Cloud computing is a technology architecture that delivers IT resources using the internet. Cloud services may include computer networking, security databases, software, analytics or even data storage. Cloud computing continues to provide accessible technology services to organizations without the need for physical infrastructure.
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The History of Cloud Computing
The idea behind the cloud hails back to the 1960s, when Professor John McCarthy delivered a speech wherein he predicted that one day computing would be offered as a public utility where each subscriber would only pay for what he uses. Two years after this speech, MIT received funding with the directive to develop a system that would allow two people to use a single computer.
Next, would come the first iteration of the internet in 1969. The first attempt was commissioned by the Pentagon and was known as ARPANET. This version connected several different types of computers together to make information accessible quickly and across distances.
By the early 1970s, IBM was using virtualization to enable several virtual machines to connect to a single host machine. Networks were also being widely used, but different types of networks could not connect to one another. As we made our way into the late 70s, TCP/IP protocol had proven its worth. In the background, computers became available for personal use. By the mid-1980s, there were approximately 100,000 computers connected to the internet.
As of the 1990s, mobile devices entered the scene and remote access became the standard. Technology leaders started using the term cloud and began looking at a new paradigm where computing would no longer be constrained by technical limitations. The early 2000s saw huge advancements as Amazon ushered in their online store. The code required to personalize the digital-only shopping experience prompted developments that were crucial to what we think of as the modern cloud. The 2010s saw the rise of microservices and containers to make cloud services widely available. As we move through the 2020s, the cloud is powering business operations in some form for nearly every organization.
The Current State of Cloud Computing
The current state of cloud computing is one of efficiency and widespread demand. The global cloud computing marketing is valued at $500 billion as of 2023, according to Precedence Research. Managed services providers (MSPs) are offering a variety of cloud-based services covering nearly every aspect of computing, offered on the “as-a-service” model. The term XaaS has even come into popular usage. This service model means “anything as a service,” essentially allowing you to customize service offerings to your needs. Google Cloud reports that 41.4% of leaders plan to increase investment in cloud computing and another 33.4% are migrating from legacy systems to cloud-based tools.
Current Trends in Cloud Computing
Organizations are moving towards multi-cloud or hybrid environments to maximize their technology potential while adhering to strict security standards. Here are the current cloud computing trends:
- XaaS will continue as a guiding model for delivery with organizations customizing cloud services to suit their needs
- The cloud will be further enabled with automation and personalization capabilities through machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)
- Edge computing will help reduce latency for cloud-based systems
- Security enhancements will strengthen the internet of things (IoT) and other cloud-based solutions against cyberattacks and threat actors
- Increased adoption of multi-cloud and hybrid environments will enhance flexibility
- Cloud computing technology will continue to be a driving force in digital transformation efforts and expansion of AI
- Greater ease of use where organizations can truly own their own software through low-code or no-code options
Cloud Automation
Cloud automation improves systems and makes them more flexible. Automating cloud technologies reduces the need for manual work, limits the potential for human error and makes resource use more efficient. It also helps your systems run more effectively because rote tasks can run in real time without needing human input. Cloud automation continues to be adopted by more and more organizations to help them tie together their cloud technologies for greater efficiencies.
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The Future of Cloud Computing: Predictions and Future Trends
The future of cloud computing will increasingly rely on emerging technologies to help improve speeds, enhance security and boost productivity, here’s a few examples.
Edge-to-Cloud
The edge-to-cloud architecture model refers to a computing architecture where processes are no longer confined to data centers. Utilizing edge-computing principles, edge-to-cloud collects, stores and processes data on the peripheral devices, rather than a central server farm. This model improves security, reduces latency and limits the loads on central infrastructure. With this model, organizations can expand their capabilities without sacrificing functionality across locations.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing used in conjunction with the cloud creates powerful capabilities. Quantum computers are known for their massive computing power, but that can be difficult to achieve. Many believe that the cloud is the ideal solution for quantum computing because it allows for access to the vast amounts of processing power needed to fun quantum algorithms.
