The cloud is a metaphor for the internet, and was originally used in diagrams and flowcharts to represent remote data storage. Data was once stored on a hard drive or USB. It is now universally accessible on internet servers, known as the cloud, which means remote hosting in a data centre. Data centres store, manage and process the huge volumes of data that are generated every day. Ireland is a global leader in cloud computing and has over eighty data centres, the vast majority in the Dublin region, with more under construction. It is a dynamic and fast growing sector involving companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Equinix, Digital Reality and Viatel Technology.
As technology is now entrenched in every area of our lives the amount of data being generated is growing exponentially. All sectors of the economy in Ireland are forecast to grow their spending on cloud services in the near future, led by the financial services and manufacturing sectors, as well as public services. The advance of cloud computing has had a profound impact on fuelling innovation and revolutionising global business. Established companies use the cloud to optimise their operations, increase competitiveness and profitability. “Born on the internet’ companies such as Airbnb, Amazon, Netflix & Uber have built international companies and transformed entire industries on the cloud.
The impact of the cloud is universal and provides the platform for powerful new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Quantum Computing. The cloud’s ability to store and process vast amounts of data and the increase in computing power has laid the way for an AI revolution. The largest cloud computing provider in the world is Amazon Web Services (AWS), followed by Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. The cloud market continues to grow with €254 billion spent on cloud infrastructure services globally in the last year. The growing demand has seen an increase in recruitment of professionals to work in this area as well as in data centres and cybersecurity.
Many positions required a third level qualification, usually in computer science, Information Technology or a related discipline. However, Galway University offers a Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Cloud Computing and Software Development that is open to all applicants with a Level 8 qualification in any discipline who wish to enter the industry. Students with a Level 7 qualification with 2 years experience in the IT sector may also apply. Career opportunities are excellent and include Cloud Application Developer/Engineer, Cloud Data Engineer, Cloud Operations Engineer, Software Development/Engineer (Java, C#, Frontend JS), Backend Developer, Database Analyst, Software Analyst, IT Manager, Software Tester, Automated Test Engineer and DevOps Engineer.
Search for a postgraduate course in this area using our Course Finder.
There are multiple pathways to join the IT sector where there are skills shortages. These options include:
- FIT Tech Apprenticeships where you learn and earn, are open to school leavers or those who wish to upskill or retrain. Further information available here.
- ICT Skillnet offers free and subsidised training, part-time & online, in critical technology skills. Further information available here.
- Springboard Courses offer free and heavily subsidised courses, including ICT skills conversion courses, to address skills shortages. Further information is available here.
- Further information on careers in Data Centres is available here
- Further information on careers in Cybersecurity is available here
Employment in ICT has increased by a third in Ireland to a new high of 174,000. Any of the routes described above will give you the opportunity to work in this dynamic, thriving sector which offers excellent opportunities for career advancement.