Microsoft training IT professionals in the cloud

In order to help IT professionals update their experiences and resumes to take advantage of the new wave of technology adoption, software giant Microsoft is now conducting cloud computing training for those interested.

The company's Microsoft Virtual Academy is a free facility training for IT professionals, in which they can earn certifications for the managed IT service, and thus, become more attractive to hiring companies.

The training provides attendees with several cloud-centric "tracks," which include a course regarding the company's software, as well as a mixture of whitepapers, webcasts, training videos and expert advice.

Overseas, the UK and Ireland chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance is also offering its own training regarding security within the cloud. The inaugural meeting will be hosted by KPMG.

Osterman Research recently estimated that companies currently in the cloud will increase their investments by 10 percent during 2011. Thus, the need for these companies to hire cloud experts might increase as well. Certification for the new technology could go a long way toward increasing IT hiring.