5 IT Skills Employers Want Most in 2022

5G technology is going to disrupt traditional networking technologies. It has a tremendous potential to deliver new generations of high-speed services with low latency. The full potential of 5G networks can be realized when the processing can be done near the end user — which is popularly known as "edge computing."

Some of the skills relevant to 5G networking include:

• NFV and SDN technologies. Network functions virtualization (NFV) is one of the key aspects of 5G network infrastructure. NFV helps to achieve virtual network functions in place of a single physical network device. These virtualized network functions are responsible for connecting virtual machines. Additionally, software-defined networking (SDN) is responsible for making the network more agile and flexible. The SDN helps redefine the network architecture and meet 5G requirements. SDN is one of the key enablers of 5G infrastructure.
• Cloud-based networking. Cloud-based virtual networks are another important requirement for the growth of 5G networks. To get the full benefit of 5G, cloud-based networking is a must. Cloud-based virtual networks make 5G management simple and expansion easy. So, the combination of 5G and virtual cloud networks is another important skill to learn.
• Network-based DevOps. Continuous development and operation (DevOps) is important for advanced network operations. DevOps is a lean way of managing cloud-based virtual networks because it manages the network services, operations and life-cycle management.
• AI-enabled networks. In today's IT industry, automation is everywhere. So, network automation is also very important in the world of virtualization and the cloud. On a related note, artificial intelligence (AI) also plays an important role in network management. (Also read: What does 5G technology mean for AI?)

4. Infrastructure Security & The Zero-Trust Model

Infrastructure security is always a high priority for organizations. With the increase of data volume (e.g., big data), endpoints, interconnected devices and many more parameters, it becomes critical to ensure infrastructure security. (Also read: How to Protect Critical Infrastructure From Cyber Attack.)

In the case of a hybrid cloud model, data and the applications are distributed across boundaries — so securing data is even more complex. Thus, most organizations are investing more on new and emerging security tools and platforms, like:

• Zero-trust network access (ZTNA). ZTNA can be defined as a product/service to create identity- and context-based logical access boundaries around the application and data. Access to these resources is restricted through a trust broker, which verifies a user's identity, context and policies before allowing entry into a network.
• Endpoint protection platforms (EPPs). An EPP is a suite of security solutions deployed at the endpoint to prevent security threats. EPP solutions include technologies like anti-virus software, malware prevention, data loss protection and encryption.
• Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPPs). A cloud workload can be defined as all the network resources and processes required to run cloud applications. Cloud workloads must be secured uniquely to protect the cloud environment. CWPPs are built to secure the cloud workload — whether it resides in a private, public, hybrid or multi-cloud environment.
• Secure access service edge (SASE). SASE can be defined as a framework consists of cloud native security tools/technologies with WAN capabilities. It helps to connect users, endpoints and systems securely.

5. AIOps

Artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) is basically the implementation of AI capabilities in to IT service management. In the context of IT infrastructure, AIOps is primarily used to manage and monitor network traffic, device health, security and many more IT parameters.

With the evolution of IT infrastructure, the old static and pre-defined rule-based systems are no longer useful. Instead, AIOps uses machine learning algorithms and models to get real-time updates about infrastructural issues. As a result, corrective actions can be taken quickly and can be automated.

AIOps is mainly based on the following parameters:

• Data identification.
• Pattern identification.
• Root cause analysis (RCA).
• Collaboration.
• Remediation.

Conclusion

In this age of digital transformation, IT infrastructure skills are in high demand and organizations are facing roadblocks due to the shortage of critical IT infrastructure skills. Moreover, the latest technology trends are cloud computing, AI/ML, IoT and edge computing — all of which are impacting the IT job market.

In short, the need of the hour is to learn and upgrade your skills to meet current industry requirements and get hired. (Also read: 6 Tips For A Standout IT Resume.)