As 2022 limps to a close — amidst crushing inflation, sky-high interest rates, disrupted supply chains and a seemingly never-ending pandemic — many business leaders are starting to devise their strategies for 2023. In the midst of rampant digital transformation, it is imperative that executives understand and take advantage of the latest innovations to remain relevant in their markets. While not every organization can make use of ai-driven robots, quantum computing and other cutting-edge technologies, almost all companies in operation are reliant to some degree upon the cloud.
Simple and effective, the cloud has been a critical component of business strategy for over a decade. There is little indication that the cloud will suffer replacement any time soon — but cloud services are influenced by shifting trends, which can impact how businesses can and should utilize the power of the cloud for efficiency and growth. Here are a few of the most prevalent cloud trends going into 2023 and what business leaders should do in response.
Edge Computing
For decades, businesses have operated within their data core, utilizing a central server to manage data storage and computing. Yet, in today’s network environment, this traditional computing architecture does not offer the greatest security or efficiency. Thus, businesses are increasingly migrating their data and computing to the edge of their networks, onto localized devices utilized by workers. This provides greater agility — near-instant data processing with little to no latency — as well as enhanced data protection, as the volume of transmitted data decreases.
Edge and cloud computing complement each other, with one boasting strengths that counterbalance the other’s weaknesses. Beginning in 2023, businesses will need to integrate edge computing strategies into their existing cloud environment to maintain efficiency, productivity and security across the organization.
Serverless Computing
Contrary to the name, servers are still utilized in serverless computing. However, this cloud model makes it much simpler for businesses to access the backend services they need without worrying about provisioning and infrastructure management. In serverless computing, cloud vendors charge users based on their usage of the cloud, not a fixed number of servers or amount of bandwidth. As a result, businesses can focus more attention on their projects and products and less on avoiding failure in their backend.
The serverless model is extremely compelling, and increasing numbers of organizations are opting for this cloud service. To avoid wasting time and money on an outdated cloud model, business leaders should consider shifting their cloud services to serverless in the coming months.
AI and ML in the Cloud
Most executives recognize that machine learning and artificial intelligence are the future of business — but many do not realize that both AI and ML demand exceedingly high processing power and data bandwidth. The average business network is not capable of running an AI-driven application, so as adoption of AI and ML tech increases, so too will the prevalence of AI and ML in the cloud.
Because cloud solutions are more affordable and more accessible than traditional computing architectures, cloud-based AI and ML are more practical for smaller businesses with lower budgets looking to take advantage of these advanced technologies. As a result, the cloud will help businesses expand and deliver higher-quality services to users with the help of ML and AI.
Cloud Security Risks
Despite being an essential component of business networking strategy for over a decade, cloud computing continues to carry risks that scare many executives from investing more deeply in cloud services. Concerns regarding data privacy continue to grow, and governments around the world are increasing the intensity of their laws and regulations for storing and utilizing consumer data, demanding more business attention on compliance. What’s more, cloud-focused cyberattacks are on the rise, and failure to adequately secure the cloud will almost certainly result in loss.
In 2023, it will be more important than ever that businesses invest in comprehensive cloud security. Cloud security providers can assist organizations in mitigating risks and eliminating threats, keeping their data safe and their workers productive. Partnering with a security service will ensure that a business is safe from all risks, even as new risks emerge over the coming years.
Businesses have been hit by unprecedented event after unprecedented event, but 2023 promises to return consumer behavior, economic activity and even technological innovation to something closer to normal. As long as business leaders recognize the changes they will need to make in their cloud computing strategy, they should survive 2023 and beyond.
