Understanding Cloud Computing
Cloud computing means using a network of remote servers to store, manage, and process data, this remote server is hosted over the Internet rather than a local server or any personal computer. It enables the delivery of services over the internet. Cloud-based storage gives a quick and easy alternative of storing and managing data with a remote database, that is easily accessible from anywhere, allowing the user to work remotely. As long as a device has access to the internet, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.
Gmail or the cloud backup of your photos are some simple examples of cloud computing and it goes beyond, venturing into high scale operations. It allows large businesses/companies to host all their data and run their applications on the cloud, providing a seamless and cost-effective platform. Netflix operates its video streaming services through cloud computing.
Cloud computing offers quick, flexible, and innovative services. It goes beyond the traditional methods of storing files in a hard drive or local storage device.
Why do businesses/companies need cloud computing?
Cloud computing automates all operations of a business/company and enables optimum resource utilization. Proper cloud automation is of utmost importance to deliver all tasks of a company/business be it; Data Extraction, Workload Management and Consumer Services.
Cloud automation platforms align and integrate with the existing business architecture, thereby giving all the companies/businesses a flexible and cost-effective transition.
Today, when the world is battling with the coronavirus pandemic, cloud computing has proved its worth and functionality. It has provided all users to work efficiently on a remote basis, thereby not a single hitch was experienced in handling and delivering services of cloud empowered businesses. Businesses opt for cloud computing for many other reasons for cost savings, to collaborate efficiently, for increased productivity, speed and efficiency, to enable performance, and security, for easy data recovery, scalability and functionality.
Cloud computing is a sphere that keeps evolving and businesses/companies should look out and be observant of the latest cloud computing trends to leverage it for their growth. Let us learn more about the Top 8 Cloud computing trends we need to look out for in 2024.
1) The Rise of Omnicloud
For large enterprises, the cloud proved to be too limited and restricted. The introduction of multi-cloud tools became the talk of the town. Today, companies are looking for more cloud solutions that can handle their growth. Instead of just depending on one cloud computing platform, like Microsoft Azure. Corporations are making use of all other major platforms to handle their operations. Multiple cloud computing services as a service provider offers a heterogeneous architecture and has its own set of demands, sometimes it results in data, privacy and security issues.
In 2024, the multi-cloud will be transformed into Omnicloud. We are already starting to witness the beginning of the Omni-cloud trend. Omni-cloud offers a homogenous architecture. Omni-cloud computing, assisted companies who had already invested in the multi-cloud systems by improving connectivity. This enables multiple platforms to smoothly organise their data and seamlessly integrate them. Applications have become even more portable, compute cycles easier to procure in real-time, data integration platforms streamline connectivity, and vendors form cross-platform alliances, thus multi-cloud is transitioning into an Omnicloud.
2) Quantum Computing
Technology is never static, it evolves and develops with time, thus the performance of computers and their computing power and capacity needs to function hand in hand with these developments. The key to robust computers is hardware development using superposition, entanglement and similar quantum-mechanical phenomena. This is where Quantum Computing comes into context. Quantum computing enables computers and servers to process all the data and information at jet speed and a quicker pace.
Quantum computing also reduces energy consumption, thereby being an environment-friendly solution for companies to adopt. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft are working on developing quantum computing solutions. It is important to note that quantum computing is still in the development stage and needs a few more years to bring in a massive change.
3) Serverless Computing
Google has introduced serverless computing, Serverless computing doesn’t mean it is devoid of servers. The applications still run on them. It is centred on the “pay as you go” format. Serverless computing allows businesses to have more command on their cloud hosting expenses. Companies are required to pay only for the number of resources their applications have consumed, they need to pay only when the code runs and not for fixed bandwidth or servers. This saves companies from extra costs and provides seamless working of operations. It has helped in easing many complex tasks within a company. Several serverless databases have been introduced in the last few years. Azure Data Lake analytics delivers a distributed infrastructure, wherein the customers can pay for the services they use, it enables the allocation and deallocation of resources according to customer requirements.
Serverless computing model has brought in a revolution in the cloud computing sphere. These systems are completely flexible. It is a perfect choice for companies who are looking to launch applications without paying for it’s underlying infrastructure. Serverless computing services also auto-scales in response to demand. It saves enterprises from provisioning and maintenance costs.
4) Mobile Cloud Computing
Due to the number of mobile users in the market, mobile cloud computing has become quite popular. The process of creating and operating mobile applications through cloud computing is defined as mobile cloud computing. It primarily works by combining 3 factors: cloud computing, mobile computing and wireless network.
It provides rich computational resources to mobile users. Mobile cloud computing allows web developers to create an exceptional and rich mobile application to enhance user experience. It helps in delivering a great UX. It is useful for mobile users, network operators and cloud computing providers. It is important to note that mobile cloud computing has its own set of issues such as energy limitations, safety concerns, privacy and security. especially regarding data loss. Enterprises adopting this model must ensure all precautions are taken to prevent any kind of complex issues. Otherwise, this model is a great option to save effort and time.
