2017 Cloud Computing Trends: What You Should Know
The pace of change in the IT sector is known for being hyper fast. The same goes for cloud computing which, is transforming how we store and access files. So what are the trends?
The general trend of the cloud computing sector is still one of upward growth. New data that surveyed B2B enterprises found nearly 70% planned to increase their spending on the sector in 2017—and one in five of those planned a 30%+ to increase. So what’s the reason for this sustained growth? A growing acceptance of the cloud as the smart and safe way to structure a company, after some initial reticence we would guess. As Clutch, the firm who carried out the survey, said:
“The cloud is no longer seen by many businesses as simply an alternative option, but as the next logical step for data storage and management… This attitude is a shift from past years, when cloud security was often treated with skepticism and distrust.”
It would be too simplistic to state the only thing happening in cloud computing is exponential growth. After all, growth is great, but also comes with complications. Here is a look at some of the most promising and influential trends shaping the cloud computing space, as well as the setbacks that might be right around the corner. After all, it’s best to be prepared.
A switch to the hybrid cloud.
Clutch noted that most business are currently using a private cloud, where all data is stored on a private network. But as businesses see the value and security of switching to a hybrid cloud this will change. As Clutch noted:
“A hybrid cloud has services and infrastructure spread between a private network and off-site cloud provider offers flexibility and customizable features.” It also offers a handy backup option should a hacker or virus ever infect a company’s internal servers.”
Diversifying away from AWS.
Amazon Web Services is largely responsible for taking the cloud to the mainstream. After launching its basic compute and storage services in 2006, AWS offered the first accessible way to access the cloud. However, despite its long-held dominance, we are beginning to see the start of a shift away from relying solely on AWS. Cloud storage company Dropbox recently announced it was moving its services from AWS and undergoing a massive network expansion internally.
Another opportunity to cut costs legitimately.
According to TechCrunch, this was done for two reasons: “One is to improve the user experience wherever they live…with an expanded presence across the world. Once the expansion is complete, it should be able to improve performance in those areas with the largest concentration of users. The second reason is that by building its own hardware and software, the company can control costs much more easily. They are claiming the new approach cuts networking costs in half, an amount that has to add up to significant cost savings for the company.” With such a major company like Dropbox making this move, we are likely to see more follow suit.
Cost cutting.
As companies seek to store more and more data on the cloud, things can get expensive and complex, particularly as “AWS, Microsoft and Google are making it more difficult by offering various cloud service pricing and consumption plans.” So we are seeing cloud computers seek more and more ways to contain costs. This can be done via means like consumption monitoring and utilizing cost management tools such as Cloudability and Cloud Cruiser. This could actually cause problems with regard to cyber security where keeping comprehensive logs is vital to effective security
Growth and more growth.
Check out this video from Morgan Stanley as they discuss just how big the cloud could actually get. GeekWire writes about the Cloud Expo video:
“There’s no question right now that cloud computing “is at a point of inflection,” with very strong growth expected over the short term as more and more workloads move into the cloud. Right now, Morgan Stanley estimates that about 20 percent of all workloads run on the cloud.”
Cloud Lock-In concerns expand.
This year’s Internet Trends Report paints a grim picture when dealing with cloud supplier lock in. According to Virtualization Review the report explains the increasing trend of cloud spending approaching the total spent on traditional data center hosting. This trend is due to software, microservice, containers, analytical databases and edge computing. This comes with a few worries, though. Virtualization Review writes:
“The 2017 report noted a shift in the primary concerns of enterprises about cloud computing from 2012 to 2015. Basically, in that timeframe, the share of survey respondents citing criteria as a top-three concern shows a shift from worries about data security and cost uncertainty to worries about vendor lock-in and compliance/governance issues.”
All in all, it is safe to predict that whatever service you are looking for, the cloud is a good place to start. Take heed to the expert’s warnings, but don’t get caught without cloud support on your team.