Global businesses of all sizes are in the middle of their digital transformation as they start to embrace the capabilities of the cloud.

Amazon Web Services Inc. provides one of the most popular solutions for those seeking entrance into the unfolding digital landscape, offering a comprehensive suite of services and tools to allow companies to get the most out of the cloud, according to Sherry Karamdashti (pictured), director of startup sales at AWS.

“AWS helps them build and deploy at scale so that they’re able to reach their customer more broadly,” she said. “It helps them with the backend functions like deploying products, maintaining that security and these user controls that become part of the AWS solutions so they don’t have to worry about it. “

Karamdashti spoke with theCUBE industry analyst Lisa Martin for the “Special Program Series: Women of the Cloud,” during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed how AWS helps companies embrace the cloud, how the cloud giant encourages a diverse and supporting workplace, and what innovations Karamdashti predicts for the future. (* Disclosure below.)

A data-driven future

AWS helps its partners embrace the full capabilities of its vast toolset, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. One example is an autonomous vehicle startup that utilized AWS’ assisted driving system to help automate its platform.

“Every company these days has to be a data company,” Karamdashti said. “They have to be a tech company, and they have to be a software company. Data is gold to an organization, and whether it’s my grocery store or a retailer or a manufacturer or an automotive company, they have to be able to glean insights from data as quickly as possible to make business decisions that push their businesses forward.”

What innovations and trends does Karamdashti see coming up in the tech workforce? One trend she’s noticed is a lot of innovation and research emerging from universities utilizing AWS’ toolset and AI capabilities.

“I’m also seeing investment in early talent,” she said. “You’re finding great, experienced and smart people. At AWS, on the sales and solution architect team, we are investing in early career talent. And they’re accomplishing great things. I’m seeing companies like AWS embrace that a lot more.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the “Special Program Series: Women of the Cloud”:

(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for the “Special Program Series: Women of the Cloud.” Neither Amazon Web Services Inc., the sponsor for theCUBE’s event coverage, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE