Cloud Computing experts could apply to a lot. But if any anecdotal evidence from friends is accurate, you basically need to understand how to build massively distributed highly reliable systems and that's a rather unique skill set. It's because not a lot of places actually require those skills.
Most companies mess around with tools or distributed storage systems because it's fun, not because they actually need to do it. Debugging live systems at scale is another bit of black magic. If you basically know what Brendan Gregg does then you could probably qualify for these types of jobs.
I think the biggest thing is that you can't get "real" cloud/systems/devops/whatever experience on your own, unless you manage to build something that attracts the kind of traffic that you'd see once you're managing instances for a mature product.
Exactly right. I love doing that kind of thing but it's hard to find an environment in which I can practice those skills. Loads of reading and simulation, very little time at-bat. That's too bad, because that's the kind of work that makes me truly happy.
Most companies mess around with tools or distributed storage systems because it's fun, not because they actually need to do it. Debugging live systems at scale is another bit of black magic. If you basically know what Brendan Gregg does then you could probably qualify for these types of jobs.
http://www.brendangregg.com/