This developing Information Technology world, whether it’s related to the cloud or the developer industry, is showing signs of progression. This evolvement has also created confusion amongst individuals who want to start their career in IT. That is to say, most individuals consider DevOps and Cloud similar. Yes, they are related but these two fields have their own world of opportunities with offering the topmost trending job roles of Cloud Engineer and DevOps Engineer.
Here is the detailed comparison list.
Cloud Engineer vs DevOps Engineer
| Cloud Engineer | DevOps Engineer |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities: | Responsibilities: |
| Design, deploy, and maintain cloud infrastructure | Implement and manage continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines |
| Select the appropriate cloud services based on business requirements | Automate software deployment and testing processes |
| Configure cloud infrastructure for security, scalability, and reliability | Collaborate with development and operations teams to improve software delivery and reliability |
| Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies regarding data privacy and security | Implement infrastructure as code (IaC) practices to manage and provision infrastructure |
| Manage cloud infrastructure costs and optimize cloud resource usage | Monitor and troubleshoot production systems and applications |
| Monitor and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure issues | Design and implement cloud architecture and infrastructure |
| Work with cloud providers and tools to manage and monitor cloud infrastructure | Ensure that systems are highly available, scalable, and fault-tolerant |
| Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and address technical issues | Develop and maintain infrastructure automation scripts and tools |
| Skills: | Skills: |
| Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform | Experience with DevOps tools such as Jenkins, Ansible, and Docker |
| Knowledge of networking, security, and storage in cloud environments | Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform and CloudFormation |
| Familiarity with cloud monitoring and management tools | Experience with scripting languages such as Python and Bash |
| Knowledge of compliance regulations and security best practices | Familiarity with agile development methodologies and software development practices |
| Understanding of cloud infrastructure cost management and optimization | Knowledge of containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes |
| Ability to troubleshoot and resolve cloud infrastructure issues | Familiarity with Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems |
Here, Cloud Engineer are those with abilities for creating platforms for enabling organizations for online storing and operating with data and programs. On the other hand, DevOps engineer performs development and operations tasks in teams which further helps in bridging the software development, engineering, and management for fastening the software applications and services delivery. However, to better understand these roles, in this blog we will be differentiating and creating a comparison between these two. So, let’s begin with the overview.
Who is a Cloud Engineer?
A Cloud Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, building, and maintaining cloud computing systems. They work with cloud computing technologies, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), to create and manage cloud infrastructure for organizations.
Cloud Engineer Tasks:
- Designing and deploying cloud infrastructure, such as virtual machines, storage systems, and network components.
- Configuring cloud services, such as databases, load balancers, and security systems.
- Migrating existing applications and data to the cloud.
- Monitoring and maintaining the cloud infrastructure to ensure high availability and optimal performance.
- Implementing disaster recovery plans and security measures to protect data and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborating with development teams to integrate cloud-based solutions into their application development processes.
- Staying up-to-date with the latest developments in cloud technology and recommending new solutions to improve the organization’s cloud environment.
What does it need to become a Cloud Engineer?
Becoming a Cloud Engineer typically requires the following skills and qualifications:
- Technical knowledge: Cloud Engineers need a strong foundation in computer science and IT, with experience in virtualization, networking, and cloud computing technologies.
- Certifications: Many Cloud Engineers hold certifications from leading cloud providers, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate, or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.
- Hands-on experience: It is important to have hands-on experience working with cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. This can be gained through internships, personal projects, or work experience.
- Understanding of cloud architecture: Cloud Engineers should have a deep understanding of cloud architecture, including how to design and implement scalable, highly available, and secure cloud infrastructure.
- Knowledge of programming and scripting: Cloud Engineers need to be able to automate tasks using programming and scripting languages, such as Python, Ruby, or Bash.
- Problem-solving skills: Cloud Engineers must be able to diagnose and resolve complex technical problems in the cloud environment.
- Communication skills: Cloud Engineers must be able to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
In addition to these technical skills, Cloud Engineers should also have strong organizational and project management skills, as well as the ability to work well in a team environment. Pursuing additional training and education in cloud computing technologies can also be beneficial for career advancement.
Best Cloud Engineer Certifications
GCP Associate Cloud Engineer
Associate Cloud Engineers control the enterprise solutions, implement apps, and checks operations. They use the Google Cloud Console and the command-line interface for executing platform-based operations for maintaining one or more deployed solutions on Google Cloud that use Google-managed or self-managed services. However, this exam validates your ability for:
- Firstly, configuring a cloud solution environment
- Secondly, designing and setting up a cloud solution
- Thirdly, deploying and applying a cloud solution
- Lastly, ensuring a successful operation of a cloud solution
Further, it is suggested to have experience of six or more months with Google Cloud before taking this exam.
Who is a DevOps Engineer?
DevOps engineers work with development and operations teams to establish software and update release pipelines that are both dependable and fast. This mainly involves developing unique automation tools, integrating technology, and increasing the efficiency of processes. Their purpose as members of an agile team is to accelerate the processes involved in developing and delivering software. This includes a wide range of technical tasks, such as,
- Firstly, tracking design problems and automating the developer debugging process.
