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Cloud Computing and Where it Stands in 2018

Sep 20, 2017 9:05:00 AM

shutterstock_622863563Cloud computing has been a trendy topic for years. Today the industry is riddled with competition, and consumers have multiple options to choose from. Prices have decreased, while quality has improved as a result of competition in the market. Companies like AWS, Google Cloud and Azure have been advancing their technologies dramatically in an attempt to get ahead. Here’s where cloud computing stands in 2018.

Moving to Multi-Cloud Computing

The current shift to multi-cloud computing might seem counterintuitive. After all, who wants to manage multiple service providers when you can keep all your eggs in a single basket? In the world of large companies with many departments and functions, however, it’s a given that few providers are able to offer the right combination of services for every different requirement. Additionally, by using different providers, companies are better able to avoid common problems such as vendor lock-in, service outages and bandwidth issues.

Avoiding Headaches With Hybridization

In the past, consumers had the choice between using a private cloud or a public cloud for their data storage. Neither of these options were perfect; private clouds often had better security and faster access (although not always), while public clouds offered more (and cheaper) storage, faster bandwidth and better support. Now, the trend towards hybridization is giving clients the option to combine the best of both worlds. This is done partly by keeping functions relating to core business practices internal, while outsourcing peripheral functions and those that need expert management.

Storage Wars

Huge numbers of consumers have used cloud storage for a few years now, and several storage providers have grown big in the process. Google, Dropbox, Amazon and others cater successfully to individuals and small businesses, but for firms collecting extensive data, storage space alone isn’t enough. Vendors like Azure have joined the bandwagon, with options such as the Azure Archive Blob Storage, which provides a cheaper option for storing large quantities of archival information long-term. Content includes computer logs, raw video footage, sound recordings and interview transcripts, which may never need to be accessed again but must be kept for legal purposes. Retrieving this data is slower and more expensive, but with proper planning most companies can significantly limit the need to do so.

Containerization Capabilities

Businesses are increasingly moving away from their traditional IT setups in an effort to improve their performance and reduce operating costs. This is leading to the use of containerization to run company applications on virtual platforms. And just like containerization in the shipping world, coordination of the process is key to its success. The widespread adoption of the Kubernetes platform enables the orchestration of cloud services to ensure they are secure and scalable.

The Rise and Rise of Serverless Computing

Serverless computing first took off with AWS’s introduction of Lambda back in 2014, which removed the hassle of infrastructure management from the IT equation. Cloud computing now enjoys multiple types of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which supports the shift from scripted automation to intelligent operations. Combined with artificial intelligence, serverless computing offers companies the opportunity to develop smarter machines that save on time and cost.

Cloud Security Concerns

Data security remains a primary concern for businesses and cloud service providers are starting to realize they need to build it directly into their offerings. Client companies are becoming more advanced in the methods they use to assess potential cloud service suppliers, and vendors will soon need to be able to provide independent verification of their data security policies and procedures. This will become more important in the global playing field when the EU’s GDPR regulations come into force in May 2018, affecting anyone who does business with an EU company.

The Growing “Internet of Everything”

The growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving the exponential need for cloud computing, and it’s a requirement some commenters expect to quadruple over the next few years. Data generated by IoT could reach 600 ZB a year by 2020, according to the Cisco Global Cloud Index Forecast and Methodology, and even though it won't all necessarily be stored, the best way to handle it will likely be hybrid cloud strategies. It’s a scenario reminiscent of the proverbial chain reaction, with the growth in IoT data boosting the need for storage and processing power, which in turn increases the opportunities for technology solutions birthed by available data.

Cloud Microservices and APIs

Some of the best uses of cloud computing currently are the opportunities cloud microservice architecture and APIs offer. Combined with containers, cloud microservices are used for creating new applications and making better use of existing ones, to enable clients to benefit from the scalability of the cloud. APIs are continuously improving in quality, scalability and user-centricity, fueled by web automation and event economy (if this, then that), and eliminating the barriers to growth with their ability to integrate with platforms and apps.

There's little doubt cloud computing is rapidly becoming a major factor in the technological landscape, and it doesn't look like this is going to change anytime soon.

Topics: Cloud Computing

Brian Geary

Written by Brian Geary

Brian is a true believer in the Agile process. He often assists the development process by performing the product owner role. In addition to his technical background, he is an experienced account manager with a background in design and marketing.

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