstrate an understanding of the key
concepts and relevant terminology. It furthermore provides the foundation needed in
order to successfully complete subsequentvendor-specific training / certification
programs and also provides a baseline for the subsequent CCC Professional level
certifications.

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Professional Cloud Solution Architect – PCSA designation is a globally recognized
certification for technology architects. Solution Architects need to understand the impact
that cloud is having on business and information architecture, application design, data
management and security architecture and be very familiar with the topology and
ecosystems that are being created as a result of increasing adoption of cloud technologies
and operating models. The Cloud Solution Architect certification is designed for senior
technology professionals who are architecting and designing the future generation of
technology solutions.
Instructors
CloudTek University instructors are industry leaders, providing the experience and foresight
needed to help you expand and accelerate your cloud computing career.
KEVIN JACKSON
BUSINESS EXECUTIVE AND WRITER, GOVCLOUD NETWORK

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Kevin L. Jackson is the founder and CEO of GovCloud
Network, a consultancy specializing in solutions that meet
critical commercial and government operational
requirements. Prior positions include Vice President and
General Manager Cloud Services NJVC, VP Federal
Systems at Sirius Computer Solutions, Worldwide Sales
Executive at IBM, Vice President Global IT Project Office
at JP Morgan Chase, and CTO at SENTEL Corporation.
He has a M.S. in Computer Engineering from Naval
Postgraduate School; an M.A. in National Security &
Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a B.S.
Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval
Academy. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Information
Technology at the George Mason University Volgenau School of Engineering. Through his
“Cloud Musings” blog, Jackson has been recognized as one of Cloud Computing Journal
“World’s 30 Most Influential Cloud Bloggers” (2009, 2010). He is also a co-author of the white
paper “Cloud Computing: Risks, Benefits, and Mission Enhancement for the Intelligence
Community.”

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SANDRA JOHNSON
CEO, SKJ VISIONEERING, LLC
Sandra K. Johnson is the CEO of SKJ Visioneering, LLC, an
information technology consulting firm with a focus on sub-
Saharan Africa. She is formerly the CTO for IBM Central, East
and West Africa, responsible for customer satisfaction,
technical strategy, development and leadership. Her previous
IBM assignments included working as a Business
Development Executive and Senior Technical Staff Member,
and managing the Linux Performance, WebSphere Database
Development, and Java Server Performance teams within IBM
development and research organizations.
She has conducted research in computer-performance related
areas and was a member of the IBM Academy of Technology.
Dr. Johnson has received technical and professional awards, and is a Master Inventor with over
40 issued and pending patents. She received an Outstanding Technical Achievement award for
her IBM work as the CTO for global small and medium businesses. She has authored and co-
authored over 80 publications and is Editor-in-Chief of the book “Performance Tuning for Linux
Servers.”
JODI KOHUT
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT, GOVERNMENT CLOUD COMPUTING
PROFESSIONAL

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Jodi Kohut is an established subject matter expert with six
years of exclusive dedication to the Federal Cloud Computing
Strategy and related Agency initiatives. During this time, she
has worked with both industry and Federal executives on the
most prominent cloud programs to date. Jodi communicates a
wealth of knowledge about the CSP market landscape, Federal
cloud acquisitions to date, and compliance strategies.
Jodi’s background includes two decades of leadership in
Federal acquisition support, contract administration and
supply chain management. In this capacity, she often leads
diverse teams of project and program managers, engineering
resources, and business developers. Jodi holds multiple
industry certifications including ITIL Intermediate, and
ISO9001/20000-1/27001 and BS25999-2. Jodi earned her master’s degree in Communication
and Leadership Studies in 2012 from Gonzaga University and currently teaches part time in the
Northern Virginia Community College System.
MELVIN GREER
MANAGING DIRECTOR, GREER INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP AND
INNOVATION
Melvin Greer is Managing Director of the Greer Institute for
Leadership and Innovation, which is focused on research and
deployment of his 21st century Leadership Model. With over
29 years of systems and software engineering experience, he is
a recognized expert in Service Oriented Architecture, Cloud
Computing and Predictive Analytics. He functions as a
principal investigator in advanced research studies, including
Nanotechnology, Synthetic Biology and Gamification. He has
advanced knowledge in basic research and critical, highly
advanced engineering and scientific disciplines. He is a
Certified Enterprise Architect, the Chair of the Network
Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC), Cloud Computing Working Group and the
Steering Committee Chair of the Cloud Standards Customer Council.

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Greer has been awarded the BEYA 2012 Technologist of the Year Award and has been
recognized for his outstanding technical contributions to cloud computing and service-oriented
architecture. He is an author; his most recent book is “21st Century Leadership.”