Defining the elusive cloud architect

Grazed from InfoWorld. Author: David Linthicum.

The cloud architect is much like Bigfoot: There are sightings, even some blurry video, but we really don’t have solid proof that this creature exists. The problem is cloud computing is so new that it’s tough to find people who understand how all of it fits together for enterprises. Indeed, this is one of the biggest limitations around cloud adoption.

I call myself a cloud architect, and a few people like me are running around out there. But there aren’t many, and even fewer who use the label correctly. How can you find one of your own? How can you become one? I believe the first step is defining the knowledge required for the job, so you know what to look for or what to learn. Here is my short list:…

1. An understanding of most cloud computing technology, both private and public. This is the tough one. Try keeping up with this space for even a month. It’s exhausting. However, those who build cloud solutions need to have a holistic understanding of the available technology, including its proper function and use. This means understanding all OpenStack and CloudStack products, management tools, cloud security solutions, and of course where Amazon Web Services (AWS) fits in the mix…

Read more from the source @ http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/defining-the-elusive-cloud-architect-207172