What does 2022 hold for cloud computing?

Migrating

Cloud computing is the go-to choice for businesses that are looking for resilience and functionality. However, one question that needs to be considered is what happens when migrating. A business needs to have the right tools to migrate smoothly without affecting the critical application. Business resilience has been and will continue to be one of the most important considerations followed by the reduction of operational costs. A business will have to think about the ease of moving to a cloud provider. Some of the factors to consider when selecting a cloud provider include pricing, increased security, better scalability, and the right features that fit the business needs. With data becoming more private and sovereign, subject to the laws of the country where it is collected, businesses need to consider a cloud provider carefully as this may mean more restrictions and added costs.

In 2022, businesses need to understand that all cloud providers are not created equal, they may be offering similar services but will not satisfy specific needs in the same way. A business may get cost-effective processing and storage today but this may change in the future, something that may in itself create some challenges. With each cloud platform created differently, migrations might be complex. Therefore when migrating, a business needs to ensure that the platform has a full appreciation of services and applications, there ought not to be a serious roadblock when looking to switch cloud providers. In a nutshell, there should be a practical emergency exit strategy.

Which way? Multicloud?

Gartner, Inc, a Stamford-based technology research and consulting company predicts that in the three years, more than ninety per cent of businesses will be pursuing a multi-cloud infrastructure. However, there is a serious skills gap, questioning realistic this will be. It is easier to have a team that is well familiar with a certain cloud platform than have one that knows two or three at the same level. Experts suggest that for a business to get the most benefit from cloud computing it needs to deepen its knowledge on a platform and embed vital services instead of building tools generically. While each platform has its advantages and disadvantages it will be important to evaluate the long-term economic logic of investing in multicloud. Whatever the answer, it is important to note that cloud computing will be here for a long time now that it has become part of the business. Gartner observes that cloud computing has been very vital in recovering from the pandemic and its trajectory will only rise. Multicloud will be one of the biggest beneficiaries as businesses fully embrace the cloud.

ESG focus will be critical in 2022

As digital transformation takes root ESG is becoming a priority for many businesses. They are thinking about their reduction of carbon footprint and the journey towards net-zero carbon, treatment of stakeholders, and adherence to industry regulations among other aspects that are covered in environmental, social, and corporate governance. A recent survey by Google Cloud found that industry captains in IT-based firms believe that sustainability is a priority when choosing a cloud provider. This means that in 2022 and beyond, businesses that put ESG initiatives in place have higher chances of succeeding when compared to others. Those that are yet to fully embrace ESG strategies are encouraged to do so as there are expectations of increased pressure from stakeholders. There is a general realisation that digital infrastructure is putting strain on the environment and stakeholders are pushing for ambitious goals in reduction of carbon footprint and ultimate achievement of net-zero carbon.

Cloud computing is projected to continue with its growth trajectory, these three trends will have a big impact on the sector. Businesses that are looking to gain a competitive edge need to focus on these trends.