Cloud computing has emerged as a critical technology underpinning the growth and transformation of businesses across various sectors. In fact, our 2024 research report found that 76% of organisations plan to develop cloud skills this year. As businesses increasingly migrate to cloud platforms to benefit from scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, the demand for skilled cloud professionals has skyrocketed.
Boosting these skills within IT teams doesn’t just enable organisations to keep pace with technological advancements but also serves as a strategic asset that can drive innovation, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage.
Discover more insights from our 2024 research report.
The benefits of boosting cloud skills
Bridge the cloud skills gap
The rapid adoption of cloud services has led to a significant skills gap, with many organisations struggling to find and retain talent with the necessary expertise in this area. Research by Vanson Bourne has found that 98% of organisations face a cloud skills gap, and an S&P Global survey has found that 44% of organisations face recruitment difficulties for cloud skills.
By investing in cloud skills development, companies can cultivate a highly skilled in-house team capable of navigating the complexities of cloud migration, management, and security. This proactive approach not only addresses the immediate skills shortage but also positions organisations to adapt more effectively to future technological shifts.
Enhance agility and innovation
Cloud technologies offer unparalleled agility, enabling IT teams to deploy, scale, and update services quickly. Developing these skills within your team empowers staff to leverage these capabilities to the fullest, fostering an environment of continuous innovation.
Teams with advanced cloud knowledge can more readily experiment with new ideas, streamline development processes, and deploy solutions that respond swiftly to market demands and customer needs.
Improve operational efficiency
Cloud-skilled IT professionals can optimise resources to improve performance while controlling costs. They can navigate the myriad of pricing models and service offerings to tailor solutions that meet organisational needs without overspending.
Expertise in cloud resource management drives operational efficiency and contributes to a more sustainable IT strategy by minimising waste and maximising the value of investments.
Boost security and compliance
As cyber threats evolve and regulatory requirements become more stringent, managing security and compliance in the cloud presents complex challenges. IT teams proficient in cloud security practices are better equipped to protect sensitive data, ensure privacy, and comply with regulations.
Enhancing these skills can help organisations build robust defence mechanisms, mitigate risks, and maintain trust with customers and partners.
Facilitate collaboration and integration
Cloud computing often involves integrating diverse services and platforms, requiring a deep understanding of APIs, data formats, and communication protocols. Skilled professionals can enhance collaboration within the IT team and across departments, ensuring seamless integration of cloud services with existing systems.
Cross-functional collaboration is crucial for realising the full benefits of cloud technology, breaking down silos, and fostering a cohesive digital strategy.
Drive business growth and competitive advantage
Ultimately, developing cloud skills within IT teams is not just a technical imperative but a strategic investment in the organisation's future. Skilled professionals can identify opportunities to leverage cloud technology to drive business growth, from enabling data-driven decision-making to launching innovative cloud-based services.
As organisations become more adept at using cloud technologies, they can gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital marketplace.
How to boost cloud skills
The benefits of boosting cloud skills are clear, but the next challenge is implementing the right strategies to keep your team’s skills up to date.
Assess current skill levels
Begin by evaluating your team’s existing cloud skills and knowledge. Identify gaps and areas for improvement. This could involve understanding different cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as specific technologies and practices such as DevOps, cloud security, and data management.
HCreate a structured learning plan
Based on the assessment, develop a learning plan that aligns with your organisation's cloud strategy and objectives. This plan should include:
- Targeted training: Focus on specific platforms or technologies that your organisation uses or plans to adopt
- Learning goals: Set clear, measurable objectives for skill development
- Timelines: Establish realistic timelines for achieving these goals
Leverage online courses and certifications
Online training can be an affordable and effective way to boost cloud skills. Certifications can also validate your team's skills and expertise. Online courses such as ITIL® 4 Digital and IT Strategy can equip individuals with a knowledge of cloud skills and enable them to achieve operational excellence while managing digital disruptions.
Implement hands-on projects
Practical experience is invaluable. Create opportunities for your team to work on real-life projects or simulations that involve cloud technologies. This could be internal projects or contributing to open-source projects. Hands-on experience helps solidify learning and encourages the practical application of new skills.
Encourage knowledge sharing
Foster a culture of learning and sharing within your team. Organising regular knowledge-sharing sessions where team members can present new skills, insights from training, or lessons learned from projects can help spread knowledge and boost collaboration and team cohesion.
Provide access to resources
Ensure your team has access to the necessary resources for learning and experimentation. This might include subscriptions to online learning platforms, cloud service credits, tools and software. Additionally, attending industry conferences, workshops, and webinars can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Going beyond the cloud skills gaps
The value of boosting cloud skills development for IT teams extends beyond filling a technical void; it is a critical enabler of business transformation, innovation, and sustainability. As the cloud continues to shape the future of business, developing cloud skills is not just advantageous but essential.
Find the right courses to ITIL® 4 training course to boost your knowledge of cloud skills.