Cloud computing is a rapidly growing field, so related jobs are opening up rapidly; among them are cloud engineers and architects.
The tasks of an architect and an engineer in cloud technology are quite similar. So they can create confusion for those who want to pursue these two careers.
So, what distinguishes cloud engineers and cloud architects? Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of the key differences between them.
Who Is A Cloud Engineer?
A cloud engineer is a person who manages the solution and is involved in continual monitoring and maintenance. They concentrate on technical specifications rather than commercial aspirations and objectives.
They manage the system’s jobs and services. “Build, Deploy, Manage, and Iterate” is a shorthand way to describe the duties of a cloud engineer.
Since they are in charge of every part of the cloud system, it requires a lot of practice. The cloud engineer is in charge of establishing production objectives and ensuring that other engineers on the team carry them out.
They will swiftly identify and resolve issues while adhering to technical specifications.
A cloud engineer’s duties as a professional include:
- Track the transfer of data from conventional to cloud-based services.
- Installation and configuration of software
- Keep up with cloud-based services.
- Establish operating guidelines
- Find issues and resolve them.
- Schedule production and movement.
- Infrastructure for cloud and server systems testing and maintenance
- Make papers with system design sketches.
- Access necessary gear and software
- Capable of using Windows and Unix operating systems. Android, macOS, and Linux
- Communicate with management and customers, then report.
- Secure the cloud.
- Know Azure, AWS, and GCP
- Use coding languages like Python, Java, Ruby, Node.js, and PHP.
- Utilize SQL/NoSQL databases, tools, and platforms like Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, or Kubernetes.
Who Is A Cloud Architect?
A cloud architect is a computer specialist who is well-versed in cloud-based operations and actively participates in their daily management.
They are in charge of releasing fresh batches, maintaining them, monitoring the solution, and making the required corrections.
They also serve as advisors for the company, so they must be abreast of current problems and developments. Employing cloud-architect indicates that a company is either already using the cloud or has plans.
Cloud architects may also be involved in the legal aspects of cloud computing.
A cloud architect’s core duties include planning, designing, deploying, and maintaining all of the organization’s cloud infrastructures.
The following are some of the main duties:
- System planning and cloud system design
- Describe the strategy for using this technology to satisfy client needs.
- Manage data transfer to a cloud-based system and address migration and scalability problems
- Establish and create operational procedures
- Schedule for production and movement
- Persuade important stakeholders and other parties to start fresh, creative strategies by communicating with them.
- Installation and configuration of software
- Inform other personnel about design plans and procedures.
- Knowing Azure, AWS, and GCP
- Use cloud-based platforms like Azure, AWS, and GCP and programming languages like Java, PHP, and Python.
Which Is For You?
You can see the distinction between the two roles from the definition above.
A cloud engineer is like a controller, whereas a cloud architect is like a navigator. Both work to assist the business win the race.
Information technology major selection depends on your aptitude and future focus. Here are a few factors you can consider:
Degrees
Cloud architect professions require a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as computer science, engineering, or math. Businesses favor master’s degrees.
There can be a need for extra vendor-specific and vendor-neutral certifications. You can also select from various certification and career development programs.
If you already possess the necessary IT training degree or skill set to be a cloud architect, you can think about earning one of these credentials to strengthen your resume:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Attest to your proficiency in managing AWS infrastructure and applications.
- Professional Google Cloud Architect: Evaluate your ability to design, plan, manage, and deliver the infrastructure and solutions for cloud computing.
- IBM Certified Solutions Architect – Cloud Solution Architecture V4: Verify your capacity to conceptualize and architect cloud solutions.
- The Arcitura Cloud Architect Certification: Demonstrate your skills and knowledge of cloud architecture, the technology required to run it, and the management of cloud platforms.
- Microsoft Certified Azure Solution Architect: Attest to your proficiency in creating Azure solutions.
Organizational Position
In an organization, a cloud architect is a leader, decision-maker, and organizer of cloud computing. Meanwhile, the cloud engineers will be the ones to carry out the plans and designs.
Job Outlook
Because businesses are looking to engage qualified individuals to assist with managing their cloud adoption strategy, this rise in spending has translated into more opportunities for cloud architects.
Overall employment in this sector increased by 36% between 2020 and 2023.
As businesses continue to use the technology in the coming decade, cloud computing is also anticipated to rise.
One of the most in-demand skill sets in 2021, along with cybersecurity and database management, is the ability to operate with cloud technology.
Salary
As company requirements evolve, many businesses shift their operations to the cloud, providing the organization with strategic advantages and fostering expansion for these top-notch careers.
Those who enter the area should anticipate being well compensated due to the demand for qualified individuals with this expertise.
According to latest report, cloud engineers average $126,282 a year. The average pay for cloud architects is $129,692 a year, with reported incomes ranging from $71,134 to $194,033 annually, depending on experience, area, geography, and abilities.
Conclusion
After reading the above comparison, have you figured out which cloud career is for you, cloud engineer or cloud architect?
Hopefully, this post will be useful to you in deciding whether to train for a job as a cloud architect or a cloud engineer.