Navigating the Cloudscape: 5 Key Trends Transforming Cloud Computing

You can’t overstate the impact of cloud computing.??

The cloud has transformed the landscape for tech companies, providing swift, efficient, and cost-effective access to a broad spectrum of services. From essential resources like storage and processing power to specialized offerings such as satellite imagery and deep-learning analytics, the cloud paradigm has empowered businesses of all sizes with diverse tools and capabilities.?

Could you imagine how cumbersome and expensive acquiring a basic digital infrastructure without the cloud would be? Most startups wouldn't even get off the ground...?

Indeed, much of the tech world's fast-moving dynamism we owe to the cloud.?

And it's precisely because of its central role that cloud computing is evolving faster than ever (if you can believe it). So, tech firms and IT professionals must understand and be ready for these changes, because they will surely affect their field of operation.?

For this reason, TEAM International has created a quick guide to the five key trends in cloud computing that you should keep your eye in 2024: ?

1. AI as a Service (AIaaS)?

With all the game-changing opportunities AI is set to unlock, the substantial demand for its capabilities is no surprise.?

But here's the thing.?

Requiring both vast amounts of computing power and technical expertise, AI implementation is incredibly challenging. For many firms, the ground-up creation of internal AI models is simply not feasible.?

Enter AI as a Service.?

All the major vendors have now integrated AI tools into their cloud infrastructure, allowing resource-strapped firms, and even individuals, the capability to access this powerful tech. For only a fraction of the cost, AI cloud platforms enable data scientists and IT professionals to create powerful AI-based applications.?

In most areas, cloud services have reached a saturation stage, as operators have difficulty differentiating themselves from the competition. No matter where you go, the menu is pretty much the same.??

However, when it comes to AI services, cloud operators have plenty of room to expand and experiment. Soon, we'll likely witness intense competition as providers attempt to stake their claim to the AI cloud space. And you know what they say: when top firms compete, the consumer always wins.?

In other words, get ready for a dizzying amount of AI cloud functionality.?

2. Simplified cloud computing?

Using and deploying cloud services is also no simple task. Among other challenges, one must learn to traverse impenetrable UIs and remain abreast of constant updates.??

However—just as with software development—these barriers to entry are swiftly coming down.??

Cloud operators have recognized the need to democratize their services even further and are now prioritizing the development of user-friendly interfaces. By employing simple actions such as drag-and-drop, those with limited technical knowledge will soon be able to harness the powers of the cloud for their chosen purpose.?

One of the cloud's main benefits is how it abstracts away much of the complexity inherent to digital infrastructure. As such, this is a natural evolution toward even more simplicity and ease of use.?

But we mustn't kid ourselves. To truly master all the cloud offers, one must still learn how these services work. Still, simplified cloud computing is an excellent step in the right direction.

3. Increased interoperability?

Vendors have been slow to acknowledge a simple reality: enterprise customers value a multi-cloud approach, preferring to mix and match services from different operators as best suits their specific needs.?

In adapting to this reality, cloud operators are forming partnerships and rolling out new services that enable increased interoperability across their cloud infrastructure environments. For example, enterprise customers can now deploy data in Microsoft Azure data centers and run Oracle-based services on that same data.?

What does this mean? Well, primarily, it's a big win for enterprises as the whole suite of cloud-based services suddenly becomes available. The preferred business model for cloud operators is quite the opposite. They would much rather lock you into their infrastructure through costly and time-consuming interoperability barriers, thereby reducing a firm's bargaining power and limiting the range of available services.?

We're pleased the market has moved toward increased interoperability and commend cloud operators for prioritizing their customers' preferences.?

4. Industry clouds?

As they seek to outcompete each other, major cloud providers understand that providing highly specialized services is far preferable to offering generic, one-size-fits-all solutions. However, there is only a certain level of specificity they can achieve before encountering diminishing returns.?

This is where industry clouds come in.?

Also known as vertical clouds, industry clouds are specialized platforms designed to meet the unique needs and requirements of specific industries. As such, they offer tailored solutions that, in terms of precision and particularity, generic platforms can't match.?

An industry cloud in the healthcare space could, for example, offer such virtual tools as:?

• Analytics for health care data like medical imaging or patient records?

• Information storage and retrieval systems for medical data?
• Systems that provide evidence-based information and recommendations to assist in clinical decision-making?
• Telemedicine and patient engagement portals?
• Information exchange platforms across healthcare providers?

Industry clouds have emerged as invaluable allies, particularly for customers needing rapid scalability to meet impending deadlines. Fueled by the surge in generative AI opportunities, industry clouds are poised for substantial growth in 2024 and can now provide services that seamlessly integrate AI capabilities.?

5. Cloud computing as a driver of innovation?

According to Gartner, we are currently witnessing the "end of Cloud's initial chapter." In the next three years, cloud computing will transition into a new phase, one where it will be primarily perceived not merely as a technology platform but as a "key driver of business operation and innovation."?

The pervasive nature of cloud computing will reach a point where businesses will find it nearly impossible to conceive new models that don't incorporate its services in some capacity. Consequently, IT leaders must adapt to this evolving landscape by embracing cloud infrastructure with a strategic plan catering to their needs.?

What’s awaits ahead???

In this emerging scenario, unlocking innovation will increasingly hinge on a firm's ability to leverage cloud services effectively. Whether serving as a means to sustain digital infrastructure or as a foundational layer for adding innovative functionality, the cloud will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business operations and innovation.?

What do you think? Did we forget something? Let us know in the comments which trends you consider the most impactful in the cloudscape!?