Information technology hiring managers couldn’t fill an existing 1.7 million open cloud computing-related positions in 2012, according to a new report by Microsoft and market intelligence firm IDC. The reason was lack of training and certification to work in a cloud-enabled world.

The report also found that demand for cloud-ready IT workers will grow by 26 percent annually through 2015.

“Despite modest growth of the IT sector overall in the U.S., cloud-ready jobs are increasing as we head into 2013, but with this increase comes the harsh reality that workforces around the world are steps behind when it comes to attaining the skills necessary to thrive in the cloud computing industry,” said Cushing Anderson, program vice president, IDC. “Unlike IT skill shortages in the past, solving this skills gap is extremely challenging, given that cloud brings a new set of skills, which haven’t been needed in the past. There is no one-size-fits-all set of criteria for jobs in cloud computing. Therefore, training and certification is essential for preparing prospective job candidates to work in cloud-related jobs.”