Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses streamline their operations.
The concept of cloud computing received widespread attention in 2006 after Amazon launched Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) under its Amazon Web Services (AWS) digital platform. However, it was not until the pandemic that companies embraced this transformative technology. Estimates suggest that the global cloud computing market size is projected to hit USD 947.3 billion by 2026, signaling a shift from traditional on-premise infrastructures to cloud-based systems.
However, migrating to the cloud isn't enough. Companies must implement strategic cloud modernization practices to sustain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving corporate landscape.
Cloud modernization is a multistep process in which existing cloud infrastructures are constantly upgraded and transformed to adapt to emerging business challenges. In this article, we examine the top five cloud modernization trends that are spurring business agility and innovation.
1. Embracing Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Architectures
Multi-cloud, also known as hybrid cloud, architectures blend the features of private and public cloud infrastructures. Although still nascent, this cloud modernization trend is poised to achieve mainstream recognition as global demand scales up.
Multi-cloud integration presents businesses with an opportunity to adapt their cloud storage to suit present demands. Thanks to these cloud modernization services, a company can avail itself of a public cloud where it works optimally while retaining certain elements of the cloud technology within its private cloud or in a controlled on-premises network.
A hybrid cloud is recommended for organizations that wish to blend the perks of a low-cost, low-maintenance public cloud with a flexible, accessible private cloud.
If professionally implemented, a multi-cloud infrastructure can provide your business with high-performance storage and low-latency networks. This, in turn, enhances scalability and agility.
2. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) on cloud migration and modernization are undeniable. While both technologies are still evolving, we will witness their rapid adoption as more businesses embrace automation in cloud modernization.
AI-powered cloud storage systems enhance data management, analysis, and retrieval. These infrastructures leverage powerful machine learning algorithms to sort data into categories based on patterns identified across varied datasets.
Implementing an intelligent data sorting system accelerates data processing, improving access to your company's critical information. Consequently, this minimizes costly downtimes and lost workplace productivity often caused by latency issues.
As mentioned, AI and ML can also automate routine IT systems like data collection and file backing up.
3. Predictive Analytics
Cloud migration and modernization come with inherent risks.
From data breaches to integration challenges and regulatory compliance, these pitfalls can impede your company's ability to capitalize on new growth opportunities. That's where predictive analytics come in.
Predictive analytics in cloud modernization entails deploying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data on statistical models to uncover patterns that might predict future behavior. Shared insights can help make data-driven decisions and avert unforeseen bottlenecks in cloud-based infrastructures.
By leveraging AI-driven predictive analytics, businesses can analyze incoming data in real time and make proactive decisions. Technology is integral to understanding the performance of existing cloud architectures and making changes to streamline the system's operational efficiency.
4. Multi-Layered Cloud Security Strategy
Insecurity has always been the bane of cloud storage systems.
While cloud-based infrastructures are more secure than their on-premises counterparts, reports of data breaches aren't unheard of. We all recall the 2021 incidents where the personal data of 530 million Facebook users and over 700 million LinkedIn accounts were leaked online. Such breaches underscore the significance of implementing more robust cloud security solutions.
Due to the constant cyber-attack threats, many companies desire to go beyond surface-level cloud security strategies like data encryption and access control. The focus is steadily shifting to highly efficient incident response protocols, which actively trawl databases for threats and respond to potential attacks in the nick of time.
Businesses are also embracing data backup and disaster recovery interventions that mitigate the impact of data breaches by swiftly restoring the compromised systems to full performance.
5. Cloud-Native Application Development
Cloud-native application development is yet another new frontier in cloud modernization. This concept entails designing software applications that reside in cloud-based ecosystems from the start.
Creating cloud-native software minimizes application migration costs incurred both in transit and post-migration. It also fosters scalability and agility, as businesses can respond more decisively to common challenges to cloud migration, like finding compatible cloud architectures. Moreover, the process involves minimal operational disruptions.
However, application developers must deploy cutting-edge technologies to safeguard the integrity of cloud-native systems.
For instance, developers may use microservices to design independent applications that communicate with each other over well-defined Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) or containers that enhance flexibility by allowing software systems to run efficiently on both public and private clouds. Developers may also explore serverless architectures for greater scalability and quicker release times.
Summary
There are plenty of cloud modernization trends to watch out for, from multi-cloud architectures to AI-powered cloud storage, enhanced cloud security, etc. Implementing these emerging innovations can reinvent your business by helping you reimagine critical aspects like data storage and process automation.
To unlock the perks of cloud modernization, consider enlisting professional assistance.
Seek out a cloud engineer who's familiar with virtual services like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platforms as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), etc. The company should also have in-depth knowledge of major cloud service providers (like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure), as well as high proficiency in programming languages like Java and Python.
