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The IT Certification Shortage: 10 Certifications That Will Get You Hired Fast

July 15, 2021 by Lacey Walters

As the demand for IT professionals increases, employers are noticing a lack of certified candidates. A recent Everest Group survey revealed that 86% of enterprises consider the IT talent shortage to be a key barrier to achieving their hiring goals, citing an acute shortage in qualified, skilled candidates and a lack of technical skills in the current workforce. Employers are looking for candidates with IT certification that validate their skills and expertise. 

Whether you’re fresh into your IT career or a seasoned professional, attaining an IT certification can separate your resume from the stack and get you hired fast. The certification process is unique for each IT certification, so it is crucial to prioritize those that are most in-demand to improve your standing among the IT-professional candidate pool. In this blog, Blue Signal breaks down various in-demand certs by the skills tested, the certification process, and the benefits that set each accolade apart.

Cisco IT Certification, CCNA and CCNP logos

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

According to Cisco, 78% of technology executives and managers consider technical certifications a critical success factor. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification covers a broad range of fundamentals for IT careers, based on the latest networking technologies, software development skills, and job roles. As the most widely recognized and respected associate-level IT certification, the CCNA certification is designed to prove your skills in the ever-changing landscape of IT.

CCNA IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The Cisco Certified Network Associate certifications tests skills relating to network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability.

Certification process: To attain the CCNA certification, candidates must complete the 200-301 CCNA exam: Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions. The exam is 120 minutes long and costs $300 USD. The exam is available in English and Japanese. The CCNA certification is valid for three years.

Benefits: The CCNA certification shows employers that candidates have mastered the essentials in network security, automation, and programmability, while being the most respected certification in the industry. According to IT recruiter Andrew Leeson, “A CCNA certification is still the most desired IT certification, and viewed highly favorably by organizations. This IT certification also tends to lead to higher salaries for IT professionals.”

Jobs you can get with the CCNA certification: 

  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Analyst
  • Network Design Engineer
  • Network Infrastructure Engineer
  • Unified Communications Engineer
  • Solutions Design Engineer
  • Cloud Engineer
  • NetSuite Administrator
Why Get a CCNP Certification?
Recruiter Insight — Joanna Kimionakis, Senior Executive Recruiter

“Having this IT certification [shows] you have studied the newest, up-to-date technologies, and passing the [exam] confirms that you are truly knowledgeable in WAN, LAN, networking solutions, switching, and security. It validates your education and/or experience. Many employees require this IT certification, [so] having this on your resume will surely help you stand out in a crowd of applications. For entry level candidates, having a CCNA could help get their foot in the door!”

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) 

Cisco’s professional level certifications validate your overall knowledge in networking and a concentration of your choosing - enterprise, data center, security, service provider, or collaboration. The CCNP certification demonstrates your networking abilities while showcasing a technical focus in a two-part exam.

CCNP IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The CCNP certification tests candidates’ core knowledge of networking solutions and industry-specific topics in their area of concentration.

Certification process: The CCNP certification process includes two exams; a core exam and a concentration exam of candidates’ choice. The core exam, 350-401 ENCOR, is 120 minutes long and costs $400 USD. The concentration exams are 90 minutes long and cost $300 USD each. Similar to the CCNA certification, both exams are available in English and Japanese. 

Benefits: Recipients of the CCNA receive both a core certification and a specialist certification in the concentration area candidates chose - earning three certifications in one. Upon passing the core exams, the CCNP certification also serves as a qualifying exam for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. Compared to other IT certifications, the CCNP is the most customizable and allows you to showcase your specialized skills.

Jobs you can get with a CCNP certification:

  • Network Engineer
  • Infrastructure Engineer
  • Network Analyst
  • VoIP Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Network Design Engineer
Microsoft IT Certification, Azure Administrator Associate Certification and Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification logo

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate 

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification validates skills regarding implementing, managing, and monitoring identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in a Microsoft Azure cloud environment. For this IT certification, it would be beneficial for the candidate to have at least six months of experience administering Azure prior to testing. Having a strong understanding of Azure services, workloads, security, and governance will set you up for the best success. 

Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate certification validates competency in managing Azure identities and governance; implementing and managing storage; deploying and managing Azure compute resources; configuring and managing virtual networking; and monitoring and backing up Azure resources.