- Secondly, documenting and organizing engineering operations
- Thirdly, establishing and maintaining configuration and deployment frameworks
- Lastly, producing best practices style guidelines and standards for increasing efficiency.
DevOps Engineer Tasks:
- DevOps engineer is responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and releasing software in association with teammates.
- Secondly, they use their skills for executing quality assurance for making sure that the program corresponds to the specifications.
- Then, they check if the software updates and upgrades are being rolled out as needed.
- DevOps engineer also handles and stops security breaches and other vulnerabilities by securing software.
- They gather and examine client input in order for improving the user experience.
- Lastly, they also provide suggestions for workflow changes for increasing efficiency and success.
What is requires to become a DevOps Engineer?
Becoming a DevOps Engineer typically requires the following skills and qualifications:
- Technical knowledge: DevOps Engineers need a strong foundation in computer science, IT, and software development, with experience in systems administration, network administration, and programming.
- Experience with automation tools: DevOps Engineers must have experience with automation tools, such as Chef, Puppet, Ansible, or Terraform, to automate deployment, testing, and infrastructure management.
- Knowledge of cloud computing: DevOps Engineers should have a deep understanding of cloud computing technologies and platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Programming skills: DevOps Engineers need to be proficient in one or more programming languages, such as Python, Ruby, or Go, and have experience with scripting languages, such as Bash or PowerShell.
- Knowledge of containerization: DevOps Engineers should have experience with containerization technologies, such as Docker, and be familiar with container orchestration tools, such as Kubernetes.
- Understanding of continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines: DevOps Engineers should have experience setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelines to automate the build, test, and deployment processes.
- Collaboration and communication skills: DevOps Engineers must be able to work effectively with software development teams, quality assurance teams, and other stakeholders, and have strong communication skills to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
The best DevOps Engineer Certifications includes:
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional:
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional is designed for candidates with having experience of two or more years in provisioning, operating, and controlling AWS environments. This exam validates the abilities for:
- Firstly, developing code one high-level programming language
- Secondly, creating automated infrastructures
- Thirdly, applying and contolling continuous delivery systems and procedures on AWS
- Then, applying and automating security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation
- Lastly, specifying and deploying monitoring, metrics, and logging systems on AWS
Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions (AZ-400):
AZ-400 exam is designed for candidates with the ability for operating with people, processes, and technologies for constantly providing business value. Candidates must have an understanding of Azure administration and development as well as skills for executing tasks like:
- Firstly, planning and applying strategies for,
- collaboration, code, and infrastructure
- source control, security, compliance, and continuous integration
- testing, delivery, monitoring, and feedback.
GCP Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer:
A Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer has the ability for executing development operations for balancing service reliability and delivery speed. They have skills and knowledge for creating software delivery pipelines, deploying and checking services, and controlling incidents using Google Cloud. Further, the exam validates your abilities for,
- Firstly, implementing Apply site reliability engineering principles to a service
- Secondly, optimizing service performance
- Thirdly, applying service monitoring strategies
- Lastly, creating and applying CI/CD pipelines for a service
Further, it is suggested to have experience of three or more years with more than one year of experience in managing solutions on Google Cloud.
Above we have understood the basic tasks and requirements of the Cloud & DevOps engineer. In the next section, we will check the market value of both by discussing the salary.
Salary Comparison: Cloud Engineer and DevOps Engineer
Salary of a Cloud Engineer
The need for cloud engineers has grown as a result of the anticipated expansion of worldwide cloud services. The wage range for a cloud engineer is between $140k and $250k, according to one poll. However, according to research, a cloud engineer’s average annual income in India is Rs 7,51,756.
Salary of a DevOps Engineer
DevOps is in high demand, and for this employers expect individuals to have the right experience and knowledge base. According to a report, the average DevOps pay in India is Rs 674,202 per year, including bonuses and profit-sharing.
Summarizing:
Cloud Engineer and DevOps engineering are two distinct but related roles in the field of cloud computing and software development. While there is some overlap between the two roles, each has its own set of responsibilities and skills.
A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud infrastructure for an organization. This includes setting up virtual machines, storage systems, and network components, configuring cloud services, and monitoring and maintaining the cloud environment to ensure high availability and optimal performance.
A DevOps Engineer, on the other hand, focuses on the continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) of software applications. They work closely with software development teams to automate the build, test, and deployment processes, and use tools such as containers and orchestration platforms to manage the deployment and scaling of applications in the cloud.
Final Words
Above we have learned and understood the role of both cloud engineers and DevOps engineers. Both of these have their own level of importance in the market whether for a good job role, certification or for advancing career. So, if you have an interest in the cloud or computer coding sector, then cloud engineer is the best role to go with. And, if you have skills in the development field then start your career with DevOps. Go through the above information and find out which role is best to enhance your career.
