IT staff needed to complement cloud computing

IT staff needed to complement cloud computing

As an increasing number of businesses start to realise the benefits of cloud computing, one expert has reassured IT professionals that their skills will still be needed.

Simon May, a cloud computing evangelist with Microsoft, told the Ashdown Group that a different skill-set will be required by employees but they are certainly not about to become redundant.

Mr May explained that it is very difficult for non-technical staff to understand the latest issues developing within the sector and, as a result, there is always going to be a need for “people that are able to be a guide or a gatekeeper, who are able to guide people through the technological jungle that is out there”.

He added: “It doesn't matter if you work for one of the major vendors or out there in the field for an organisation, what you provide is a localised level of intelligence that tailors a solution to the customer's emerging needs.”

The comments back up a recent survey conducted by iReach on behalf on O2, which revealed that a lack of awareness and understanding is preventing a substantial percentage of companies from moving over to the cloud. According to the research, 54 per cent of firms questioned are confused by the term cloud computing, and this is stopping them from considering moving their systems to the cloud.

With IT staff in place locally, this issue could become less of a problem, allowing firms to focus on the benefits of the service.

Businesses looking to move services into the cloud should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.