Data Backup Digest

The cloud computing race is heating up in ways we never thought possible – and both consumers and enterprises alike are embracing the cloud quicker than the experts could have ever imagined. While we saw a lot of development surrounding the cloud in 2018, we can expect the trends to continue in 2019 and beyond.

Embracing hybrid platforms and multi-cloud models

When the cloud was first introduced, many of its earliest adopters were quick to choose sides. While some were championing the public cloud framework, others were touting private cloud services as the best choice. Others simply gave their trust to one specific brand or another – like Microsoft, Google, or Amazon, just to name a few.

But times are changing quickly. Now, many cloud users are transitioning to the hybrid platform. Providing a mix of private, public, and on-premises services, the hybrid cloud offers tremendous flexibility, customizability, and efficiency.

Some are even embracing multiple clouds. Not only does this give them the chance to browse the market and test out all of the available options before committing to one service, but it adds significant system resiliency, performance, security, and risk management, too.

Stephen Line, vice president EMEA with Cloudera, spoke about the current state of hybrid cloud models by saying: "The hybrid model is a challenge for public cloud as well as private cloud-only vendors. To prepare, vendors are making acquisitions for this scenario, most recently the acquisition of Red Hat by IBM. Expect more acquisitions and mergers among vendors to broaden their product offerings for hybrid cloud deployments."

Achieving greater data integration

Data is becoming more and more integrated every single day. With IoT-enabled sensors that are capable of transmitting data in real-time, automated data parsing, and more analytical tools than ever before, it's safe to say that the Information Age is certainly living up to its name.

But it's still not enough. Cloud users, particularly enterprise and business users, are pushing for greater data integration in 2019. As a result, more companies will be seeking out third-party software vendors to take care of their ongoing data management needs.

Reducing costs and streamlining services

Cloud users are also trying to reduce their operating costs in 2019 – and many of them are doing so by cherry-picking the services they want and foregoing the rest. Thankfully, most of the major cloud service providers offer built-in cost management tools – including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

In addition to these built-in utilities, there are plenty of third-party options available regarding data management within the cloud. Some popular choices include VMware's CloudHealth and Cloud Cruiser; a service that operates under their parent company of Hewelett Packard.

A recent report issued by Forrester reads, in part: "Success will be measured by developer satisfaction and time-to-market for new products and services, and not by taking out cost. Firms will build private clouds on top of what they have, build them on top of cheaper open source platforms, or have private clouds built and run for them."