Certification process: To obtain this IT certification, candidates must pass Exam AZ-104. This exam costs $165 USD and is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, and Japanese. To prepare for the exam, candidates are encouraged to take free, online study modules to gain the skills needed to become certified. Starting in June of 2021, Azure certifications are valid for one year and then must be renewed annually online for free.

Benefits: According to Fortune, 57% of Fortune 500 companies are using Microsoft Azure. As cloud computing continues to dominate the information technology industry, this IT certification will prove that candidates have the technical expertise to get the job done.

Jobs you can get with the Microsoft Certified Administrator Associate certification: 

  • Cloud Architect
  • Azure Developer
  • Solution Architect
  • Azure Architect
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Cloud Delivery Architect
  • Azure Engineer
  • Azure DevOps Engineer
  • Cloud Account Manager
  • System Engineer

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert 

According to Microsoft, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is for candidates who have subject matter expertise in “designing and implementing solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, including aspects like compute, network, storage, and security.” Candidates pursuing this certification will be responsible for advising stakeholders and translating business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions. As an expert level IT certification, the Azure Solutions Architect certification requires advanced experience and understanding of IT operations, Azure administration, and DevOps processes.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The Azure Solutions Architect certification assesses the ability to implement and monitor an Azure infrastructure; implement management and security solutions; implement solutions for apps; implement and manage data platforms; design monitoring; design and identity security; design data storage; design business continuity; and design infrastructure. 

Certification process: The Azure Solutions Architect expert requires candidates to pass two exams — Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies, and Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. Both exams are available in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean and cost $165 USD. Free, online study modules are also available for preparation for these exams. Like the Azure Administrator Associate certification, this certification is valid for one year and then must be renewed annually online for free.

Benefits: The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates candidates’ ability to accomplish technical tasks. Candidates that earn the Expert certification are more qualified to hold senior positions, such as Senior Azure Engineer or Senior Cloud Solutions Architect, which may result in a higher pay grade. 

Jobs you can get with Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: 

  • Senior Azure Solutions Architect
  • Cloud Solutions Architect
  • Azure DevOps Engineer
  • Azure Security Engineer
  • Azure Data Scientist
Why Get an IT Certification?
Recruiter Insight — Brent Stokes, Recruiting Manager 

“Sure, certifications show that you have attained a certain level of knowledge in a particular field, technology, or practice area… BUT, one of the most overlooked advantages to gaining a certification is what that means about you as a professional. As a recruiter, when I see an IT certification, I see someone who is willing to invest in themselves and in their career, whether investing time, money, or both. I see someone who is committed to improving themselves, someone who looks critically at their strengths and weaknesses and commits to developing their skills, and someone who will continue to grow even after I hire them. Is this true of 100% of people who have certifications? Of course not. Is it a good leading indicator? Absolutely.”

Project Management certification, PMP Certification and CSM Certification logo

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification assesses project leadership skills through predictive (waterfall), agile, and hybrid approaches. To earn a PMP certification, candidates must meet the following requirements: a four-year degree, 36 months of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM Certification; or, a high school diploma or an Associate's degree, 60 months of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification.

PMP Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The PMP exam tests skills in the following areas: people, process, and business environment. The exam covers conflict management, leadership, team performance, training, negotiation, project execution, budget and resource management, schedule management, product/deliverable management, scope management, project compliance, business environment changes, organization change, and more.

Certification process: To earn the PMP certification, candidates must apply to take the exam to validate their project management experience and education. Once the application is accepted, candidates must pass the PMP Exam — a 180 question, multi-choice exam. The exam fee is $405 USD for a PMI member and $555 USD for a non-member. After being awarded the PMP certification, candidates must maintain their certification by engaging in professional development through the Project Management Institute. Renewal is required every three years.

Benefits: The PMP certification is the top-ranked project management certification in North America, according to CIO Magazine. Additionally, PMP holders’ salary in the U.S. is 25% higher than those without the certification, according to PMI’s most recent Project Management Salary Survey.

Jobs you can get with the PMP certification: 

  • Senior Project Manager
  • IT Project Manager
  • Technical Project Manager
  • Professional Services Project Manager
  • Engineering Manager
  • Delivery Project Manager

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification tests candidates’ ability to understand Scrum values, principles, and practices. Through the required training, candidates will learn the Scrum framework and gain an understanding of team accountabilities, events, and artifacts. Candidates with the CSM certification validate their skills to help businesses innovate faster, move from idea to delivery more quickly, drive higher customer satisfaction, and increase employee morale through the utilization of the Scrum framework.

