Cloud Computing to Become an IT Staple By 2020
Although cloud computing has become mainstream, the concept of transitioning from legacy IT systems to a cloud environment is still in its infancy. While there are enterprises who have fully implemented cloud infrastructures, many are still in the contemplation or planning phase. In a report entitled “Sizing the Cloud” by Forrester, research indicated that the global market for cloud computing will reach $241 billion by the year 2020, up from $150 billion in 2011. The report is the first to help forecast when each global market sector will hit full capacity. As the demand for cloud computing increases, new technologies will be developed to fully support cloud initiatives and enterprise needs. So, how might cloud computing change by 2020?
Cloud Integration and iPaaS
The current cloud IT software stack consists of three different layers which include:
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) providing the basis for which systems can be deployed
PaaS (Platform as a Service), which is the middle level that enables the integration of multiple applications as well as the development of advanced applications
SaaS which provides the end-user applications that support business productivity.
The development of platforms making up cloud infrastructure with the absence of integration solutions has been a primary issue. Expansion of cloud computing entails a growing need to find new ways to integrate the contrasting elements of a cloud model. Recently-emerging iPaaS platforms will become the next generation platform for integrating cloud computing applications both onsite and with legacy applications.
Inexpensive Processing
32-bit ARM architecture is currently being widely used. However, Intel has been working on releasing an ARM chip which reduces power consumption and improves performance by utilizing 64-bit capability. Although this technology mostly applies to a family of microprocessors related to mobile devices, it will also likely enter server technology and storage classifications in cloud environments. Some primary companies have already been providing ARM servers to providers of cloud-based infrastructure.
Faster Performance
The increased need for application distribution on a massive scale coupled with implementation of faster processing will result in data centers delivering high-performance, cloud-based environments at speeds of 200-300 GBPS (gigabits per second). This will allow enterprises accomplish more in less time and at a lower cost than in-house legacy IT systems.
Maintenance Automation
Current cloud environments require reduced intervention from IT professionals as many IT infrastructures can easily be controlled from a single interface. As new technologies emerge for maintaining hardware and software applications as well as cloud security, cloud IT environments will basically be able to run themselves in terms of automation of routine maintenance tasks, updates, and patch management. This leaves even more time for enterprises to focus on development of new IT initiatives which contribute to company growth.
Cloud Specialization
Instead of the differentiated cloud services such as IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS, cloud environments will become more specialized, with more cloud providers offering customized services that would otherwise be carried out on company premises. This will allow more enterprises to easily shift their workloads to the cloud without having to plan for data classification and their relationship with costly legacy IT systems.
The 2020 cloud is shaping up for a significant shift in the middleware PaaS model, to an environment where customized solutions can easily be created. Additionally, the private cloud will take precedence over a public cloud environment thanks to the development of new, accessible technologies.
As discussed in this article, the IaaS is the initial service that cloud adopters should subscribe to. Thus, one must choose a strong candidate to provide their service. GMO Cloud offers a cloud infrastructure complete with high availability and scalability features to accommodate future needs of organizations. Visit the Specifications Page to find out more.
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About the Guest Author:
Aeyne Schriber has more than two decades of accumulated experience in IT security, computer technology, and internet marketing, including technology education and administration field both on the public school and college level. She works worldwide helping companies establish an online presence from small businesses to large enterprises. Her skills as a published copywriter and marketer also include consulting and training corporate personnel and entrepreneurs. For more details, visit www.digitalnewmediamarketing.com
