Information technology as a sector is booming, and opportunities for cloud engineers and software engineers are booming. With the advent of cloud services into the businesses, software engineers are adopting cloud technologies as it offers many advantages for application and software development.
Both jobs are dependent on the user’s needs and to help reach business goals. Both roles have to be familiar with the design and computer programming that brings technology into action.
Cloud Engineers vs Software Engineers – Job Responsibilities
Software engineers build programs that are downloaded directly on to the computer. Cloud engineers work on end-product that is independent of computers and can be accessed through the internet.
Software Engineers
Businesses rely heavily on software engineers to create programs that can control complex processes. With automation evolution in the industries, software engineers are in huge demand. They work on the entire developmental cycle – analyzing needs, designing, testing, and developing software to meet user needs.
Software engineers need to have a thorough understanding of computer systems, programming, and the ability to detect any issues that may impact future performance. Job responsibilities of a software engineer include:
- Develop information systems – design, develop and install software solutions
- Create software solutions by studying user needs, user flow and work processes.
- Determine operational feasibility by problem analysis, requirements and develop solutions.
- Enhancing applications by identifying opportunities, making recommendations and implementing system updates.
- Follow the software development lifecycle and investigate problem areas.
- Liaising with different departments to implement technical changes.
- Provide transfer material and update users on any updates.
- Keep information confidential and ensure security.
Cloud Engineers
The cloud systems designed by these engineers allow data communication between the company and external members. The virtual workspace is moved to the cloud system and will enable data to process. They also develop public cloud platforms and applications that can be accessed from anywhere through internet browsers.
Companies such as Google, Amazon, IBM and Microsoft are investing heavily in cloud technologies. Thus, leading to a massive demand for cloud engineers. Job responsibilities of a cloud engineer include:
- Identify and implement the most optimal cloud-based solutions for organizations.
- Plan, design, and develop cloud-based applications.
- Able to migrate information systems to cloud infrastructure.
- Ensure information security for cloud systems.
- Educate teams on new cloud-based systems and train as required.
- Deploying and debugging as needed according to the best practices throughout the developmental cycle.
- Stay current with industry trends and make recommendations as needed.
Must have technical skills for software engineers
- Computer programming and coding, mostly programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, Ruby, etc.
- Software development by understanding user’s need.
- Object-oriented design principles
- Software testing and debugging
Must have technical skills for cloud engineers
- Knowledge of how different cloud service providers’ work.
- Deep understanding of data storage, backup, protection and disaster recovery.
- Network management fundamentals and virtual networks
- Virtualization
- Programming language – Linux, SQL, Python, Java is an asset
- Web Services and API
- DevOps
Must have Soft skills for both Software Engineers and Cloud Engineers
- Problem-solving and logical thinking: These skills can help you stay proactive and help find the best solutions to any user problems.
- Written and verbal communication – Technology roles have become more versatile, and they need to play an active part in the business and interact with users regularly. Thus, it is imperative one possesses excellent communication skills.
- Teamwork: Having respect for others, listening and accepting feedback are all essential skills and will help one succeed on the job.
- Leadership: One of the must-have skills if you want to rise up the corporate ladder.
- Integrity and Work Ethics: Businesses rely on technology heavily, and you will be handling confidential information, and you must be able to keep information secure.
- Continuous Improvement: Technologies are evolving rapidly, and as a professional, one has to keep up with the latest developments.
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