IT professionals across the globe are hyped about cloud computing and the many (potential) changes that it is bringing to the (IT) industry and markets. Cloud computing is really nothing more than a fierce attempt to reorganize computing / networking assets into more sensible, manageable, and economical forms; that is, when you take a closer look at it. But the perks of cloud computing are not limited to mere reorganization, there is also a great deal of power residing in the cloud, so to speak. For example, once a cloud service is established (through a vendor or by creation of a private cloud) it is possible to offer up nearly unlimited processing power to individual users/nodes connected to the larger cloud infrastructure.
This of course demonstrates the elastic nature of cloud computing dynamics and how power, resources and energy are distributed (to the benefit of both user and those paying the upkeep bills). In other words, cloud computing is designed to create additional possibilities on multiple fronts while at the same time assisting in cutting costs and transforming IT management into a much more streamlined affair.
However, despite its inventive design and novel concepts for achieving multiple goals (simultaneously), cloud computing is prone to misstep or error. But is this really a surprise to anyone? If there were such things as perfect and infallible IT infrastructures we wouldn’t need IT, would we (or perhaps the entire IT career field would shrink)?
Since cloud computing is obviously not perfect, it must be supplemented with additional systems and methodologies which are able to add extra stability and correct issues as they arise. This is of course where training and certification in programs like ITIL comes into play. Though ITIL is not specifically designed for cloud computing technologies it is important to note that it can still reinforce its overall functionality. ITIL is a compendium of IT infrastructure wisdom that applies directly to grid computing / networking models; but one should also realize that cloud computing is an extension of this previous model as well. The main difference between grid and cloud models is in how they utilize software and hardware, of course. Cloud computing is very software-intensive and reliant on virtualization; grid computing also relies on software, but it is definitely a more hardware-intensive type of infrastructure, by and large.
ITIL can be applied to the manner in which operations are carried out as well as how user defined / managed elements of a cloud service model are handled. Our current major cloud service models are designed to limit interactivity on the part of cloud users / subscribers, but that doesn’t mean that customization and control are out of the question. The IaaS model (Infrastructure as a Service) offers the greatest level of control to cloud subscribers, literally providing them with the ability to manage around half of their total components. If someone owns or leases their own private cloud of course, all of these points are moot. Private cloud owners can implement ITIL in a dizzying number of different ways.
ITIL training and certification is also one of the absolute best ways to prepare IT personnel and current / established infrastructure for transition to the cloud (or simply facilitating the addition of individual cloud services to an existing grid infrastructure). This is not conjecture, it has been demonstrated (through real world trials) that those IT institutions that have strong backgrounds in ITIL not only make a much smoother transition to the cloud, but also face far fewer problems. Simply put, ITIL is an organizational tool in addition to being a definitive reference for IT infrastructure methodology.
This of course leads us to ITIL Intermediate training and certification and how is can specifically enhance any IT professionals career, even those seeking to specialize in cloud computing. Aside from the volumes of knowledge contained within the ITIL itself, an ITIL training program introduces other important concerns to IT professionals. For example, ITIL Intermediate places a large amount of focus on creating a link between the solutions touted by ITIL itself with their position from within the IT service lifecycle. This is important for cloud computing aficionados because this knowledge can be applied directly toward establishing a better management of individual services with regards to their relative importance (to the IT service lifecycle in general). Simply put, much is still being defined in cloud computing and one of the best ways to bring some semblance of order is through long-term implementation of ITIL programs.
ITIL certification and cloud computing certification are both “hot button” areas of continuing study amongst those in the IT community; luckily, they are also quite affordable and easy to manage as well. Virtually all quality advancing IT training programs are delivered digitally via an e-learning format; this allows companies to spend their development budgets on hiring more knowledgeable and experienced personnel (in lieu of printing, classrooms, and/or instructors).
In other words, you get a more detailed and tailored program, designed by a highly experienced individual / group, at a fraction of the cost of on-site courses, and you can receive your materials instantly. Add to this the fact that there are both ITIL and cloud computing e–learning programs available which are viewable on any device (including tablets, smartphones, PC’s, Mac’s, and laptops) and it’s clear to see why an online program is the clear winner. Likewise, e-learning training and certification programs for both ITIL and cloud computing routinely produce a dominating percentage of passing candidates.