Cloud Computing: Growth, Emerging Trends And New Possibilities

In recent times, the popularity and deployment of cloud computing is on a rise. There is no denying it has made data access easier and simpler for nearly every computer user. It has also made technology and app usage easier. With time more and more companies are switching to Cloud services and availability of cheaper and fast web access services has fueled its growth.

Basics of Cloud computing

At its core, cloud computing is essentially a system of web servers that store data, apps which can be accessed by multiple end users. Earlier, accessing specific data was limited to a network of computers but arrival of cloud computing has broken the barrier. The data stored on these servers can be accessed by several users at the same time, irrespective of their physical location.

Hence, it adds flexibility to collaborative workflow and speeds up the process. This has made both corporate and government entities prefer cloud computing over older means of data access and usage. With time, more cloud storage services are emerging and cost is going down. You can access CRM applications, ERP applications and Microsoft Suites using cloud services nowadays.

New trends in Cloud computing

Like everything else in technology, Cloud computing is not a stagnant thing. Based on user needs and changing trends, Cloud computing is also undergoing metamorphosis. It has made data syncing and uniform access through multiple devices a possibility.

• Secure storage and access– Just storing your data in cloud services is not enough, more so for business users. Security of stored data is another concern. As it is, many mid and large sized companies store several gigabytes of data and technological assets in Cloud servers. It is important that the security is not breached. To ensure this, some Cloud storage providers are already offering various types of data encryption and decryption technologies.
• Cloud Specialization– When the buzz around cloud computing started gaining strength, data storage and remote access was the USP. However, with time a number of companies are specializing in certain niches for cloud storage and remote data access. With time, it is expected that cloud services will be made available to cater to specific segments like healthcare, retail, finance and even technology.
• Data center security– It is not enough to secure data when it is being uploaded to web servers or accessed by end users. Physical security of those data centers is of paramount importance. In near future, physical access to these data centers may be made secured with deployment of biometric scans along with electronic pass. Enhanced VPN and firewall policies will be implemented to deny unauthorized access to stored data.
• Hybrid cloud- The debate between deployment of private and public cloud service us still on while a section of technology industry veterans are saying hybrid cloud model is the solution. In Hybrid cloud service, the infrastructure has place for private cloud security and low cost scalable public cloud access. For example, such a cloud service allows employees of an organization to access huge mounts of company data and resources using the service while customers get access to certain sections of data and resources from same server.
• BYOD– A number of companies is offering employees ‘bring your own device’ and work policy. It is no longer mandatory to depend on the hardware and networking infrastructure of workplace to access data in certain workplaces. This makes it possible for an employee top work using his or her laptop and even tablet. It might be necessary to use specific cloud apps to access company network but users get more customized and familiar work experience.
• Platform-as-a-Service– It is better for companies to use PaaS solutions to cut down on IT expenditure. IDC thinks by 2017 the PaaS sector will grow by leaps and bounds. Till now, the model has largely been embraced by professional services organizations and commercial software developers. However, with services like Red Hat OpenShift and Microsoft Azure becoming available the future of PaaS model looks brighter.
• Big data analytics– A number of MNCs and corporate entities are realizing with time that it makes sense to blend cloud computing with big data analytics rather than selecting any one. This will help them simplify operations and make data access more scalable.
• Graphics as a service– Earlier, large scale graphic design agencies and print publications invested heavily in hardware and infrastructure. However, with cloud computing development things are changing. The emergence of cloud-based graphics technologies from behemoths like Nvidia and AMD is going to change this. Companies like Adobe are also opting for Cloud based apps.

Future of Cloud Computing The initial migration and doubts notwithstanding, Cloud computing is a profitable and feasible solution for businesses. The new trends seem promising enough for profitability and growth. Technology experts predict that Cloud computing will become the norm for the majority of entities in near future. It will also be beneficial for developers in various segments of IT. It is just a matter of time before Cloud computing pushes local storage based computing into oblivion.