COVID-19 transformed millions of us into remote employment, virtual classrooms and eCommerce. It also introduced a host of communication demands and challenges.
While no business or institution could have been ready to deal with the pandemic’s full impact, those with strong cloud-based operations could more quickly adapt to new work processes. Cloud is the backbone of the data-driven, app-based tech system that has been vital in helping us survive in these changing times. From students to IT professionals, it has enabled people from all walks of life to work remotely.
Going forward, we can only expect cloud computing to play a larger role in boosting work collaboration and team productivity. Let’s take a look at some of the emerging cloud computing trends expected to rule IT in 2021.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are two transformative technologies that will help us adapt to our changing needs throughout 2021.
Cloud-based service platforms enable users with almost any budget and level of skill to access machine learning functions such as image recognition tools, language processing, and recommendation engines. These revolutionary tool sets will be used more extensively by businesses of all types and sizes, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. They’ll also help achieve cost savings and agility vital to any business’s success.
Smart city infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and pandemic response planning are some of the key fields where the effects of AI-paired cloud services will be most felt. In the case of IT infrastructures, AI can help with data management by monitoring, analyzing, and categorizing it precisely and appropriately. According to one recent report, the total expenditure of organizations on AI will grow to $52.2 billion by 2021.
Cloud data management isn’t about sticking to one specific platform or infrastructure; it’s about choosing a solution that’s suitable for the job at hand. That’s why businesses are adopting a multi- or hybrid-cloud platform where they can maximize each solution.
Hybrid cloud computing refers to using a combination of a private and third-party public cloud services. These allow workloads to move between private and public clouds, hence giving users more flexibility with their computing needs. With its enhanced security features, SaaS capabilities, server reliability, customizable services, and quick turnaround, hybrid cloud computing is expected to grow to $97.64 billion by 2023.
Desktop virtualization has been long envisaged as a solution for enabling central management security of your users’ desktops, using less IT management overhead. This means a device’s software requirements will be fully managed by cloud service providers. The user needs to have a computer screen and some basic hardware, while the rest of the processing work is handled seamlessly by cloud-based services. Your employees and consultants can access all your business applications from any computer, phone or tablet from any place.
Virtual cloud desktop users only pay for cloud usage, saving costs associated with acquiring new hardware, updating existing ones, and disposing of unnecessary computing equipment. Sometimes referred to as desktop-as-a-service, this mode of computing is offered by Amazon via the Workspaces platform and Microsoft via Windows Virtual Desktop. You can also get Google virtual desktop services through its Chromebook devices. This can increase work efficiency by using up-to-date, synchronized technology.
As businesses keep moving their infrastructure with SaaS, PaaS and IaaS, one cloud trend that’s here to stay is the need for third-party vendors who specialize in meeting new cloud challenges.
While your cloud provider will look after infrastructure needs such as storage, outsourcing companies will take care of computing and networking needs such as data, visibility, AI and ML technology, and IoT (Internet of Things). These third parties need to have strong insights into how cloud computing works and its associated technologies. They must also be well-versed in getting the best solutions on both the cloud and on premises for specific organizational needs.
As a part of cloud computing technology, server less computing has been trending. It removes all challenges that a regular IT infrastructure usually brings. Users don’t need to buy or rent the servers they usually run their data on. Instead, a third party handles it all, allowing your employees to focus on other important tasks.
There are many benefits of a server less computing system – easy operational management, no system administration costs, reduced liability and overhead costs, and an improved offline experience. With the pandemic taking a big toll on the world economy, its cost effectiveness is what makes server less computing an emerging trend.
Containers have changed the face of both public and private clouds. With a container image, a common package format can be run on premises as well as on every major cloud provider. Containerization allows developers to focus on their application logic and dependencies. Meanwhile, IT operations teams can focus on deployment and management without worrying about application details like certain software versions and configurations specific to the app.
Similar to a virtual machine, a container has its own file system, share of CPU, memory and process space. As they are separate from the underlying infrastructure, they are portable across clouds and OS distributions. As containers simplify deployment, management and operational concerns associated with a hybrid cloud, they are expected to rise in popularity this year and beyond.
As technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, there’s plenty to look forward to in the world of cloud computing, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-powered cybersecurity. Whether it’s a small startup, a mid-size company or a large corporation adopting cloud technologies, they should be aware of emerging trends in cloud computing and leverage them to the fullest. Remember, staying abreast of the latest technologies is imperative to your business’ success.
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