CSM IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The CSM certification assesses skills related to the understanding of Scrum and Agile, Scrum theory, Scrum values, Scrum team, ScrumMaster, Scrum events, and Scrum artifacts. Scrum Alliance’s content outline breaks down these domains further.

Certification process: To attain the CSM certification, candidates must complete a live online or in-person CSM course; the courses are taught by a verified CSM trainer and offer at least 14 hours of interactive instruction. The prices of the courses vary by instructor, with the average price being around $500 USD. Once the course is completed, candidates must pass the 60-minute, 50 question CSM exam. 

Benefits: ScrumAlliance, the issuer of the CSM certification, claims holding the Certified ScrumMaster certification gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of Scrum; guides their team to effectively use Scrum and understand why Scrum values are so important; increases career opportunities and expands their professional community; and improves leadership skills and ability to influence organizational change. According to Indeed, 72% of job seekers said “(helping) career progression” was the biggest reason for earning their CSM certification. 

Jobs you can get with the CSM certification:

  • Scrum Master
  • Software Engineer
  • Business Analyst
  • IT Business Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • IT Project Manager
  • Cloud Software Architect 
  • Application Architect
  • Technical Product Manager
IT Certification from ISC2, CISSP and CCSP logos

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification validates the skills it takes to effectively design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program. Candidates pursuing a CISSP should have the expertise and in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity strategy and implementations.

CISSP IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: To attain the CISSP certification, candidates should have expertise in the following eight security domains: security risk and management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management (IAM), security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security. 

Certification process: To qualify for this IT certification, candidates must pass the CISSP exam and have a minimum of five years of work experience in one of the eight domains listed above. The exam consists of 100-150 questions with a three hours time limit and is available in English, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Korean, Spanish - Modern, and Brazilian Portuguese. Once the exam is passed, the candidate must complete the endorsement process; this includes agreeing to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics and paying their first annual maintenance fee of $125 USD.

Benefits: The CISSP certification is accredited, recognized, and endorsed by leading organizations around the world. According to (ISC)², “cybersecurity professionals who earn the CISSP are among the most sought-after security experts in the world.” 

Jobs you can get with a CISSP certification: 

  • Chief Information Officer
  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Director of Security
  • IT Director/Manager
  • Security Systems Engineer
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Manager
  • Security Auditor
  • Security Architect
  • Security Consultant
  • Network Architect 
Why Get the CISSP Certification?
Recruiter Insight — Andrew Leeson, Senior Executive Recruiter

“With the importance of IT Security being vital to organizations in today’s world, a CISSP certified professional stands out when reviewing interested candidates’ backgrounds for IT Security opportunities.”

Recruiter Insight — Joanna Kimionakis, Senior Executive Recruiter

“Right now, [CISSP] is huge. This certification shows you are up to date with the newest solutions to cyber security and hacks, [and have the] knowledge of latest security threats and trends. Having this shows you are an expert in security and this certification is only obtained by highly experienced professionals.”

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is for IT and information security leaders that want to prove their expertise in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration. The CCSP certification is awarded by (ISC)², the same organization as CISSP. This certification shows candidates’ technical expertise in best practices, policies, and procedures in the cloud.

CCSP IT Certification At-A-Glance: 

Skills tested: The CCSP certification exam tests the skills in the following domains: cloud concepts, architecture, and design; cloud data and security; cloud platform and infrastructure security; cloud application security; cloud security operations; and legal, risk, and compliance. 

Certification process: Similar to the CISSP certification, to qualify for the CCSP certification candidates must pass the exam and have a minimum of five years of IT work experience, of which three must be in information security, and at least one year in one or more of the domains listed above. Recipients of the CCSP certification must then complete the endorsement process of agreeing to the Code of Ethics and paying the $125 USD annual maintenance fee.

Benefits: Just like the CISSP certification, the CCSP is highly accredited, recognized, and endorsed by leading organizations. Certification Magazine lists the CCSP certification among the top 75 certifications in 2021, ranking it as the number one IT certification professionals plan to take to advance their careers.

