New skills needed for cloud computing: Survey

13.01.2011
Contract negotiation skills are one of the top three required abilities for information security professionals dealing with cloud computing, according to new research.

This is one finding highlighted in early survey results from the 2011 (ISC)2 Global Information Security Workforce Study (GISWS) conducted by industry analysts Frost & Sullivan and covering more than 100 countries.

According to the survey, 73 per cent of the more than 7,500 (ISC)2 certified professionals, participating in the study, said cloud computing requires new skills. (ISC)2, is the world's largest global, not-for-profit organisation specialising in educating and certifying information security professionals.

This is the fifth edition of the most comprehensive study into the information security profession, and (ISC)2 said it will release the final report in mid February.

In a statement, (ISC)2 said that when asked what new skills would be required for cloud computing, half of the survey participants identified contract negotiation skills as one of their top three requirements. This came after the desire to develop a detailed understanding of cloud computing, chosen by 93 per cent, and the desire for enhanced technical knowledge, selected by 81 per cent of participants.