12-27-21 | Blog Post

2021 Trends in Cloud Computing

Blog Posts

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of on-demand computing services including IT infrastructure, storage, network systems, and applications over the internet. Services are provided by a third-party vendor who handles the management and maintenance of the physical data centers where the cloud services live.

As cloud technologies evolve and more companies move to cloud-based services, it’s important to understand the emerging trends surrounding the technology. Let’s look at some of the 2021 trends in cloud computing.

2021 Trends to Watch in Cloud Computing

1. More businesses will adopt hybrid cloud services

While a public cloud solution comes with benefits such as lower costs, less maintenance, and almost unlimited scalability, it’s not an option for businesses in regulated industries because of strict data security and compliance requirements.

A hybrid cloud is a cloud-computing solution that uses both private and public cloud models. 87 percent of enterprises have already adopted hybrid cloud strategies for the benefits it brings by combining the public cloud with the security of a private on-premise cloud environment.

A well-designed hybrid cloud environment lets employees access non-sensitive company data and resources through the public cloud while the private cloud provides the security and compliance capabilities necessary for protecting sensitive data.

2. The rise of “Distributed Cloud”

A distributed cloud solution allocates public cloud services to different physical locations to optimize for performance and compliance and is an excellent solution for businesses with specific geographical requirements.

Services can be distributed across on-premises locations and multiple third-party data centers. The management and maintenance of the distributed cloud remain the responsibility of the original public cloud provider.

Because infrastructure is physically closer to the client, distributed computing helps resolve latency issues and mitigates the risk of total server failure. In the future, distributed cloud solutions are expected to develop to look more like hybrid cloud solutions in private settings with more reliable networks, easier compliance to regulations, and an increased number of locations.

3. Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a relatively new cloud offering but demand for the service is expected to grow by 25 percent by 2025. It is especially beneficial for software developers who no longer have to manage and maintain network servers because all resources are allocated by the cloud service provider.

Serverless computing removes the need for cloud application developers to have extensive expertise in AWS or Google Cloud Platform. Since they only need to interact with the serverless interface, developers can be more productive, focusing on development, UX and UI instead of IT infrastructure.

With the increased adoption of serverless computing expect to see more developer collaboration tools to help front-end teams optimize workflow.

4. Greater adoption of cloud-based disaster recovery

The events of 2020 underscored the need for businesses to have scalable and easily accessible disaster recovery solutions. The abrupt shift to remote work exposed vulnerabilities in many disaster recovery plans and resulted in an increased move to cloud-based solutions in 2021.

With a cloud-based disaster recovery solution, staff can still access resources and continue working even when it’s not possible to meet in person. IT support teams can also monitor and maintain the business network, allowing businesses to continue operations without interruption.

5. Rise of Platform as a Service

Platform as a service (PaaS) is also expected to see more growth in 2021. PaaS allows companies to use third-party providers to provide cloud-based development platforms.

Available through both private and public cloud platforms, PaaS increases stability across the development platform making it easier to develop applications, store data, and test software.

The use of PaaS is steadily increasing as businesses seek to modernize legacy applications with cloud-native capabilities. As PaaS offerings expand, small and medium-sized businesses are expected to take advantage of the lower costs that come with increased availability.

6. Artificial Intelligence will play a greater role

Artificial intelligence aims to automate repetitive tasks and covers a wide range of technologies, including chatbots, location services, and digital assistants. AI is expected to continue to grow with the market exceeding $300 billion by 2024.

AI will become more relevant in the workplace as companies use it to streamline business processes and eliminate manual tasks. Increased use of AI for data analysis will help companies gain better insight into their products and services and streamline workflows with activities such as payroll automation, budget forecasting, and compliance.

7. The Rise of Multi-Cloud

93 percent of all organizations are adopting a multi-cloud strategy. Multi-cloud solutions allow businesses to use two or more cloud services from several cloud service vendors. Businesses can avoid vendor lock-in while taking advantage of the best cloud offerings each vendor provides.

In the future, more organizations will develop multi-cloud strategies with little to no dependence on a specific cloud provider. Providers will also seek to create partnerships that combine their mutual strengths to speed up market launches and time to market for multi-cloud products and services.

Microsoft and Oracle, rivals in the cloud space, have already made this strategic move, linking their cloud services and allowing customers to run enterprise applications across Oracle Cloud and Microsoft Azure.

8. Edge computing will dominate

Edge computing is an emerging cloud trend that involves storing data and information in localized data centers closer to the devices that use them. Computing and management are handled locally instead of at the central cloud network.

Edge computing is useful in remote locations where there is little connectivity. The technology can also resolve latency issues that affect the speed and performance of real-time applications. Edge computing is the basis of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology used in facial recognition components, remote doorbells, temperature control systems, and smart light switches.

As IoT becomes more popular, edge computing will become more relevant in our everyday lives and play an integral part in the management of IoT technologies. 2021 and beyond will see organizations further using cloud computing solutions and emerging cloud technologies like AI and Edge to find innovative solutions to business challenges.

Don’t get left behind. Otava offers several virtualization servers to help you take advantage of emerging trends in cloud computing and cloud services. Get in touch to find out more about our cloud solutions.

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