Jobs you can get with a CCSP certification: 

  • Enterprise Architect
  • Security Administrator
  • Systems Engineer
  • Security Architect
  • Security Consultant
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Manager
  • Systems Architect
AWS IT Certification, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner IT certification logo

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is “intended for individuals who perform a solutions architect role and have one or more years of hands-on experience designing available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS.” Candidates pursuing this IT certification should have at least one year of hands-on experience designing secure, high-performing, cost-effective, and scalable systems using AWS services.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification exams test the knowledge of how to architect and deploy secure and robust applications on AWS technology; the ability to define a solution using architectural design principles based on customer requirements; and the ability to provide implementation guidance based on best practices to the organization throughout the life cycle of the project.

Certification Progress: The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is a 130-minute exam consisting of 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions. The certification exam costs $150 USD and can be taken at a testing center or online. It is available in English, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

Benefits: Having the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification shows employers you have the validated skills to architect and deploy available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and distributed systems on AWS. According to Global Knowledge, the average salary of an IT professional with this certification is $130,883 USD - which is nearly 25% higher than their non-certified counterparts. As cloud technology continues to increase in popularity, those with the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification will be ahead of the game, and stand out from the stack.

Jobs you can get with an AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification:

  • AWS Solutions Architect
  • Cloud Solutions Architect
  • Cloud Architect
  • Operations Engineer
  • Cloud Application Product Owner
  • Technical Release Manager
  • Systems Administrator

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification validates skills related to implementing cloud initiatives, cloud fluency, and foundational AWS knowledge. AWS recommends candidates have at least six months of exposure to the AWS Cloud; basic understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS Cloud platform; and knowledge of core AWS services and use cases, billing and pricing models, security concepts, and how cloud impacts a business.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The certification exam tests a candidate’s ability to complete the following tasks: explain the value of the AWS Cloud; understand and explain the AWS shared responsibility model; understand security best practices; understand AWS Cloud costs, economics, and billing practices; describe and position the core AWS services, including compute, network, databases, and storage; and identify AWS services for common use cases.

Certification process: To earn the certification, candidates are required to pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam (CLF-C01), a 90-minute exam consisting of 65 multiple choice and multiple response questions. The exam costs $100 USD and is proctored online or in-person at a testing center. It is available in English, Indonesian (Bahasa), Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. The certification is valid for three years. 

Benefits: As one of the cheaper certifications, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential certifies your understanding of cloud computing. As more companies transition to using cloud systems and services, this IT certification will continue to rise in demand for employees. 

Jobs you can get with an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification: 

  • Developer
  • Solutions Architect
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Network Administrator
Why Get the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification?
Recruiter Insight — Jason Parker, Senior Executive Recruiter

“Having an AWS Certification is highly recommended because it’s the most widely used technology. More and more companies are moving to the cloud platform and AWS is certainly the most recognized leader of cloud service providers. Potential employers want to see [candidates’] expertise by getting the certification, and will also get [candidates] a better paycheck in the long run.”

As the demand for IT certifications grows, employers are going to be looking for candidates that have proven their expertise and can solve problems businesses are experiencing today. Candidates with IT certifications are positioned to get hired fast by being more qualified than their uncertified counterparts; being certified can also increase their salary, and ensure job security as businesses expand their IT needs. When considering which IT certification to get, candidates should consider the skills tested and the certification process, and ultimately choose the IT certification that best suits their current skillset and their career goals. Updating their resume and/or LinkedIn profile with the relevant training and certifications is a great way for IT professionals to stand out from the stack in their next job hunt. As experts in the IT space, Blue Signal is equipped to help both clients and candidates navigate these important decisions surrounding IT certifications, and how to combat the talent shortage with knowledge and strategy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner on your next IT search. 

