Cloud computing is now commonplace in industry – nearly 90% of UK businesses are thought to use services such as UK2 VPS Cloud Hosting or access certain applications through a web browser. With large companies especially, often they will use more than one supplier. There remains immense potential for expansion in the future though. Here’s what we’re likely to see more of over the next few years.
Customised Services
Cloud computing runs the gamut from Infrastructure as a Service – your databases, to Software as a Service – your CRM systems, your financial applications, encompassing platforms such as application builders. We’re likely to see a rise in the number of niche or customised Cloud services becoming available, especially from the major players, who will also be aiming at greater localisation. This will give businesses of all types and sizes more choice and flexibility. Personalised plans may become the norm.
More Room to Breathe
Major Cloud providers Google and Microsoft in 2014 announced that they were going to begin offering unlimited file storage on some payment plans, with Google also introducing infinite email storage as well. This will naturally have resonated with companies that have high storage demands, which can now build their business entirely around Google’s products.
Security Concerns
One of the major turnoffs for many companies in moving data into the Cloud has been a concern over how secure it would be. Most are soon likely to consider that they could get better security, for less expense, with a reputable Cloud provider that takes a proactive approach. There are increasing worries about how commonplace, and severe, Dedicated Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are becoming. These can, best-case scenario, knock down a company’s website for several hours or days, or worst-case, provide a convenient distraction for hackers breaking into a network to seize confidential and/or sensitive customer data. The elasticity of Cloud services can help to spread and dissolve the risk so while not failproof, expect to see more and more companies that consider themselves at risk to make the switch.
Economic and Environmental Wins
Cloud services normally involve lower business costs in areas such as infrastructure, software licensing and staffing, which will help firms to improve their financial performance and stay nimble in a tricky marketplace. There are also energy savings to be made when moving into a more environmentally-efficient set-up, which will contribute to the UK hitting (hopefully) its carbon targets.
Business Functions
Although it has had a significant impact already on many business functions, with areas such as supply chain and employee collaboration there are still plenty of ways it can drive innovation – the Cloud allows for faster problem-solving, bringing new partners onboard more easily and generally doing a lot more with a lot less when it comes to things like procurement and the management of stores and parts.
Will there even be a Cloud?
As in, will the very term Cloud computing become redundant, as it becomes the dominant way of doing things? If pretty much anything can be accomplished in the Cloud, it will surely become the default option for businesses. Inhouse IT teams will shrink as functionality moves off-site, and the established players will consolidate their foothold in the market. This is a technology that has swiftly adopted by companies and institutions around the world, and yet is only really just getting started.