The age of technology is upon us, and it’s not going anywhere (nor do we want it to)! As a software development company, we love to research and develop the latest and greatest in operations technology and keep a close eye on growing trends in the facilities sector. With the global tech industry valued at $5.2 trillion for 2022, and North America making up the largest distribution of 35%, tech innovations are set to grow for years to come. 73% of organizations are looking to switch their systems to SaaS platforms this year, so how can you break through the competition? Certifications. Obtaining certifications as a company or department provides your team with the resources needed to deliver customized, industry-specific results for your clients, fostering client relationships and promoting internal and financial growth. Here, our enterprise and higher education operations software experts at SCLogic discuss some of the must-have certifications for 2023 and how they can impact your team’s future success.

Microsoft Azure Solutions Certifications for Industry Leadership

Cloud platforms are here to stay, and one of the most prominent cloud platforms is Microsoft Azure. Azure’s cloud platform works with industries such as healthcare, government, manufacturing, financial services, retail, and more to provide a secure platform to build, run, and manage applications across multiple clouds. Microsoft understood that there was a need for growth and certification experience in the software development field and bridged this gap by providing close to 100 certification courses related to Azure. Exams and certifications range from associate-level certifications such as an Azure Database Administrator Associate to exams and expert-level certifications such as their Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. On top of specifying levels for each course, they also provide position-specific certifications for individuals with job titles, including Developer, AI Engineer, Solution Architect, Security Engineer, and more.

So, what are the benefits of obtaining a Microsoft Azure certification for your employees? First, Azure certifications provide a sense of industry authority for your business, fostering stronger client relationships. Azure professionals do not only have authority in the U.S. but can assist your team with international growth. Furthermore, on the internal side, having an Azure professional on your team can help small and medium-sized businesses migrate to the cloud, lowering IT costs significantly. Azure professionals can help improve security internally and with clients, as Azure is considered a trusted source by the European data protection authorities and ISO 27018 international standards for cloud privacy. Finally, Azure certifications keep your team ahead of the trends, with credentials in vastly growing industries such as AI.

ISACA Certifications for IT Governance

ISACA, or the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, is an organization focused on IT governance and helping business technology professionals and enterprises understand the massive benefits technology offers. ISACA has been around for over 50 years and currently serves over 150,000 professionals in 188 countries working in assurance, governance, risk, and information security. Now, ISACA offers eight certification programs, including:

• CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
• CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
• CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
• CGEIT – Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT
• CSX-P – Cybersecurity Practitioner Certification
• CDPSE – Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer
• ITCA – Information Technology Certified Associate
• CET – Certified in Emerging Technology Certification

Not only do ISACA certifications improve specific job abilities but provide access to a network of professional member benefits and networking to help your team establish meaningful partnerships with other leaders in the field. From global conferences to individual ISACA chapter events and offerings like SheLeadsTech, promoting women in leadership roles in technology. ISACA offers myriad benefits to expand your professional authority in the tech and cybersecurity field both locally and globally.

NIST Security Compliance for Government Software Development

If you work in the government or technology sectors, you’re likely familiar with NIST or the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST’s mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve quality of life. In essence, NIST works to support technology ranging from the smallest scale to global communication networks, improving the United States’ ability to compete with the capabilities of other nations such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and more in technology advancement.

If you are a software company working with customers in the government sector, ensuring that your company is NIST-compliant can give your business the edge it needs to propel client growth safely and securely. At SCLogic, we’ve monitored our NIST compliance to assist federal government agencies, including compliance in NIST SP 800-18 Rev. 1: Guide for Developing Security Plans for Federal Information Systems, and NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations. If you are doing work for government agencies of any size, you know that one of the most important factors in any technology provided is cybersecurity features. With NIST compliance, your organization can provide clarity and confidence for government agencies that any software built was built under some of the most rigorous compliance standards in the country.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certifications for Technical Growth

Amazon is a household name in both the personal and professional world, and for developers and software professionals, Amazon Web Services is a growing sector, and there is no better time to hop on the train. As of Q4 2021, AWS reigned supreme with 33% of the market share, followed by Microsoft Azure at 21% and Google Cloud at 10%. Additionally, AWS reported a year-over-year increase of almost 40% at the end of last year, showing continued growth in an increasingly competitive market. On top of traditionally higher salaries for employees and broader career opportunities, employees with AWS certifications can expand your business’s offerings in both cloud software and specialty technology exams. AWS offers three levels of certifications, seen below.

• Foundational – Certified Cloud Practitioner
• Associate – Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, Developer
• Professional – Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer

Furthermore, AWS’ specialty programs create an opening for trending areas of technology that are continuing to grow in popularity, such as Data Analytics and Machine Learning certifications. Because AWS is an industry-recognized credential, these certifications are widely known amongst the entire software development community. Having an AWS-certified team member or department can offer significant benefits for small to medium-sized businesses offering software solutions. From the employee side, it is important to note that prospective employers value certifications when looking to expand their team. According to a 2020 study by A Cloud Guru, 82% of hiring managers say cloud certifications make a candidate more attractive, and 87% of hiring managers value hands-on experience and certifications over a university degree when evaluating potential employees.

Modern Facilities Software Development with SCLogic

At SCLogic, our team is comprised of developers, technical services analysts, and integration analysts who have worked tirelessly to craft our comprehensive facility operations software, Intra. Serving both enterprise and higher education clients, we’ve spent the past 25 years perfecting our software to solve facilities managers’ unique needs and pain points, incorporating modern elements such as a mobile-first interface, comprehensive data and analytics offerings, and more. Our team understands our clients’ distinct needs and has adapted their knowledge and skills to provide a configurable solution for industries including government, healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment. With reliability and security at the forefront, Intra is your full-service facilities solution. Email [email protected] or schedule a demo with one of our team members today if you’re ready to learn more.