Filed Under: Blog Posts, IT, Recruiter Tips Tagged With: aws, AWS Certifications, Azure, CCNA, CCNP, CCSP, Cisco, Cisco Certifications, CISSP, cloud, Cloud Certification, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Security, CSM, DevOps, IT, IT Certifications, IT Project Management, IT Security, Microsoft, Microsoft Certifications, Network, Network Administrator, Network Analyst, Network Design, Network Engineer, Network Security, PMP, Project Management, Project Management Certifications, Scrum Master, Security Certification, Solution Architect, Systems Administrator, UC, VoIP

Benefits of Cloud Adoption

February 15, 2019 by Lacey Walters

Technology provides an endless opportunity for businesses to optimize, grow, and innovate. In the race to remain competitive, businesses have launched their way into cloud adoption. McAfee calculated that companies using the cloud grow 19.3% faster than their competitors. This IT gold rush is very much reflective of the “First Wave” of cloud adoption – focused on lower costs and failsafe information backup. Now, with this “Second Wave” on the rise, companies are focusing on the revenue growth potential and better business outcomes. In order to be successful, this will require a much more optimized cloud strategy.

The First Wave benefits of cloud adoption were obvious, and with the Second Wave businesses are seeing increased potential. With the proper cloud adoption strategy, companies can expect to see improved mobility and collaboration, better disaster recovery, cost efficiency, increased data security, environmental consciousness, and limitless scalability.

Improved Mobility and Collaboration

Public and shared cloud solutions provide the opportunity for people across any organization to access data from anywhere with an internet connection. Simultaneous collaboration helps the flow of ideas, and saves time by cutting out the limbo period between input. This increased productivity also can aid in improving employee satisfaction. In fact, organizations with employee satisfaction listed as a priority are up to 24% more likely to expand cloud usage according to Dell research. Cloud has made remote work possible – and connects people with ideas across the world with one click.

Cloud infrastructure is more reactive than any predecessor solutions. Businesses looking to optimize processes, pick up on trends internally, or capture errors can react instantaneously with cloud computing built into their cloud servers. Within moments of a change, information can be procured, revised, or compared. This can help avoid disaster or grant a competitive edge to any company possessing a fully utilized cloud portfolio. 

Disaster Recovery

No matter how large, successful, private, or prepared an organization is – there is no way to prevent or predict everything that could impact it. One major benefit to cloud application is disaster recovery. In downtime, businesses can lose anything from productivity to revenue to brand reputation. Luckily, cloud backup can recover data quickly and accurately. An article by Salesforce.com has found that 20% of cloud uses can claim disaster recovery in four hours or less, while only 9% of non-cloud users could claim the same.

In a study by Salesforce.com, 94% of businesses who used cloud services claimed they saw an improvement in security after switching to the cloud. 91% said the cloud makes it easier to meet government compliance requirements.

Cost Effective

Using a cloud-based infrastructure is proven to significantly reduce costs across IT, hardware, maintenance, and operations. According to an IDC White Paper for Cisco, companies are realizing $1.6 million in additional revenue and $1.2 million in reduced costs per cloud application. With cloud, businesses are no longer obligated to spend large amounts of money on purchasing and maintaining equipment. In fact, some in-house infrastructure may become obsolete.

Many organizations and businesses rely on IT teams to fix bugs and solve server issues. It can become costly for a team of developers to handle and manage an on-premise system on a daily basis. Not to mention, ensuring internal servers are running properly draws attention and work away from innovation and revenue-focused initiatives. To avoid this internal responsibility, more businesses are beginning to adopt the cloud, resulting in a more optimized workforce, and the lowered cost and liability related to owned hardware and on-site servers. 

Environmentally Friendly

Today’s consumers, as well as businesses, are becoming more environmentally conscious. Cloud computing, because of its intangible nature, results in much less of a carbon footprint than traditional record keeping. Salesforce.com stated that cloud infrastructures support environmental proactivity, powering virtual services rather than physical products and hardware. This cuts down on paper waste, improves energy efficiency, and reduces commuter-related emissions. As more businesses utilize a cloud infrastructure, they use fewer physical servers- meaning less tangible resources and a reduced environmental impact.

Scalability

Prior to cloud applications and technology, enterprises ran on custom-built IT infrastructures. This required a large fraction of IT personnel just to maintain the current system. When growth was unforeseen or systems were overloaded, they simply crashed. With cloud, IT can scale up and down as needed – and in some cases organically. This “self-healing” nature has reduced IT incidents by over 70% according to McKinsey insights.

Cloud also offers several options for customers varying in need. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach like some in-house applications can produce, cloud can be optimized to meet varying needs. Private, public, and hybrid cloud can work together to store, protect, and organize data in many ways. It all depends on the needs of the organization, and their vision for a repeatable and expandable future for themselves.

