The Future of Cloud Computing in IT Services

Cloud Computing has been around for more than a couple of decades and will be utilized increasingly in the years to come. Cloud infrastructure enables small firms to make use of the latest software and equipment. It provides a level playing field for firms of all sizes, allowing them to grow. 

Cloud computing is no longer only a storage solution but the backbone of modern businesses. In this blog, we will be focussing on the future of cloud computing in IT services.

So, let’s dive straight in.

What is Cloud Computing?

Many of you would have some idea about cloud computing and its applications. However, before we have a look at the future of computing in IT services, let’s have a look at what exactly cloud computing is.

Cloud Computing refers to storing and accessing data or programs on remote servers that are hosted on the Internet instead of local servers or a computer’s hard drive. It can also provide computing services to the user via the Internet. 

Cloud Computing can handle operations like data storage, data recovery & backcup, software as a Service, development of new applications and streaming of audios/videos.

Future of Cloud Computing

The use of cloud computing has evolved over the years to include various technologies and services. In future, it will encompass newer services, which were not seen before. Let’s have a look at some of the most important ones.

1. Integration of Artificial Intelligence(AI) & Machine Language(ML)

Some of the cloud service providers are already offering AI & ML services, and this trend is likely to grow in years to come. Management of vast databases and their cloud storage infrastructure is a challenging task. 

AI can help with this database management and increase query accuracy, reducing resource usage. ML algorithms have the capability to boost data security by making use of advanced computational techniques and encryption.

2. Serverless Computing

Serverless computing will become more common in the next decade or so. This technology does not require a physical server and can host applications as well as services. Cloud service providers will provide the infrastructure required to operate the code. 

Serverless computing will provide a cost-effective solution to businesses of all sizes.

3. Edge Computing

Edge Computing is a networking architecture that connects enterprise applications with data sources like IoT devices and local edge servers. Generally, smartphone applications and sensors transmit data to one centralized center for processing.

Edge computing, on the other hand, processes data closer to users and devices. This enhances application performance, reduces bandwidth requirements, and provides real-time insights. 

Edge computing saves a lot of resources and enhances data security. 

4. Demand for Professionals

As the adoption of cloud computing continues to grow, there will be greater demand for cloud professionals. As per a report, over 50% of cloud decision makers are either retraining the existing staff or hiring new staff to optimize their spending on cloud computing. 

Expert cloud professionals are important as cost-cutting can be realized via the right architecture and tools. As a result, investment in cloud professionals will further increase in the years to come. 

5. Integration of Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology has been around for quite some time now and its applications are now increasing beyond cryptocurrencies. We will see integration of blockchain technology into cloud computing in the future. 

This will ensure transparent storage, processing, and protection of public data. Already, many large companies are working on integrating blockchain technology with cloud computing to streamline services.

Blockchain technology also enables decentralized file storage, sharing on a distributed network of nodes. Smart contracts which are based on blockchain technology will also be integrated to cloud computing to provide seamless workflows.

6. Multi-cloud Adoption

A recent study reveals that the majority of enterprises plan to use more than one cloud infrastructure provider and/or more than one cloud application provider. The reason for this is that different cloud providers have different expertise. 

Hiring different providers will also ensure that enterprises are not dependent on just one provider. This arrangement also helps in better data control and operations optimization. 

Artificial Intelligence(AI) applications also require higher computing capacity. As a result, enterprises are making use of multi-cloud or hybrid solutions. This includes a combination of private clouds, public clouds, and on-premise infrastructure. 

7. Containerization & Microservices

Containerization is about packaging applications and their dependencies into different units called containers. These containers have different components like application’s code, system tools, libraries, runtime etc. All these components ensure consistent performance across diverse environments.

Microservices architecture helps in containerization by allowing developers to break down applications into small, independent services. As each of these services have a different function, they can be reused by developers. In case of failure of one service or entire application, the overall impact is reduced due to microservices architecture.

8. Serverless Computing

The global serverless computing market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% between 2022 and 2028. This technology allows enterprises to build applications without the need to manage IT infrastructure. 

Serverless computing does not mean that servers are completely absent but it means that developers can run applications without interacting with physical servers. The cloud service providers manage, upgrade and maintain the servers. 

The other advantage of serverless computing is that companies pay for only the cloud resources required by them. Cloud infrastructure can also be scaled up quickly in case of requirement.

9. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing makes use of laws of quantum mechanics to make complex calculations by making use of cloud technology. Quantum computing is making large-scale changes in industries by enabling Machine Learning, simulation, and optimization. 

Global tech giants like IBM, Amazon, Google and Microsoft are competing to stay ahead in the race of utilizing Quantum computing by integrating it with the cloud infrastructure. 

Quantum computing stores data in the form of quantum bits (Qubits) and can process large amounts of data in comparatively less time.

10. Internet of Things(IoT)

IoT devices are becoming popular by the day and generating a lot of data which needs to be stored, transmitted and analyzed. These devices have sensors which store the data generated on cloud servers. This data is analyzed to get insights into user behavior, which helps with business decisions.

IoT requires connectivity between computers, networks and servers. IoT technology can remotely collect data and also communicate with various devices. Cloud computing will play a major role in functioning of these IoT devices in the years to come.

11. No Code or Low Code Solutions

Gone are those days when software developers had to write hundreds of lines of code to create applications and have deep technical knowledge. It is now possible to create applications with use of AI and low-code, no-code cloud solutions.

These solutions help in coming up with apps, services and websites without having deep technical knowledge and without owning computing infrastructure. As a result, there is reduction in development time as well as costs involved. 

Wrapping Up…

It is clear from our discussion about the future of cloud computing in IT services that cloud computing is here to stay for many more decades to come. We will see many new integrations and applications which will revolutionize the world of Information Technology Enabled Services(ITES). 

In case you are thinking about hiring cloud service providers for your business, this blog will give you an idea about how you can utilize cloud computing for your advantage.