From Cabling to Cloud: Evolving Job Roles in Modern Data Centres

Top Evolving Data Centre Jobs to Look Out For

Cloud administrators, meanwhile, focus on the operational side, managing cloud resources, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting issues. They ensure that systems run smoothly, updates are applied correctly, and users have the access they need without compromising security.

Both roles require a strong understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as knowledge of compliance standards such as ISO 27001 or GDPR. A key part of their job is also stakeholder communication, educating teams and leadership on how to use cloud tools effectively and securely.

DevOps Engineers

DevOps engineers are the glue between software development and IT operations, helping organisations deliver applications and services at high velocity. In the context of modern data centres, their role is crucial for maintaining efficiency, reliability, and scalability in increasingly complex environments.

The core mission of a DevOps engineer is to automate and streamline the software development lifecycle (SDLC). They build and maintain CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipelines, allowing development teams to release updates faster and more frequently. This is especially important in cloud-based data centres, where agility and rapid deployment are key to staying competitive.

DevOps engineers also manage infrastructure as code (IaC), using tools like Terraform or Ansible to automate the provisioning and configuration of servers and services. They monitor system performance, identify bottlenecks, and ensure that applications are running smoothly across different environments.

While they don’t typically write application code, DevOps engineers need a solid grasp of programming and scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or Go. They also work closely with developers, QA teams, and system administrators, making strong communication and collaboration skills essential.

Information Security Analysts

With cyber threats on the rise, information security analysts play a vital role in protecting data centres from breaches, ransomware, and other malicious attacks. These professionals are the first line of defence in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring compliance with security standards.

Their responsibilities include monitoring networks for suspicious activity, conducting regular security audits, and implementing firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. When a threat is detected, they lead the incident response - identifying the breach, containing the damage, and restoring systems as quickly as possible.

Beyond reactive measures, security analysts also take a proactive approach. They stay up to date with the latest threat intelligence, assess vulnerabilities in existing systems, and recommend improvements to reduce risk. Many also run internal training sessions to raise awareness among staff and promote a culture of cybersecurity.

Given the financial and reputational damage, a cyber-attack can cause…especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and cloud service - this role is more important than ever. Candidates with certifications like CISSP, CompTIA Security+, or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) are especially in demand.