Cloud is the latest innovation in business transformation and is accessible and beneficial to many businesses. This technology allows companies to streamline their daily operations effectively and efficiently, while also providing peace of mind. Because of these factors, it’s no surprise that the cloud industry is booming – and the need for cloud-experts is meeting an unprecedented high. The ultimate challenge lies in finding this talent.

Blue Signal is an expert in the cloud space, and has the necessary connections to ensure a faster, more secure adoption process. If you are a specialist in this space or a business looking to implement cloud offerings into your own company, contact us to connect to your next great investment.

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Software & Unified Communications Tagged With: cloud, emerging technology, recruiting, tech, technology, telecommunications, UC, UCaaS, unified communications

Unified Communications Industry Predictions for 2018

November 30, 2017 by Lacey Walters

The unified communications industry has been very fluid over the past few years. Although the industry is maturing, people’s communication habits continue to evolve as social media and personal technology habits shift.

The major challenges of the unified communications industry are also shifting. Customers (and employees) struggle with overflowing inboxes and are less willing to pick up the phone. Cold-calling has lost much of its popularity. Employees want communication platforms that are intuitive and natural. And there are the challenges of drawn-out meetings, technology that doesn’t work, and ROI.

 

Prediction #1: Improved interoperability and security in hybrid platforms

For most companies, it just doesn’t make sense to use a single tenant solution. Not only is it expensive to build a custom platform and host on-premises applications, but companies feel restricted by the big purchase. In an agile market, companies need to be able to change strategies fast. Hybrid solutions have been common for a while, but there will be a more “modular” approach to UCaaS hybrid environments in the future. Unified communications providers will be able to close more deals and keep customer loyalty if they can provide a set of plug-and-play modules that fit their customers’ unique business needs.

Hybrid cloud - unified communications technology

As more and more technology crowds onto our desks and into our devices, interoperability will be even more important. It is mission-critical for unified communications features to function seamlessly in BYOD and hybrid environments.

This interoperability will come with beefed-up security features to protect against data loss, data corruption, and targeted breach attacks. As cybersecurity attacks rise, companies are becoming more open to spending serious money on data security.

 

Prediction #2: Technology that is natural to use — not just user-friendly

Many UCaaS platforms are easy to use, but not all are natural to use. They don’t match the way that people intuitively use other software and technology in their day-to-day life.

Just because features are new or high-tech, doesn’t mean they’re necessary or useful. Recently, a major Unified Communications hardware manufacturer launched a new advertising campaign for videoconferencing hardware to address the problem of low user engagement, which means a high added cost to the business.

Making UC technology low-effort is only half the battle. Tech giants like Facebook and Apple have created the expectation that all software has a sleek, streamlined UI/UX (user interface/experience). Thanks to these companies, a bad user interface is a show-stopper. User experience is a top consideration for UC technology companies, alongside functionality.

 

Prediction #3: Shift from “feature-rich” to “rich features”

Most features on smartphones, TVs, and other electronics never get used. People get used to using their devices a certain way and don’t branch out. The same goes for unified communications technology. Developing new features is expensive and time-consuming. As the UCaaS market continues to heat up, companies will focus on delivering a few high-quality features that users actually want. Cutting down on the overwhelming number of unnecessary features is the next logical step.

There will be a boost in features to support mobile users and telecommuters, who are becoming more common in the workforce. The unified communications industry relies heavily on remote employees, and customers will be loyal to platforms that support this model.

 

Prediction #4: Data-driven decisions that are actually data-driven

Many companies already consider themselves to be “data-driven,” but the quality of data and the subsequent conclusions based on it is often questionable. Engagement tracking and big data analysis are becoming more commonplace, with simpler tools so that companies don’t need to hire a data scientist to get results. These powerful data tracking tools are helping companies make smart decisions more easily, and based on better data and better insights.

 

 

Prediction #5: CPaaS will be a major UC disruptor

CPaaS is “communications platform as a service,” and includes communication apps such as B2C text messaging, human and bot chat platforms, and other real-time communications applications. UC features in this category include instant-messaging apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and Slack, which have exploded in popularity as a response to overflowing email inboxes. IM applications will continue to grow and most likely eventually totally replace intraoffice email.

