The cloud became the go-to platform for enterprise applications and data in 2015, but there’s still more to come. The cloud dominated the tech industry in 2015, and it looks like it could be the same for 2016.
Cloud computing gives businesses a set of privileges that desktop computing can’t match. It’s a cost-effective way to have your company’s data accessible anywhere in the world. Cloud computing offers flexibility, scalability and lower capital expenditures than traditional in-house data centers.
As we move further into 2016, many experts are predicting improvements to current-generation cloud environments, as well as new cloud technologies. According to Information Week, more cloud trends will emerge due to changes in application designs, IoT growth and more. Here are some of the cloud computing trends to expect in 2016:
- The rise of the hybrid cloud: According to DZone, the hybrid cloud means using the private cloud and public cloud in synchronization to achieve the best efficiency and performance levels. This way businesses can use the best of both to drive results. Private and sensitive information can stay within the company through the private cloud, whereas other unconfidential data can be stored in the public cloud. The hybrid cloud offers a more unified solution.
- Security will remain a top concern: In 2015, many companies implemented cloud technology, which caused an increase in security risks. According to Information Week, as cloud usage continues to grow at a rapid pace, companies will continue to store sensitive data in the cloud, heightening data security risks. It’s important for security to be a focus in your cloud computing plan for 2016.
- It will become more application-focused: According to an article in Information Week, we are on the cusp of a second wave of cloud computing. The first wave focused on meeting IT needs from a network infrastructure perspective, and the second wave will be more application-focused. Cloud providers are going to focus on how to provide services for next generation applications in 2016.
- Government regulations will become more cloud friendly: Last year, some businesses were unable to move services to the cloud due to strict regulations; however, governments are trying to adjust regulations to become more cloud friendly. Cloud service providers are also working to offer more services that satisfy compliance requirements.
- Containers become more mainstream: Containers help with moving traditional data centers to the public cloud. According to DZone, containers help to run any application in any environment thanks to bundling all features, supporting attributes and configuration files into one entity.
- Rise of hyper-converged cloud platforms: Considering the large demand for cloud services coming out of 2015, many cloud providers are looking to hyper-converged platforms to speed up scalability and reduce costs at the same time.
It looks like there is a lot to look forward to this year with the cloud. It will be interesting to watch if these trends maintain momentum. To learn about what cloud services we offer, visit our website.
