Outsourcing TemplateCloud Certifications Are They Worth the Cost and Time

Cloud certifications come both as vendor specific and vendor independent -- which one is best is question

Cloud Certifications Are They Worth the Cost and Times -The advent of Cloud Computing has removed infrastructure as a barrier to rapid and massive scaling of applications. Whereas in the past the need for physical hardware? created a drag upon the entire scaling process, the ease of use and accessibility of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) has made it possible for a developr to create an application one day and have it utilized by hundreds of thousands of users the next.

The cloud now is a critical core IT capability businesses worldwide. CIOs and HR managers who hire professionals for this environment often have a difficult time to gauge whether candidates have the right skills or knowledge in a competitive job market. Cloud certification is a one way to bridge that gap. Below is a list of some the the certifications that are available and can help understand the capabilities of the cloud professionals they are recruiting.

  • CCSK - Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge -- Cloud Security Alliance is vendor-neutral, and certifies competency in key cloud security areas. The CCSK is a web-based examination of individual competency in key cloud security issues. The test is based on the Cloud Security Alliance Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing V3, English language version, and the ENISA report "Cloud Computing: Benefits, Risks and Recommendations for Information Security.

  • Cloud U -- Cloud U is a vendor-neutral curriculum designed for IT professionals and business leaders that covers and certifies knowledge of the fundamentals of Cloud Computing. Cloud U content is available to any professional at any time, a formal recognition of knowledge about Cloud Computing, requires the individual to complete the courses and requirements for a certificate. The curriculum, just like a university, starts off with the basics and gets more advanced as it progresses. Each lesson is accompanied by a quiz.

  • CompTIA Cloud Essentials -- The CompTIA Cloud Essentials specialty certification demonstrates that an individual knows what cloud computing means from a business and technical perspective, as well as what is involved in moving to and governing the cloud. The Cloud Essentials Certification covers the basic fundamentals of cloud computing and shows that individuals understand cloud computing from both a business and a technical perspective. In addition, the certification covers migration to the cloud and governance of cloud computing environments.

  • Cloud Certified Professional -- CloudSchool.com offers a number of vendor-neutral cloud certifications, each based on a one-day course module and aimed at competency in specific areas of cloud computing. Cloud Certified Professional certifications are formal accreditations that prove proficiency in specific areas of cloud computing. To obtain a certification, candidates are required to pass a set of exams. There are certificates for Cloud Architects, Cloud Technology Professionals, Cloud Governance and Cloud security, among others.

  • IBM Certified Cloud Solution Architect v1 -- A person who can demonstrate the design, plan, architecture and management principles of an IBM cloud computing infrastructure. They can do this with limited assistance from support, documentation or relevant subject matter experts.

  • IBM Certified Solution Advisor - Cloud Computing Architecture V3 is a person who can clearly explain the benefits and underlying concepts of cloud computing. They can also demonstrate how the IBM Cloud Computing offering helps customers realize these benefits.

  • Google Certified Deployment Specialist -- The Google Apps Certified Deployment Specialist exam certifies IT professionals who demonstrate the fundamental skills and knowledge required to deploy, configure, and migrate to Google Apps for Business and Education.

  • Salesforce.com Certified Professional -- Salesforce.com offers several certification tracks, including Salesforce Administrator, Force.com developr, Implementation Expert and Architect. Salesforce.com certification exams recognize experience as well as study. Some exams are based as much on industry and real-world experience as on formal training.

  • VMware Certified Professional - Vmware offers six cloud-specific certifications, from beginner to advanced cloud professional. These tracks certify knowledge and expertise in a variety of cloud and Virtualization-related technologies and methodologies. Offerings include the VMware Certified Associate -- Cloud, VMware Certified Professional -- Cloud and VMware Certified Advanced Professional, among others.

  • Red Hat Certificate of Expertise in Infrastructure-as-a-Service -- The Red Hat Certificate measures professionals' ability to design, build, deploy and manage private clouds based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack platform.

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Cloud Outsourcing Tools

Practical Guide for Cloud Outsourcing

The template is provided in WORD and Adobe Reader PDF format. It is can be used in whole or in part to plan for, negotiate, and manage the cloud outsourcing process. In the 126 pages included are a job descriptions for Manager Cloud applications, Cloud Computing Architect, sample contract, service level agreement, ISO 27001 - 27002 - 27031 security audit checklist, Business and IT Impact Questionnaire and much more.

Cloud Outsourcing and Disaster Recovery Bundle

The bundle includes in editable Microsoft WORD and PDF formats:

  • Practical Guide for Cloud Outsourcing includes a job descriptions for Manager Cloud applications, Cloud Computing Architect, sample contract, service level agreement, ISO 27001 - 27002 - 27031 security audit checklist, Business and IT Impact Questionnaire and much more.

  • Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) can be used in whole or in part to establish defined responsibilities, actions and procedures to recover the computer, communication and network environment in the event of an unexpected and unscheduled interruption. The template is IS0 27000 (27031) Series, COBIT, Sarbanes Oxley, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA compliant.

Cloud Outsourcing, Disaster Recovery, and Security Bundle

The bundle includes in editable Microsoft WORD and PDF formats:

  • Practical Guide for Cloud Outsourcing includes a job descriptions for Manager Cloud applications, Cloud Computing Architect, sample contract, service level agreement, ISO 27001 - 27002 - 27031 security audit checklist, Business and IT Impact Questionnaire and much more.

  • Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) can be used in whole or in part to establish defined responsibilities, actions and procedures to recover the computer, communication and network environment in the event of an unexpected and unscheduled interruption. The template is IS0 27000 (27031) Series, COBIT, Sarbanes Oxley, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA compliant.

  • Security Manual Template - (ISO CobiT SOX HIPAA Compliant) includes the Business Impact questionnaire and a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment Form (PDF and Excel). It is a complete Security Manual and can be used in whole or in part to comply with Sarbanes Oxley, define responsibilities, actions and procedures to manage the security of your computer, communication, Internet and network environment.

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