Technical support is another department likely to pick up on CPaaS fast. Video-enabled IT support, live 24/7 assistance, and real-time chats are an easy, low-cost solution to common IT problems, and they make the IT department’s job easier.

UCaaS - unified communications predictions

Prediction #6: Smart bandwidth usage for UC apps

Not all UC apps are created equal in terms of data usage. Bandwidth-heavy UC applications like video-streaming can seriously slow down a user’s system, or even the whole network. Smart application integrated platforms reduce the load by taking bandwidth away from inactive applications and funnel it towards the ones in use. This improves the efficiency of the entire system and boosts software speeds. In advanced UCaaS software, this can even occur in totally cloud-based applications.

 

Breakdown in communication is one of the top causes for the failure of relationships, so it comes as no surprise that breakdowns in communication in the workplace are one of the top threats to revenue, productivity, and competitiveness. Unified communications is the technology that helps companies to solve communication problems in the workplace. As our ways of communicating evolve, the UCaaS industry will evolve with us.


Need help with your Unified Communications hiring? Contact us here.

 

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Software & Unified Communications, Wireless/Telecom Tagged With: cloud, emerging technology, industry, predictions, software, technology, telecom, UCaaS, unified communications, VoIP

Before You Hire an AWS/Cloud Engineer, Read This.

March 10, 2017 by Lacey Walters

Cloud computing is growing faster than ever. The cloud market reached almost $150 billion in 2016, and is growing at 25% annually. Traditionally, companies’ top concern was security. But this year, the #1 challenge reported by cloud adopters is a lack of people with the right skills.

At the forefront is Amazon Web Services (AWS), the public cloud division of Amazon. Their business-friendly cloud options ranked #1 in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant. AWS has been around since 1999, however, with the spike in cloud migrations, demand for qualified people has exploded.

The natural response is to scramble to get approval for a new top AWS/cloud migration expert. But many companies run into trouble by hiring the wrong type of person, hiring without a plan, or hiring before their infrastructure is ready. This leads to poor retention and an expensive cloud-based disaster.

How to lay the groundwork for a new AWS/cloud project:

What is the goal?

AWS has many modules; its tagline is “A platform for virtually every use case.” It is the CTO’s job to set a goal and narrow the focus. Too many companies jump into new technology because everyone seems to be doing it, but the reality is that no project can succeed without a clear, realistic goal.

The worst possible approach is, “We need to invest in cloud. What should we do with it?” The goal should address an existing problem that ties directly to revenue. For instance: streamlining a data center, improving security, speeding up data processing, or meeting compliance standards. AWS and cloud-based technology cannot solve every problem, but it brings many exciting tools to the table.

What are the options?

Cloud technology is not an all-or-nothing investment. After defining the goal, choose the features and modules that make sense. For many companies, a hybrid solution is best for their needs, especially for companies with existing infrastructure and assets. Smaller companies can simply rent or buy into existing cloud platforms and software, especially for data storage and security needs. Enterprises and companies doing large cloud migrations will more likely need to hire an expert.

AWS Cloud computing technologyWho is driving?

Without a clear leader to head up the effort, a cloud project will quickly fall apart and become a chaotic, over-budget mess. A director or department head may seem like the obvious choice, however it may not be the best choice if this person already has a totally full schedule, travels a lot, or does not understand the technology.

The best person to lead is someone who is highly project-oriented and a big-picture strategist who communicates well with many types of people. Someone detail-oriented risks getting lost in the weeds. Ideally, they have technical experience or manage technical people.

Now what?

With the groundwork in place, the hiring need should be clearer.

Before interviewing, know the right questions to ask, and have at least one interviewer who can ask technical questions on the AWS technology. This is for two reasons: it screens out underqualified candidates, and it gives the interviewing company legitimacy. Experts gravitate towards companies who have done their research and ask the right questions. It is an indication that the company will treat them well and respect their expertise.

Beware of hiring a complete team of outside people to manage a brand new big-budget technology project. Even if they are experts in the technology, they are not familiar with the company culture and team. Even the best person can run into problems if current employees perceive that an “outsider” is coming in and trying to change everything overnight. A more neutral strategy is to hire an engineer or architect who reports to a trusted leader within the organization who can act as the liaison.

Train some, hire some. Who can be retrained? Competition is so fierce that some companies will inevitably be stuck with a person who has the technical skills but is not the best cultural fit, or vice versa. Therefore, the lower the budget, the greater the need for flexibility.

