Do you have what it takes to be a Microsoft cloud architect?

By Editorial Team

As the Middle East and Africa move increasingly into the mobile-first, cloud-first world, Microsoft is encouraging those in the field of IT to gain skills in cloud and data architecture. Meet Umit Sunar and Eric Ballnath, two of Microsoft’s cloud solutions architects from Turkey and the UAE respectively, who have what it takes to succeed in this game-changing and stimulating field.

Why did you choose to be a cloud architect?

“The dynamics of the IT industry have always charmed me,” says Umit. “You transform your skills, learn new stuff, change how you deliver, and always challenge yourself beyond your limits. That’s what I find fascinating. On the Azure side, no two days are identical and that keeps my mind alive.” 

Eric agrees and adds, “The computer is the most powerful tool that mankind has invented so far and the pace of innovation in IT is enormous. Try to find any other discipline that comes close to that. Azure is the next step in the IT evolution.”

What do cloud architects actually do?

“Explaining what I do is actually the hardest part of my job,” says Umit. “Basically, a cloud architect helps customers be more flexible in their use of technology and to reduce costs by moving all their technology to cloud, or in other words, online.”

A cloud architect therefore uses his or her IT and business skills to find solutions to customer’s business needs with the help of Microsoft cloud.

Why is there a growing demand for cloud architects?

According to Umit, IT infrastructure is definitely sprinting towards cloud solutions. “In the last two years, the discussions I’ve had with my clients mostly focus on ‘how can I transform my company?’ instead of ‘why should I transform?’ Individual consumers are also fully embracing cloud, even if they don’t know it yet,” he adds.
To be a cloud solutions architect you not only need to be tech-savvy and technically proficient but you also need to have sound business, leadership and communication skills, and you need to be innovative. Cloud architects like Eric and Umit possess this unique skillset and are intrinsic to helping Microsoft achieve its vision of building secure and robust cloud-powered experiences for customers which sets Microsoft apart from its competitors.

What does a typical workday look like for a cloud architect?

Both Eric and Umit agree that there is no typical day in the life of a cloud architect. However, their day generally consists of listening to their customers to understand their needs, translating the requirements, working to overcome any challenges, and ultimately finding the best solution for their business needs. In between all of this they always try allocate some time to staying up to date with new technology trends and services. 

What is the best thing about being a cloud architect?
According to Eric, solving tricky problems in the domain of customer architectures is the favourite part of his job. “Whenever I get the chance to get into the flow thinking about their solution, I’m exactly where I want to be,” he says.
Umit’s favourite part of his job is interacting with people. “At Microsoft you get to work with great people. You meet so many amazing, highly intelligent and even funny individuals and you help each other by growing together because you come from different backgrounds and have so many varied skills.”

If you believe you have what it takes to be a part of Microsoft’s journey to help businesses of all sizes grow and create a prosperous region, we need to talk. We are the only company with a public, private and hybrid cloud platform to power modern business, entrepreneurs and the average Joe.

Visit https://careers.microsoft.com/ for more.

Comments

• Anonymous
  November 12, 2015
  Great insight into the CSA role at Microsoft.
  Thank you
• Anonymous
  November 12, 2015
  The comment has been removed