Review of cloud computing-related skills

As part of the SFIA 9 consultation we have reviewed the SFIA skills applicable to cloud computing and made these changes and additions

SFIA skill - name	Code	Levels	SFIA skill - description	Business value - in the context of cloud computing	Changes for SFIA 9
Infrastructure operations	ITOP	1 - 5	Provisioning, deploying, configuring, operating, and optimising technology infrastructure across physical, virtual, and cloud-based environments.	Ensures robust, scalable, and secure cloud infrastructure. Enhances efficiency through automation and IaC, improves performance, and enables rapid adaptation to changing business needs.	Skill re-named. Concise skill description, guidance notes and levels all updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
System software administration	SYSP	2 - 5	Installing, managing, and maintaining operating systems, data management, office automation, and utility software across various infrastructure environments.	Maintains optimal performance and security of cloud-based operating systems and infrastructure software, enabling smooth and reliable operation of cloud services.	New level 2 added for entry-level roles. Skill re-named. Concise skill description, guidance notes and levels all updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Network support	NTAS	2 - 5	Providing maintenance and support services for communications networks.	Provides reliable and secure network connectivity in cloud environments. Enhances network performance, automates routine tasks, and ensures continuous availability and security.	Concise skill description, guidance notes and levels all updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate. Level descriptions updated for alignment with other operational skills.
Network design	NTDS	2 - 6	Designing communication networks to support strategic and operational requirements and producing network strategies, architectures, policies and related documentation.	Designs scalable and secure cloud network architectures. Supports strategic and operational needs, ensuring robust connectivity and performance across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.	New level 2 added for entry-level roles. Guidance notes updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Database administration	DBAD	2 - 5	Installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining databases and data stores, ensuring performance and security while adapting to evolving technologies.	Ensures high availability, security, and performance of cloud databases. Supports efficient data management, compliance, and scalability, enhancing business data capabilities.	Concise skill description, guidance notes and levels all updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate. Level descriptions updated for alignment with other operational skills.
Software configuration	PORT	2 - 6	Designing and deploying software product configurations into software environments or platforms.	Manages software configuration and deployment in cloud environments. Ensures consistency, security, and traceability of software changes, reducing downtime and enhancing reliability.	New level 2 added for entry-level roles. Guidance notes updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Storage management	STMG	2 - 6	Provisioning, configuring, and optimising on-premises and cloud-based storage solutions, ensuring data availability, security, and alignment with business objectives.	Provides efficient and secure cloud storage solutions. Optimises data availability, performance, and compliance with business objectives, supporting data-driven decision-making.	New level 2 added for entry-level roles. Concise skill description and guidance notes updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Systems design	DESN	2 - 6	Designing systems to meet specified requirements and agreed systems architectures.	Develops scalable and reliable cloud systems. Ensures systems meet business requirements and adhere to industry standards, improving overall IT infrastructure and service delivery.	New level 2 added for entry-level roles. Guidance notes updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Infrastructure design	IFDN	2 - 6	Designing technology infrastructure to meet business requirements, ensuring scalability, reliability, security and alignment with strategic objectives.	Designs resilient and scalable cloud infrastructure architectures. Enables strategic alignment of technology resources with business goals while ensuring security, cost optimization, and operational efficiency across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.	New skill
Hardware design	HWDE	2 - 6	Specifying and designing hardware systems and components to meet defined requirements by following agreed design principles and standards.	Integrates hardware components with cloud systems. Ensures compatibility and optimal performance, enhancing the reliability and scalability of cloud services.	New level 2 added for entry-level roles. Concise description and guidance notes updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Software design	SWDN	2 - 6	Specifying, architecting and designing software to meet defined requirements by following agreed standards and principles.	Develops cloud-optimised software architectures that take advantage of cloud services and microservices.	Guidance notes updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate. Levels 4 to 6 include reference to software architecture.
Systems integration and build	SINT	2 - 6	Planning, implementing and controlling activities to integrate system elements, subsystems and interfaces to create operational systems, products or services.	Integrates various cloud services and systems. Ensures seamless operation, interoperability, and efficient deployment, enhancing overall IT service delivery and business agility.	Guidance notes and levels all updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Continuity management	COPL	2 - 6	Developing, implementing and testing a business continuity framework.	Develops and maintains robust business continuity plans for cloud services. Ensures service resilience, rapid recovery from disruptions, and continuous availability, safeguarding business operations.	Guidance notes updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Capacity management	CPMG	2 - 6	Ensuring that service components have the capacity and performance to meet current and planned business needs.	Ensures cloud resources are optimally used to meet current and future business demands. Enhances cost-efficiency, scalability, and performance, aligning IT capacity with business goals.	New level 2 and 3 added for entry-level roles. Guidance notes and levels updated to reflect contemporary working practices where appropriate.
Release management	RELM	2 - 6	Managing the release of new and updated services into production, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance standards.	Manages smooth and secure releases of cloud services. Ensures timely delivery, compliance, and quality of new features, enhancing user satisfaction and business agility.	New level 2 added for entry-level roles. Deployment split out to be a separate skill to reflect contemporary working practices.
Deployment	DEPL	2 - 6	Transitioning software from development to live usage, managing risks and ensuring it works as intended.	Automates and manages the deployment of cloud services. Ensures rapid, reliable, and secure deployment, reducing time to market and improving service quality.	Deployment split out from 'Release and deployment' to be a separate skill to reflect contemporary working practices.
Financial analysis	FIAN	2 - 6	Conducting in-depth analysis of financial data to derive insights and support decision-making.	Provides financial insights for cloud investments. Supports cost optimisation and strategic decision-making, enhancing financial performance and resource allocation.	New skill. Supports FinOps as well as other applications of specialised finance-related skills.
Cost management	COMG	2 - 6	Planning, controlling and analysing costs to enable the effective use of financial resources.	Controls and optimises cloud-related costs. Ensures efficient use of financial resources, supporting business sustainability and profitability.	New skill. Supports FinOps as well as other applications of specialised finance-related skills.
Budgeting and forecasting	BUDF	2 - 6	Developing and managing financial budgets and forecasts to enable effective decision-making and resource allocation.	Develops accurate financial forecasts for cloud services. Supports strategic planning and resource allocation, enhancing financial stability and business growth.	New skill. Supports FinOps as well as other applications of specialised finance-related skills.