Virtualization Cloud Computing AWS Amazon Web Services Software Technology Engineer Enginering

Work to change technophobe attitudes before the project starts. Share responsibility and ownership in the project with the whole team, and get as many people as possible on board. Take their ideas and try them out, where possible. New technology can feel like a threat and a burden, so open communication does wonders to make current employees feel more at ease.

Lastly, have a follow-through plan. Once the cloud project is complete, have a plan in place for who will maintain it and run it. Hire or train them with plenty of time. Success in the early stages is critical for employees to get on board.

As with any complex project, it pays to work with a recruiter who knows the space well and can locate the best talent for the company’s budget. If your company is considering a large-scale cloud or AWS project, contact us for a free evaluation of your hiring needs. Reach our cloud specialists directly at info@bluesignal.com or give us a call at (480) 939-3200.

Filed Under: Blog Posts Tagged With: amazon web services, aws, cloud, emerging technology, employer, guide, hiring, how to, interviewing, job, job market, recruiting, software, strategy, tech

Top UCaaS Salespeople Are Hard to Find

September 14, 2016 by Lacey Walters

UCaaS is a growing field, but it is increasingly difficult to find qualified, top-performing salespeople who know the space well. The hiring cycle for UCaaS salespeople comes with a unique set of challenges. Here are 8 things to consider when starting a search for UCaaS salespeople.

Changing jobs means leaving money on the table.

UCaaS salespeople at the top of their game have to hit high quotas every month and every year. It takes a lot of sustained hard work to close deals. When a salesperson begins the interview process, they have to do complicated calculations to figure out whether their new compensation package will cover the money they are leaving on the table at their current job. Additionally, new sales do not start coming in right away, and a salesperson has to consider how much money they may lose in commissions before they start closing deals at a new job.

 

The new (or old) non-compete is often very strict.

They may have a very restrictive non-compete agreement in place with their current company that discourages them from changing companies and hurting their future prospects. For the same reason, they may be wary of a strict non-compete offered during the interview process. A smart hiring manager knows that a skilled UCaaS salesperson wants to make a career move, not a job change, and will take their future development into account.

UCaaS Salespeople

 

They do not want to let their clients down.

With the long sales cycle, top talent gets very involved with clients, which makes it harder to leave the company. In many cases, these salespeople have spent years cultivating thriving business relationships and earning the trust of their customers. When a salesperson leaves a job and has to sever existing business relationships due to a non-compete agreement, it can feel like they are letting them down.

 

They receive calls every day from recruiters.

It is difficult to pitch an opportunity to a UCaaS salesperson that is a better opportunity than they’ve already heard. Many recruiters do not understand the industry well and do not take time to adequately review the pros and cons of the opportunity.

 

They are compensated well.

In addition to leaving commission money on the table, UCaaS salespeople are compensated well in their base salaries, making a move that much harder. They know their market value and have a keen idea of the market and what kind of quotas they are able to hit.

 

Learning a new set of UCaaS products and services can be difficult.

UCaas Products & Services can be difficult to relearnUnified communications customers expect their salespeople to be experts in the products and services they sell. These products sometimes have vastly different technical specs, and each company’s product portfolio has dozens of different features.

When coming into a new position, a salesperson has to relearn all of the product features and capabilities, which is difficult and time-consuming.

 

The industry is experiencing fast growth and frequent M&As.

The UCaaS space is full of mergers and acquisitions, and in addition, the products are changing rapidly as the market grows. While good UCaaS salespeople usually do not need to worry about job security, their industry is full of instability and change.

They do not want to start from scratch again.

A successful salesperson develops a steady pipeline of leads and business relationships. Finding fresh leads and nurturing them into business relationships is a long and difficult process. They have to build up a sales funnel once again and will usually need to work hard for at least 3 months just to close the first sale. Since the average UCaaS sales cycle is 6 months or longer, this means their on-target earnings can take a hard hit during the first year of a new job.

 

Looking to hire UCaaS sales experts? Blue Signal can help. To start with a free consultation, contact us at info@bluesignal.com.

Filed Under: Blog Posts Tagged With: cloud, hiring process, recruiting, salespeople, UCaaS, UCaaS salespeople, unified communications

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