How Do I Become a Virtual Server Administrator?
Virtualization has transformed the traditional Information Technology (IT) infrastructure in a fundamental manner. As a virtual server administrator, it would be your job to be involved in the overall configuration, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of your company's virtual database.
As administrator, great deal of expertise is required in areas of cyber security and system monitoring. In order to perform this job you need a variety of qualifications. These include industry experience, certifications, and an education in cloud computing. Here is a brief guide to becoming a virtual server administrator.
Work Experience in Cloud Computing
Aspiring candidates need to have previous experience in related IT roles, as well as a certain comfort level with using specific server platforms for a particular company. Hands-on experience is essential to landing this position. Opportunities such as entry-level positions and externships are important parts of your future employment as a virtual server administrator.
An Educational Background in Cloud Computing is Essential
Although starting from a basic educational qualification might get you some of the entry-level jobs, in order to have a shot at the higher paying position, an associate's degree in a computer related field is the bare minimum that the candidate must possess in order to be considered for a position with larger, established companies.
While getting the degree, you will attend classes for programming languages, information and cyber security, scripting and network structure management. Once you master the basics, you can move onto more advanced degrees, such as a bachelor’s. This will give you more access to higher-paying jobs, including virtual server administrator.
Certifications are Important when working with the Cloud
A number of certifications are available from various vendor companies that can help bolster your credentials. Here are the five best recent certification programs for aspiring virtual server administrators:
1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert
The MCSE certification is a very popular course for companies which use Microsoft-based systems and servers. It offers students a chance to study the latest technologies used for Microsoft servers, clouds, desktops, and various other applications.
The windows server is addressed at the enterprise as well as the server administrator levels. The degree is in high demands among most Microsoft server based companies. An MSCA course in Windows Server 2012 is a required prerequisite for the course.
2. Linux Professional Institute Certifications
Linux is an important platform for cloud based servers. It has many applications across the web and within many parts of the internet.
Candidates must possess LPIC-2 or LPIC-3 certifications, while the LPIC-1 certificate is necessary to qualify for the other two. Each level of certification has its own set of exams, for whom training is not mandatory but nevertheless available.
3. Red Hat Certified Engineer
Red Hat offers several senior level certifications that are gaining popularity as Linux system administrator qualifications. They are considered high level credentials but considered difficult to complete. Candidates are required to obtain the Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator certificate, and then pass two exams that last for three and a half hours.
4. Comp TIA Server +
A long list of entry-level certifications are offered here. Many world class computer companies require server technicians to earn Comp Tia Server+ certification. While the certificate is valuable enough on its own, it can also be used as a stepping stone on your way to obtaining the other, more complex server administrator certifications on the list.
How Getting a Cloud Computing Degree is Imperative to Becoming a Virtual Server Administrator
Another revolution has occurred in the field of virtual server administration with the rise of cloud computing. More and more systems are moving to a cloud-based system of management. As such, administrators are being called upon to oversee the construction of stable and secure cloud environments for the housing of company information and data.
In face of such a development, a degree in cloud computing can be of invaluable aid to aspiring server administrators. As a cloud computing expert, you will be able to provide detailed information on how to migrate server systems to the cloud, how to integrate existing servers with cloud based servers to create hybrid environments, how to recover data in case of system failure, and provision the cloud-based servers in a manageable manner.
What sets this type of server administration apart is the expectation that the cloud based servers will be online at all times. This requires dedicated, round the clock handling of the system at the hands of the administrator by using system automation and multiple data centers.
In addition, cloud security can be a huge concern, and needs to be understood thoroughly in your capacity as server administrator. All these topics, and more, are covered under the cloud computing degree, and completing the course will be seen as a significant advantage when you appear before companies to apply for the position of virtual server administrator.
Does being a virtual server administrator interest you? First, you’ll need to obtain the education needed for the job. If you are interested in earning a degree in cloud computing, then contact ECPI University to see if their year-round classes and accelerated, hands-on learning style is right for you. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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