Cloud Systems Administrator
A Cloud Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the cloud infrastructure services and servers in mixed software environments. They lead and oversee a multiuser computing environment to meet the needs of the organization. The administrator must have strong technical knowledge of virtual machines, writing code, and software as a service.
Their duties include developing and configuring systems, setting up public or private clouds, balancing workloads, and monitoring and altering systems according to established methodology. They also select and implement cost-effective cloud-based systems that meet the technical requirements of the organization.
Job Description
The main duties of a cloud administrator involve working closely with the IT department to design and maintain cloud, Windows, Unix, and other infrastructures. They offer technical support for Windows, and cloud-based systems, and troubleshoot operational issues. They also assist in managing cloud services and Windows server environments.
Additional responsibilities of a cloud systems administrator include:
Install & Troubleshoot
The cloud systems administrator will install and configure the operating system in cloud IaaS providers. The individual is also the go-to person to resolve and help with system problems. The professional looks into the configuration and network security of the systems to make sure they are working correctly and they are up-to-date. It is also the administrator’s responsibility to manage and upgrade operating systems.
Implement & Integrate
The administrator usually monitors and analyzes the capabilities and performance of the systems. They compare, evaluate, and implement new technologies, and integrate systems into the computing environment. For the convenience of users, it is the administrator’s responsibility to document systems infrastructure.
Security & Strategies
A cloud systems administrator should assist with cloud server configurations, patches, and troubleshooting as needed. They also help to maintain system security strategies, policies, and procedures.
Great Expertise
As a requirement, the cloud systems administrator should have a working knowledge of Code Green, Proofpoint, Active Directory, Exchange, Office 365, Azure, AWS, GCP, and other Windows-based technologies. The ability to configure VMs and Web Applications is an added advantage to becoming a cloud system administrator.
Education Qualifications
Anyone interested in a cloud systems administrator position must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, electronics, or telecommunications. Many employers look for other relevant work experience as well. A master's degree may be a bonus for some roles.
Certifications Path
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
The Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect will verify the candidate's knowledge regarding deployment and robust applications on AWS technologies. It also focuses on advanced technical skills in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.
IBM Certified Cloud Solution Architect v2
The IBM Certified Cloud Solution Architect v2 certification will provide expertise to design, plan and architect a Cloud Infrastructure with limited assistance, documentation, or relevant subject matter. Certified administrators will be able to handle any issues related to IBM Cloud Infrastructure concepts and architectural principles.
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Associate Certification
The Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Associate certification will give the candidate a better understanding of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services. It focuses on cloud computing concepts such as high availability, disaster recovery, and security as well as Oracle Cloud Infrastructure terminology and services. Candidates with strong foundational knowledge in designing infrastructure with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services are encouraged to apply for this certification.
Red Hat Certified System Administrator in Red Hat OpenStack.
The Red Hat Certified System Administrator in Red Hat OpenStack certification will test the candidates’ ability, proficiency, and experience required to create, configure, and manage private clouds using the Red Hat OpenStack Platform.
CompTIA Cloud Essentials
The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification concentrates on the issues and solutions of cloud computing. This certification is the most preferred by business professionals and non-IT staff. While it covers all the cloud computing principles, it is not a heavy technical certification.
VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Exam
The VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Exam is for cloud system administrators who want to gain expertise in successfully installing, deploying, scaling, and managing VMware vSphere 6 environments.
Cloud Systems Administrator Salary
According to Payscale, a Cloud Systems Administrator salary with cloud computing skills on average earns about $70,740 per year in the United States. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. In entry-level positions, you can expect an hourly rate of around $30, while more skilled positions can earn up to $60.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators are expected to grow 3 percent between 2021 and 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. It is estimated that 23,900 openings for computer systems and network administrators will occur on average each year during the decade despite limited employment growth. The majority of those openings are expected to result from workers transferring to different occupations or retiring.
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