It's an exciting time for techies all over the globe. The term cloud has been tossed around in the information technology industry in recent years, and has quickly become a familiar term to businesses, both small and large.

Cloud computing is referred to the operation of any program through a number of computers connected through the Internet in real-time. This new tech trend has evolved the IT industry into software as a service, rather than the simple purchase of hardware or software, which many businesses have been accustomed to doing. According to a 2012 study by Microsoft, it is projected that cloud computing will generate over 14 million jobs worldwide, and over 70,000 in Canada.

While men have been known to dominate IT companies worldwide, there has been an emergence of women in the industry. For women, it's a perfect time to join the tech industry, as the stereotype of it being a male-dominated industry is becoming outdated, says Maeghan Smulders, director of hype and communications for PasswordBox, a Montreal-based cloud startup that virtually stores passwords for users with multiple online accounts. I've had many discussions with male CEOs and co-founders about the new skill set that women bring to the table in regards to multi-tasking, leadership, drive, and attention-to-detail.

Delia Fernandez Aznar, mobile developer for PasswordBox, says her interest in IT started when she was a child, under her father's influence. I didn't even consider the industry situation [male dominated] when I decided to orient my professional career into this industry; it simply was the way it was, she says. Fortunately, plenty of women have already been out there to ease the process. Although the emergence of women in IT has been a refreshing break in the more commonly male-dominated industry, Fernandez Aznar stresses the importance of having a passion for IT, rather than focusing on gender.

For students looking to pursue a career in IT, Smulders suggests post-secondary programs in computer programming, business, and science, amongst a plethora of other disciplines valuable to a career in IT. They will all add to the unique skill set you bring to the table, she says. The most important part is being able to demonstrate that you understand the concepts and can use them in practical application.

Salaries for jobs in IT can range anywhere from $45,000 at entry-level to over $200,000 for a combination of technical expertise, sales, and leadership, according to Sheila Bouman, chief people and performance officer of cloud hosting company Peer1 Hosting. Bouman, who is responsible for ensuring the company's employees are engaged and committed to contributing to Peer1 Hosting's mission, says she looks for individuals who demonstrate ability and desire to learn and change.

Our industry is changing faster than any other, and with that comes change in the technology and the business model, she says. Our people have to not only thrive on change, but be part of shaping it within our company, industry, and the world.

As the future of cloud computing continues to look promising, so does the future of women in IT. It's no longer a scary or intimidating industry to be in, says Smulders. With more women taking on leading roles and starting their own ventures, there are amazing role models and billion dollar companies emerging'and it's only going to grow.

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