5) Kubernetes
Kubernetes is one of the most favoured open-source platforms. It was designed by Google. It is a container orchestration platform, containers are one of the best ways to run your applications. While handling operations you need to manage containers and ensure to save it from failovers to continue the working of applications. Kubernetes serves you with a framework to run distributed systems easily, it takes care of the failovers and ensures seamless working of applications. It also provides you with automated rollouts and rollbacks, Service discovery and load balancing, Storage orchestration and Secret and configuration management etc are some of its key features.
Kubernetes creates and functions containers that segregate an application from the infrastructure. It is known for its accessibility. It also enables companies to quicken the process of deployment. All manual operations like deploying, managing, and scaling containerized applications are automated with Kubernetes. Due to the successful functioning of Kubernetes, companies pick their preferred Kubernetes platform based on their requirements/requisites. With Kubernetes, companies can take services of multiple cloud providers without any obligation to restructure the infrastructure. Kubernetes clusters stretch its possibility and are capable of spanning hosts across on-premise, public, private or hybrid clouds. Kubernetes is the perfect choice of platform for hosting cloud-native applications. It is very popular among its users. The popularity of this platform is increasing rapidly in 2024 as more number of companies are opting for it. Kubernetes have a huge growing ecosystem.
6) Edge Computing
The basic prerequisite for enabling cloud computing and centralized data is the creation of innumerable physical servers. This approach has benefited companies/businesses for large scale data analytics and processing. However, for enterprises that need to access data or computing powers more quickly, Edge computing is something they can look up to. Every component of Edge Computing has its own computing, networking, and storage systems. Together, they carry out the functions of switching networks, balancing load, routing and security.
Edge computing means it allows computing operations to be carried out near the data source, enabling quick response time and achieving tasks at a fast pace, while using low bandwidth.
Edge computing is modifying the entire process of how data is being handled, processed, and delivered from millions of devices around the world.
Instead of depending on a cloud at one of the many data centres. It brings the cloud near you. This saves data from having any latency issues that can affect the performance of an application. Besides this, companies can save money by having the processing done locally. The fundamental benefit of it is its distributed infrastructure and stability. Business/companies that need instant access to data and computing power to serve their customers continue to take advantage of edge computing to provide lower latency and sustainable infrastructure to meet customer needs and to give them a seamless experience. Edge computing can pave the way for more companies to embrace and adopt cloud technologies. as it is comparatively cheaper and allows accessing data quickly and frequently. Networking technologies like 5G wireless, are employing edge computing systems to support real-time applications, like video processing and analytics, self-driving cars, robotics and AI etc.
7) Artificial Intelligence
The popularity of AI-related technologies is the new cloud technology trend. AI automates and manages processes in an organization. Besides this, it also keeps up with development and changes in the business. It goes hand in hand with the requirements of a business.
Self-learning algorithms through AI is empowering business processes with automation and taking them to the next level. While employing the ever-evolving technology of Artificial Intelligence, it becomes a prerequisite for businesses to develop efficient processes, which are accurate and faster within their system. With smart innovations like machine learning, pattern recognition, facial recognition and intelligent robotics, artificial intelligence systems are generating large volumes of data that can only be scaled up through Cloud Computing solutions.
Employing machine learning into IT operations, and Business intelligence products is the talk of the town. In 2024, you will witness AI being incorporated into chatbots, inference engines, etc. Enterprises are stretching their possibilities and going beyond just consumer-facing AI applications, they are venturing into employing a comprehensive, inclusive, organization-wide AI strategy. This will have a positive impact on the demand for cloud, hybrid and on-premise systems to be enhanced by AI technologies.
8) Digital Natives
Digital Natives deal with ‘workforce’, and the workforce is something that keeps evolving with time. In the coming period, we will witness the incorporation of Digital Natives in organizations as the new cloud computing trend. Digital natives are people who are digitally aware and strong; who are comfortable working with web technologies and are tech-savvy. Digital Natives are aware of the cloud, its benefits and applications. With their immense knowledge in communication tools, social media and technology, Digital Natives can be a key component to any tech-enabled organization. They will have a strong and unique approach to complete tasks. This workforce will have a strong hold and understanding of cloud computing trends which in turn will enhance the working and quality of services being delivered.
The incorporation of Digital Natives in the workspace is interesting as well as challenging at the same time. The main challenge is the integration of Digital Natives with the existing team force, who are not as much aware as the former. Every organization must ensure that they prevent any complexities and bridge the gap between these two groups and generate a robust, inclusive and diverse workforce. Organizations are coming up with practices such as ‘reverse monitoring’, which enables the existing team members training, and guidance in social media tools and communication.
Conclusion:
These are some of the major cloud computing trends that we need to lookout in 2024. And it doesn’t end here. There are new and better features to look ahead and discover in the world of cloud computing, as it infinitely keeps growing. These trends give strong and robust growth for the cloud. Solutions delivered over the cloud will become more effective, innovative and accessible in future. Businesses that are adopting cloud technologies should be aware of the constantly changing trends in cloud computing to keep up with the competition in the market.
The cloud has transformed the way Information Technology functions. The latest trends enable saving cost and time. Currently, the future for the cloud seems evolving, innovating and redefining.
