Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a cloud computing platform operated by Google. It offers a wide range of services and features for deploying, scaling and managing applications and infrastructure in the cloud. In this article, we will explain the most important aspects of GCP for IT recruiters to understand what knowledge and skills are required for GCP experts.

GCP services

GCP offers a variety of services and functions for a wide range of use cases. Some of the most important services are

• Compute Engine: This is an IaaS service that provides virtual machines (VMs) for deploying applications and workloads in the cloud. GCP experts must be able to configure, optimise and manage VMs to ensure that applications run smoothly.
• Kubernetes Engine: Kubernetes is an open source platform for container orchestration and management. GCP's Kubernetes Engine service enables easy deployment, management and scaling of Kubernetes clusters in the cloud. GCP experts need to be able to design, configure and manage Kubernetes clusters to ensure applications run optimally.
• App Engine: This is a PaaS service that provides a platform for developing and deploying applications in the cloud. GCP experts need to be able to design, develop and deploy applications on App Engine to ensure they run smoothly on the platform.
• Cloud Storage: This is a storage service that provides a scalable, secure and cost-effective way to store data in the cloud. GCP professionals need to be able to configure and manage cloud storage to ensure that data is secure and accessible.
• BigQuery: This is a database-based tool that enables the analysis of large amounts of data. GCP experts need to be able to load data into BigQuery, run queries and create reports to gain insights from the data.

GCP experts

GCP experts are IT professionals who have knowledge and skills in the management and optimisation of GCP services and functions. The most important tasks of GCP experts include

• Infrastructure and application design: GCP experts design and implement GCP infrastructures and applications to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently.
• Security and compliance: GCP experts are responsible for the security and compliance of the GCP infrastructure and applications. They implement security policies and measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and systems.
• Performance optimisation: GCP experts are responsible for optimising the performance of GCP infrastructures and applications. They monitor and analyse system performance to ensure that it meets requirements and optimise systems to ensure maximum performance.
• Migration: GCP experts support companies in the migration of applications and workloads to the cloud. They identify the appropriate GCP services and functions for the migration and implement them to ensure a smooth and efficient migration.
• Automation: GCP experts implement automation solutions to improve the efficiency and scalability of GCP infrastructures and applications. They use tools such as Google Cloud Deployment Manager and Google Cloud Functions to automate repetitive tasks.

GCP certifications

GCP offers certifications for GCP professionals who wish to validate their knowledge and skills in the management and optimisation of GCP services and functions. The most important certifications include:

• Associate Cloud Engineer: This is an entry-level certification for cloud engineers who want to demonstrate knowledge and skills in managing GCP services and functions.
• Professional Cloud Architect: This certification validates the knowledge and skills of cloud architects in the planning, design and implementation of GCP infrastructures and applications.
• Professional Cloud Developer: This certification validates the knowledge and skills of cloud developers in the development and implementation of applications on GCP.
• Professional Cloud Network Engineer: This certification validates the knowledge and skills of network engineers in the planning, implementation and management of GCP networks.

Overall, GCP is an important cloud platform for organisations looking to move their IT infrastructures and applications to the cloud. GCP professionals must have knowledge and skills in managing and optimising GCP services and capabilities to help companies transition to the cloud and take full advantage of cloud technology. By obtaining GCP certifications, GCP professionals can enhance their career opportunities and validate their knowledge and skills. It is important for IT recruiters to understand the requirements and skills of GCP professionals in order to Identify and hire qualified candidates for cloud-based roles.