Cloud computing is a vast industry, and it’s only getting bigger. As the number of devices used in the workplace trends upwards, the demands on IT departments follow a similar trajectory. Today, businesses face an unprecedented number of significant data management challenges as digital transformation scoots closer to the top of priority lists. Cloud computing is a flexible, scalable, reliable solution that helps organizations manage this change. In essence, cloud computing takes the computing services that would otherwise be each company’s responsibility to handle, such as storage and processing, and performs them over the Internet. This adaptation allows companies to focus on speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Like any technological industry, the world of cloud computing is constantly changing. Let’s explore six key cloud computing trends that businesses should consider in 2022.
1. Real-time data streaming
One important consideration is the ability to stream real-time data from your applications and other services, which is especially important for applications used by mobile workers like field service management, mobile workforce management, and mobile order management.
Overall, real-time data streaming will grant you a bird’s eye view of your business, allowing you to respond to crises in record time. With customer needs in 20/20 clarity, businesses fare to reap the benefits of improved customer experience. Striim Cloud is an example of a product that uses cloud technology to provide business owners with a high volume of KPIs in real-time.
With real-time data streaming, you can leave missed opportunities and customer dissatisfaction behind, and instead, automate infrastructure management and sort data in seconds flat. This access to real-time data allows you to make decisions that would otherwise be left in the balance as you wait for all of the pertinent information to become available. By using a data streaming service, you can pull ahead of the competition by making qualitatively informed business decisions faster than ever before.
2. Cloud as an enterprise service
Most of us are no stranger to the cloud as an enterprise service trend sweeping the business sector. For example, digital transformation initiatives rely on cloud-based applications such as Salesforce, Office 365, and Google Apps.
Enterprises are using these hosted solutions to support their employees and customers. In addition, they’re using cloud data storage to manage large amounts of information collected through IoT devices, sensors, and mobile devices. Cloud computing is also used for business intelligence (BI) analytics that helps companies make better decisions based on real-time data.
3. Customer-centric design
As organizations continue to modernize their infrastructure, there will be a shift from enterprise-focused IT design to customer-centric design that focuses on delivering a positive customer experience.
This transition will result in a faster time to market with innovative products and services that meet customer expectations. For example, some companies are already using machine learning tools in conjunction with cloud-based infrastructure for real-time predictive analytics and AI simulation testing.
4. AI for collaboration
AI will significantly impact how people communicate and collaborate, especially when it comes to customer service. For example, chatbots can be used to assist customers with basic questions.
Meanwhile, virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Cortana are already being used to help customers complete tasks such as checking their bank accounts or managing daily schedules.
5. Security as a service
In the past, security was often an afterthought for many companies. But as more organizations use cloud-based applications and infrastructure, security becomes more critical.
As a result, cloud providers are already offering security services to their customers to differentiate their offerings from competitors.
For example, Microsoft Azure has a security service suite that addresses common threats such as malware and phishing attacks.
6. Autonomous supply chains
AI in supply chain management will lead to autonomous supply chains that can track inventory and manage orders without human intervention. In the future, these supply chains will be able to take action based on real-time events and make adjustments in response.
If a storm is approaching, the AI system would trigger an order for additional inventory before a natural disaster strikes.
Wrapping up
In the end, it all comes down to your business’s mission. If you’re a small business with only a few employees and no customers, then you probably don’t need to worry about moving your critical applications into the cloud.
However, if you have hundreds of customers and face a potential disaster, it’s time to start thinking about whether you should move your critical applications into the cloud. In the end, it all comes down to your company’s core competencies and how important they are to its survival.
