Cloud Computing or Cloud IT is an internet-based computing and software service. It allows you to access documents and data anywhere at any time provided you have an internet connection. It continues to gain popularity due to its advantages in cost, scalability, security, and more.
The cloud was first developed in the 1960s but businesses didn’t start actively using it until the late 1990s, early 2000s. Salesforce was one of the first companies to provide cloud-based software to businesses. In 2002, both Amazon and Google launched their versions of Cloud Computing. Amazon’s being Amazon Web Services (still used today). Google’s being Google Docs (now part of Google Workspace).
Cloud Computing took a while to become popular even after both Amazon and Google launched their Cloud IT software. It was only around 2010 that more enterprises began investing and building their own Cloud Computing platforms, with Microsoft joining in February of that year. From there, interest in Cloud IT has grown more as companies and businesses began to see the huge benefits associated with Cloud Computing.
Cloud IT was on a steady trajectory. Before 2019 the Compound Annual Growth Rate for Cloud Computing was expected to be 14.9%. However, once the pandemic hit, the need for Cloud Computing and Cloud based services skyrocketed and the Compound Annual Growth Rate is now expected to be 17.5% by 2025. The way we work, and shop had changed dramatically, and Cloud IT was there to meet those changes. Having the software capabilities to work from home (or to hybrid work) is now a key part of most businesses.
Cloud Computing is used across a wide variety of businesses, both large and small. The uniqueness of Cloud Computing is that there is something for every business. As an on-demand service, businesses only pay for what they use/need rather than buying large expensive pieces of software, in which they only need 60% of the features, and then for the software to become outdated in a few years. Cloud IT is cost-effective, provides flexible scalability, improves the productivity of your staff, and enables easy, seamless collaborations whether your staff are in the office or at home.
Cloud Computing is used across most industries today, like the Education sector, Recruitment sector and Logistical sector. It provides many advantages and features all under one umbrella.
These industries and many others are investing in Cloud Computing because it provides many advantages at a reasonable price:
– Cloud Storage
o With Cloud Computing you are able to access your data and files from anywhere at any time. It allows for affordable and easy scalability, as well improve productivity in staff.
– Disaster Recovery
o Data is automatically backed up and stored in the cloud, meaning in the event of a disaster you will be able to resume operations with minimal downtime.
– Security
o Cloud Service Providers have the resources to invest heavily in enterprise grade cybersecurity, they are continuously monitoring their servers to ensure your data is safe. This is particularly advantageous for small to medium businesses.
– Data Analytics
o Cloud Computing allows you to view all our data from multiple sources in one place, making data analytics easier and more effective. This in turn can help your business grow more efficiently by making better informed decisions.
Cloud Computing use is expected to continue to rise. Gartner predicts that business spending on public cloud services will increase by 21.1% in 2022. Cloud IT had steadily been growing, however the pandemic has been a catalyst for more businesses adopting cloud computing.
Trends that we will see begin to gain traction over 2022 and beyond are:
– Regional Cloud Ecosystems
o Governments are keen to regulate how corporations collect, store, and distribute data. Cloud databases are stored all over the world, with each country having its own regulations, for instance GDPR in the UK and Europe. It is important that the data is regulated under a set of rules across all countries. Europe has already begun this with Gaia-X.
– Cloud Ubiquity
o We have seen the popularity and growth of the cloud due to its scalability, flexibility, and resilience. As the cloud has continued to grow it has created more paths for newer and more innovative cloud environments.
– Sustainability and Carbon-Friendly Cloud Systems
o Many CIOs believe that reducing a business’s climate impact will become an important decision-making factor when purchasing. Many of the larger cloud providers are already taking aggressive actions to meet carbon neutral goals in shorter time frames. This determination is creating new and exciting challenges for infrastructure and operations.
– CIPS Providers’ Automated Programmable Infrastructure
o There is an increasing adoption of AI and Machine Learning in cloud services. This can alleviate the burden of traditional infrastructure and operation roles in public clouds. With infrastructure becoming more automated things like the cloud will need less manual maintenance and operation in the future.
Cloud IT continues to be the way forward for many businesses. The advantages are huge and can allow your business to grow more effectively. To remain competitive within the business environment it is essential to consider investing in Cloud Computing.
If you are interested in learning more about how Cloud IT can enhance and improve your business’s environment then book a meeting with one of our experts today or call us now on 01908 044202.
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