How A Cloud architect is different from DevOps practices ?
We have been watching on lot of FB Groups and ad sites as “learn DevOps/AWS”. In general everybody believe with these stickers/posters they need to learn AWS and DevOps together is a must for any Modern technology professional.
When we talk about AWS and DevOps they are two different work streams.
Now, one might get the below questions in their mind.
- Is a Cloud Architect need to be expert to work on DevOps activities also ?
- What are the activities related to Cloud architect ?
- Why the Cloud architect need not bother on DevOps ?
Now, let us analyze them as below:
The role of the cloud architect is to migrate the existing IT infrastructure setup into the cloud services. The cloud services can be AWS or Azure or Google cloud [GC] or Alibaba, etc.
From the below picture one can have clarity if they have experience in traditional Infrastructure building practice.
This role need to understand clearly on the usage of those vendor related [AWS/AZURE/GC/Alibaba] cloud services and should have command on mapping the current traditional infrastructure setup to map to the cloud services and plan/design for its transformation with the additional benefits to the management in view of cost and easy operation.
Once the modern application architecture/infrastructure in cloud is operational, then the management can think of introducing the DevOps practices.
To work on DevOps practices, each Cloud services vendor provides their own setup or tools at different processes or pipeline stages. To do these tasks a separate role professionals are required, who are called DevOps Engineers. At this point the role of the cloud Architect is he/she can guide them on the available infrastructure with the Cloud vendor. As per the Cloud architect planning/guidelines the DevOps engineers need to adopt the relevant tools/processes. Basically all the setup is going to be on IAC [Infrastructure As A Code] technics. There can be Configuration tools to create the IAC for different environments. At this point the Cloud architect can monitor these tools implementation as a part of cloud infrastructure implementation.
So, the Cloud architect do not need to make his/her fingers dirty with tools/commands to implement the DevOps processes.
For example; If you read the roles of AWS with different certifications, they mention Solution Architect [SA] separately from DevOps engineer role. They have multiple roles like; Sys ops, Developer, etc. All these roles need to be expert in making their fingers dirty with the relevant AWS services usage/implementation efficiently and effectively . But here the Cloud Architect [which is SA in view of AWS] role is to monitor on their activities only. He/She doesn’t need to put the fingers into techie stuff.
Hope I have given clarity for the above questions.
I get lot of enquiries; as they want to do AWS/DevOps both the courses together. I understood due to lot of training vendors are making their posters on social for their business, these experienced professionals are getting confusion as they need to learn both.
Now, I would like to ask the below questions to you as this blog reader after the above understanding;
Do a modern technology professional need to learn Cloud services and also the DevOps as mandatory ? [Ex: Which is DevOps/AWS].
Answer: It is not. They can choose One route only. If he/she came from the real work experience of Sysadmin/Sys engineer role, the past experiences need to be utilized efficiently in IT Industry. Hence the Scalable role is Cloud architect. In view of AWS it is SA. But they need to have very good command in understanding the traditional architecture and also the cloud services to establish a well suited conversion plan. This role person is responsible to show ROI [Return On Investment] also to the management.
You can also compare the SAA Salary among all the roles being played with AWS:
See the difference on the salary amounts to seek your role as per your professional potentiality.
Question: In the current job market in the JDs they ask on DevOps also for Cloud role why ?
Answer: Please let us note; Many organizations they wanted to use the same resource for Cloud and DevOps Architect/Engineer role to save their IT budget. But they offer more salary for these multi skills. Not only this scenario, there are many companies use multi-cloud technology for their BCP. They will ask these skills also. The skills acceleration is mandated for every Professional now a days. The more skills you acquire the early, your CTC is going to touch the Sky ASAP.
Also, Visit:
Do you want to know the size of the Cloud job market globally if yes, visit:
https://vskumar.blog/2019/02/14/what-will-be-the-size-of-cloud-market-in-it-by-2022/
For Special Coaching details, visit:
https://vskumar.blog/2020/10/08/cloud-cum-devops-coaching-your-investigation-and-actions/
To know the real articulation of SA, Visit for my AWS SAA class video:
Student Feedback:
Building Cloud cum DevOps Architects 