The workforce landscape

Cloud computing skills and program knowledge have evolved from a desirable trait to a necessary requirement in a wide range of industries, particularly within the professional and technical sectors. Gartner, one of the world’s leading technology research and advisory organizations, listed cloud computing #1 on their 2011 top strategic tech-nologies list. They also estimate that the SaaS market in general will grow to $14 billion in revenue by 2013.

As more organizations incorporate cloud computing into their workforce and seek employees with the required skill sets, demand for these individuals will continue to increase. In fact, an online job search website recently found that the number of advertisements for IT jobs focused on cloud computing grew 344 percent between November 2009 and November 2010, indicating that these professionals are already in high demand and employers will inevitably need to compete for that top talent.

Cloud computing for engineering and technical organizations

While all businesses can benefit from cloud computing, those in the IT, engineering, and technical sectors arguably stand to gain the most through its adoption and incorporation.

1 http://pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2010/PIP_Future_of_the_Internet_cloud_computing.pdf

The impact of cloud computing on your workforce.

Cloud computing has made significant strides in terms of popularity and prevalence over the last few years. Today, businesses rely on this burgeoning technology to provide solutions across a variety of functions.

The adoption of the technology is expected to increase rapidly. In fact, industry experts predict that within a decade, a majority of employees will work within internet-based applications.1 Therefore, it is important for organizations like yours to evaluate the impact cloud computing will make on your most important asset — your workforce.

Adecco Engineering & Technical explored the role of cloud computing and what it means for your business and the future of the IT profession.

The impact of cloud computing on your workforce.

Within the IT sector, cloud computing knowledge and know-how is already among the most highly desirable skills a candidate or organiza-tion can have. That’s because cloud computing eliminates the need for massive, inefficient and expensive server rooms.

Furthermore, experts believe that cloud computing will move a significant number of functions to the back-end of the IT process, radically changing the role of IT within a corporation and redefining the traditional roles of IT professionals. Thus, cloud computing is a desirable and necessary endeavor for businesses and job seekers alike.

In the architecture and engineering field, cloud computing recently allowed for a tremendous advancement in terms of productivity and efficiency when AutoCAD become available in the cloud via AutoCADWS and iOS apps. Now, large files can be stored, edited, shared and accessed anywhere, whether it be a desk or on the job site.

In addition to AutoCAD, there are a number of other programs and software suites that can be utilized via cloud computing to enhance engineering and architecture document management and control. Companies will begin to rely on cloud computing to access a myriad of documents or drawings and track project development from conception to

schematics and, eventually, to construction.

Tips to consider when moving to the cloud:• Evaluateyourbusinessneeds:

Before making the jump to the cloud, thoroughly evaluate your business, your requirements and your desired outcomes. Once you determine your goals for cloud computing, you can decide on the best way to move forward.

• Determinewhatapplicationsarebestforthecloud:While cloud computing is a great fit for a number of applications, it might not make sense for all programs. Due diligence and research is therefore a must.

• Readthefineprint:Like with any business application, it’s important that cloud computing delivers real cost savings as well as information security. As the technology gains in popularity, new vendors are sure to emerge and will promise to deliver both. Thoroughly evaluate potential providers and ensure you only work with proven and trusted partners throughout the process.

The impact of cloud computing on your workforce.

Finding and cultivating the best talent:• Seekoutthebest:When hiring,

recruit individuals with prior technical experience. Cloud computing will undoubtedly become a necessary workforce skill in the future, so ensure that your team has the aptitude needed to meet the needs of your customers going forward. Technical evaluations and in-depth interviews are both great ways to ensure potential candidates have the right skills.

• Useconsultants:One way to augment an organization’s capabilities is through temporary consultants. Consultants can also provide cross-training and skill instruction to temporary employees, allowing you to boost your aptitude quickly.

• Offerin-housetraining:While consul-tants can provide a great starting point for skill building and training, technology is constantly evolving. Therefore, offer ongoing training opportunities to empower your staff by keeping their skills current.

Livinginthecloud

Cloud computing is still a relatively new technology. But it has already made a signifi-cant impact on how — and where — businesses work. Reduced costs, operational flexibility, process optimization and unlimited scalability are all factors that make life in the cloud a great solution for many organizations.

For more information on how we can help connectyouwiththerightprofessionalstogetyourcloudcomputinginitiativesofftheground,contactAdeccoEngineering&Technicaltoday.

877.8.adeccoadeccoengineering.com

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