By: Farhan Choudhary, Data Cloud Evangelist at, Snowflake India
Cloud computing has grown into an essential component of modern businesses’ IT infrastructures; it provides cost savings through scalability and agility across multiple industries
In India, the IDC estimates the public cloud services market to grow at a CAGR of 23.1 percent from 2021 to 2026.
Farhan Choudhary, Data Cloud Evangelist at, Snowflake India
The IT ecosystem is constantly evolving, with new technologies such as AI, automation, and cloud computing transforming the way we do business. The latter, in particular, has become ubiquitous with IT infrastructures today. But demand for “cloud talent” outstrips supply, threatening to diminish the impact of its benefits.
Attracting and retaining relevant talent is the main roadblock to digital transformations
Cloud computing has grown into an essential component of modern businesses’ IT infrastructures; it provides cost savings through scalability and agility across multiple industries. Unsurprisingly, industries across the country and the rest of the world continue to adopt cloud services at a rapid pace.
In India, the IDC estimates the public cloud services market to grow at a CAGR of 23.1 percent from 2021 to 2026. It is expected to increase demand for human resources with expertise in cloud computing and related technologies. For example, National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) predicts local demand for “cloud talent” will reach 2.2 million professionals by 2025. On the other hand, the number of professionals with relevant skill sets will only grow to 1.5 million individuals during the same period. This underscores the importance of upskilling existing employees and hiring talent proficient in emerging technologies like AI, ML, data science, business analytics, full-stack development, and cybersecurity.
One of the ways forward outlined by NASSCOM is the modernisation of universities’ course curricula in computer science and related fields. This, however, is estimated to only generate an additional 263,000 new relevant professionals in the form of new graduates. To make up for the gap, local companies are encouraged to focus on developing their workforce through quality training programmes offered by the experts.
Cloud learning is the key to overcoming manpower roadblocks
High-quality training programs deployed via cloud-based solutions can go a long way towards helping employees develop their knowledge base. From understanding the basics of various cloud computing models, full-stack development, cyber security, and DevOps, professionals can learn relatively faster.
Cloud-based learning offers numerous advantages over the alternative. First, it eliminates the logistical overhead associated with physical classes. At a time when organisations are looking to minimise expenses due to the uncertain economic climate, cloud platforms enable businesses to upskill while keeping costs in check.
Second, it gives learners flexibility when it comes to scheduling coursework. Another challenge with upskilling programs is its implementation without overburdening employees who are already juggling significant workloads. Cloud-based learning enables employees to learn whenever convenient, wherever convenient, and without the limitation of having to access it via office desktops.
Third, cloud-based solutions can utilise the latest advancements such as VR/AR. Immersive experiences through real-life simulations keep students engaged, enhancing the ability of students to learn complex concepts better and faster. This flexibility gives organisations the most value for their money.
Fourth, cloud-based platforms enable learners to hasten upskilling through collaboration. With a variety of collaboration tools unavailable from traditional methods and training programmes, employees can interact with their peers or instructors to get support when needed.
Last but not least, implementing certification in conjunction with cloud-based learning platforms can help to upskill employees faster by providing the ability to track progress and measure skills acquisition in real time. In addition, certifications give organisations tangible evidence of an employee’s newly acquired skillset, which boosts talent retention as it demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to employee growth.
Upskilling is the key to survival in the age of digital transformation
Training programmes via cloud-based solutions are critical for Indian companies that do not want to be left behind in the rush to modernise. It enables organisations to upskill their employees cost-effectively and efficiently. Combined with implementing certification, companies can better expand the number of their employees who are highly skilled in new technologies without having to inflate hiring budgets to attract new graduates or poach employees from competitors.
It helps to eliminate the logistical overhead associated with physical classes, offers flexibility when it comes to scheduling coursework, utilises the latest advancements such as VR/AR, and enables learners to collaborate with peers or instructors. Furthermore, implementing certification in conjunction with cloud-based learning platforms can help to upskill employees faster by providing the ability to track progress and measure skills acquisition in real time.
As demand for “cloud talent” continues to rise, companies stand to gain by evaluating the skill sets of their workforce and leveraging certification programmes by vendors. Identifying which skill sets are present enables decision-makers to customise training programmes according to the needs of both employees and the organisation. This can then be paired with certification programmes that provide the basic skills, as well as those for highly specified roles, clearing a path for Indian organisations to distinguish themselves by empowering their employees to stand out in the data community.
