Advancing technologies are a key driver in modern business, particularly cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) and PaaS (platform as a service). These services take up less space on company servers and are often at least partially managed by experienced third parties. Yet, a single cloud provider rarely offers all the necessary business tools in one package. That’s why savvy businesses opt for multi-cloud environments, where they leverage services from several cloud providers to gain the best of what’s on offer.
While this approach helps businesses get the most suitable tools for their needs, it creates complexity. Multi-cloud management could be the new key consideration when hiring technical staff and building effective teams.
The Benefits and Challenges of Multi-Cloud Environments
Multi-cloud environments offer several benefits:
- Reduced chance of vendor lock-in
- Access to more innovative technologies
- Ability to leverage the best tools on the market
- Budget management — although this can be a challenge as well as a benefit
- Risk mitigation, including improved disaster recovery plans
However, these benefits come with challenges attached. Sourcing business tools and systems for multiple providers creates a complex technical infrastructure. Not all employees will find this easy to navigate. While some systems cut costs, others may increase over time, providing finance departments with new headaches. Ensuring all existing business systems integrate correctly with a diverse range of platforms can also be tricky. Beyond the complexities of multi-cloud management, additional security risks are associated with transferring data between multiple providers.
That’s why there’s a rising demand across multiple industries for skilled professionals able to navigate these new complexities.
Emerging Staffing Needs for Multi-Cloud Management
With that in mind, some roles are expected to be in demand over the next 18-24 months.
Cloud Architects and Engineers
Multi-cloud management specialists, such as cloud architects and engineers or platform engineers, help connect the right systems for an effective cloud-based infrastructure.
Skills to look out for include:
- Experience with cloud SaaS and PaaS providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and others
- Knowledge of cloud interoperability
- A deep understanding of cloud system architecture
Cloud Security Specialists
One of the toughest challenges when integrating multiple platforms is ensuring compliance with data security regulations. Cloud security analysts can assess the effectiveness of individual or grouped systems, while cybersecurity specialists can ensure an organization’s overall network security is strong enough. Compliance officers check that all these tasks are combined to make a business fully compliant.
Skills to look out for:
- A good knowledge of multi-platform security protocols
- Cloud-based data encryption
- An understanding of multi-cloud management compliance standards
Data Integration and Migration Experts
Managing multiple systems means hiring individuals or teams to safely and securely collate data from various sources. Businesses will need new data engineers, data integration specialists, and database migration experts.
Skills to look out for:
- Data synchronization skills
- Data migration and transformation planning
- Experience with multi-cloud and hybrid environments
Cost Management and FinOps
Sourcing multiple systems can create financial complexity. Cloud financial analysts and FinOps (financial operations) specialists can use their skills and experience to help businesses get the best deals — and continuously manage those costs.
Skills to look out for:
- Experience creating cost optimization strategies
- Financial modeling, specifically within a multi-cloud environment
- Cost-performance analysis
Cloud Automation and DevOps
For businesses that want to create their own bespoke systems or modify existing ones, hiring cloud automation specialists and DevOps (development and operations) teams is essential. You’ll need skilled programmers, coders, or IT specialists who can utilize low-code/no-code solutions.
Skills to look out for:
- Experience utilizing and modifying PaaS
- Continuous improvement/continuous deployment skills
- Knowledge of automation tools, e.g., AWS CloudFormation, Ansible, Terraform, and others
Each business will have its own recruitment needs, but filling these roles will ensure you have the best team for multi-cloud management.
Recruiting and Training to Meet Multi-Cloud Demands
So, how can businesses adjust their hiring strategies to attract talent with the right technology skills to handle multi-cloud management?
Prioritizing the skills needed can help create more focused recruitment campaigns. For example, experts state that interoperability is the biggest challenge in multi-cloud environments, impacting at least 80% of enterprises. Citing experience handling interoperability challenges as an essential skill can help reduce hiring time by immediately sifting out unqualified applicants.
However, many businesses will benefit from teams with multi-disciplinary expertise. Hiring multiple team members with different strengths can help create a team that can handle all aspects of multi-cloud management. Creating partnerships with tech-focused educational establishments can be a step in the right direction. Firms can also take a look at their internal upskilling and training initiatives. Existing experts could help mentor other employees whose skills just need a tweak in the right direction.
The Right Hiring Strategy Supports Multi-Cloud Management
Hiring the right information technology teams is critical for supporting multi-cloud strategies. Without skilled personnel in place, costs can spiral, and security can become a serious issue. In addition to hunting for specific skill sets, consider the enthusiasm and adaptability of candidates. As technology advances, cloud-based systems will constantly shift and change. Teams that thrive in a fast-moving environment can help your business get ahead of the competition by leveraging the most advanced tools at their fingertips.
Discover more about creating the right team to future-proof your business at MRINetwork.