5 Predictions for the Future of Cloud

March 18, 2021 / Cloud

The race for digital transformation has led to a surge in cloud adoption, with 78% of UK enterprises using it to run some of their IT services and two-thirds planning full cloud migrations. Underpinning this move are not only the many advantages that the cloud already brings but the promise of even greater opportunities as the technology evolves. Here, we’ll look at the current benefits of the cloud and what the predictions are for the near future.

The present benefits of cloud adoption

For many enterprises, one of the biggest attractions of the cloud is the reduction in capital expenditure that comes from moving their services to their provider’s infrastructure, together with the cost-efficiency of the cloud’s pay as you go model. In addition, there’s the added assurance of knowing that the scalability and high availability of the cloud mean there is always enough computing resources (CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth) for their needs and that critical applications will remain online.

The cloud also gives enterprises access to the latest tools and technologies that digitally transforming businesses need: data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation and IoT. There is also a multitude of cloud-based applications and platforms that can be deployed almost instantly in a cloud environment and which can improve operations in all areas of the business.

What’s more, with data held, managed and controlled centrally, the cloud also helps improve security and makes disaster recovery easier and quicker.

Predictions for the future of the cloud

While the cloud already brings many benefits to enterprises, in many respects it is still in its infancy. Developments are numerous and swift and the future potential of the cloud is only just being realised. Here are some of the short-term developments currently predicted.

1. Surge in cloud-based app development

The huge numbers of organisations migrating to the cloud and the massive potential it offers means that for developers, the future lies in cloud apps. That is where the demand lies and this is resulting in the constant unveiling of innovative new applications to serve the growing needs of businesses. Today, these number in the millions and go hand in hand with the many pre-cloud applications being reinvented for the cloud, such as Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.

2. More innovative app development

The cloud is attractive not just because there are more apps, it’s also because the nature of the cloud helps make those applications even better. Developers can monitor how cloud applications are used and this enables them to understand what enterprises want from them. Indeed, cloud software can be developed in a way that lets businesses choose the features they want to install, giving the ability to customise configurations in line with need.

3. Hybrid and multi-cloud adoption

The future will also see enterprises make much more use of both hybrid cloud and multi-cloud infrastructures. Hybrid cloud, which makes use of integrated private and public clouds, will be used for improved data security, while multi-cloud, the use of more than one vendor, will take advantage of the uniqueness of different providers. Enterprises may choose different providers based on geolocation, cost, specialised services, expertise, support and so on.   

4. Mass mobile connectivity

The cloud will increase the capacity of enterprises to make use of mass mobile connectivity with in-built intelligence. This will enable them to develop platforms to offer services to mass markets: think Netflix, Uber, Spotify and Just Eat.

This is especially beneficial for smaller enterprises and startups who want to have a disruptive influence on the market, as they can make use of the cloud’s scalability as they grow. In the past, the capital investment needed to develop the necessary IT infrastructures for such platforms was beyond their means and many had to bring onboard investors or sell their innovations. Today, the cloud provides them with all the resources they need, helping them remain independent while they grow. 

5. Smaller, agile and more innovative vendors

As the cloud market grows, experts predict that the dominance of market leaders like Amazon, Microsoft, IBM and Google will be disrupted by smaller and more innovative providers whose agility enables them to deliver a wider range of specialised and bespoke services to enterprises. Businesses will benefit by working with vendors that can offer managed cloud services tailored to their precise needs.

Conclusion

The cloud is the foundation of digital transformation, providing the most cost-effective, secure and reliable infrastructure on which to develop systems and run business-enhancing applications. However, the cloud itself is still evolving and promises many innovative developments of its own to help improve opportunities for enterprises.

For more information about our bespoke cloud services, visit Hyperslice.com.

Author

  • Thomas Worthington

    I am an enthusiastic and original writer who loves to share my skills and views on website hosting, development and technology. I am curious and eager to learn about the latest advances and innovations in the web industry, and I always make sure to provide accurate and helpful information to my readers.

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