Secure Access Service Edge
Secure access service edge is a computing model that helps reduce complexity and enable multi-cloud environments. The goal is to provide fast, reliable, secure connections between users and technology regardless of where they are. This model does not require that connection route through data centers but allows it to securely connect on the edge and through peripheral devices, reducing latency and providing IT resources at nearly any location.
Green Cloud
We’ve all seen the detrimental effects of misusing our planet. Green cloud computing involves using technology in a way that can benefit the planet, generally by reducing energy consumption. Sources show that data centers are responsible for consuming 3% of the global energy supply. One source suggests this could top 10% by 2030 if sustainable practices aren’t enacted. The cloud offers the potential for reducing the future carbon footprint of technology by moving more processing out of data centers.
Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud
Multi-cloud and hybrid models are providing the adaptability organizations need to essentially design their own environments. Oracle reports that 76% of large enterprises will adopt this approach by 2024. By combining services based on their unique needs and customer base, businesses can scale, grow and shift as needed.
Serverless Computing
Many experts believe that the future of technology is serverless. Serverless computing enables companies to undertake the benefits of running code without having to manage servers which has led to huge cost savings. This approach allows organizations to “avoid vendor lock-in, enhance resilience … and select ideal features,” according to Adonay Cervantes, CTO of CloudBlue.
Next-Generation User Interfaces
Cloud computing makes designing for users much more streamlined. While the design elements will continue to improve, user interfaces will be further streamlined with personalization options and a cohesive brand experience. The cloud can also allow for users to augment technology with augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) a more immersive experience.
IoT Devices
IoT will continue to become more prevalent in our daily lives, with interconnected devices not only powering how we work, but how we live. From advancements in healthcare to more optimized urban living and even precision farming, IoT will play a key role in how we use technology to optimize our lives.
AI
AI has opened up worlds of possibilities we haven’t seen before, from data-driven insights to personalized and enhanced customer experiences. But these are only possible with the large amounts of data storage and analysis that can be utilized with the cloud. AI will continue to play a larger role in cloud computing and the future of our technological landscape.
Cloud Security
Cloud security will continue to evolve and improve if we ever hope to harness the technology to its fullest potential. Resmo reports that nearly 70% of organizations experienced incidents as a result of multi-cloud security configuration and nearly 80% consider cloud security to be their biggest concern. If we hope to utilize the true power of the cloud, we’ll need to tighten security and improve data protection on all cloud-based systems.
Will AI Replace Cloud Computing?
AI is not likely to replace cloud computing. If anything, cloud computing will probably use AI to provide faster, more efficient and safer capabilities. Inversely, AI will also use the vast amounts of data available in the cloud to train algorithms and machine learning models without being overly cumbersome or slow. AI will not replace cloud computing but will more likely work in a symbiotic relationship to provide better options.
The Future of Cloud Computing Across Industries
Cloud computing has a variety of capabilities across multiple industries. Here’s a brief snapshot:
- Better patient monitoring and outcomes in healthcare
- More personalized financial management and predictive spending to help with budgeting in finance
- Individualized educational planning and immersive learning in education
- Low latency and personalized recommendations with streaming platforms in entertainment
- Revolutionized inventory management in retail
- Predictive maintenance and better supply chain management in manufacturing
Governance and Compliance
Cloud governance and compliance has come a long way. But we still have further to go. Organizations will continue to build frameworks that allow for more robust governance and compliance to minimize the risks posed by the cloud. Policies will lay the foundation for governance as the cloud continues to expand and evolve.
Is Cloud Computing Worth Learning? Is a Career in Cloud Worth It?
There is no doubt that a cloud-based career is one that is worth learning. Grand View Research shows the global cloud computing market was valued at approximately $484 billion dollars in 2022 with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 14% between 2023 and 2030. With no sign of slowing, a career in cloud would certainly be a smart move for anyone considering a career path in technology.
Cloud Computing Careers
Cloud computing offers great potential for growth and stability. Here are some jobs available in the industry:
- Cloud engineer
- Cloud architect
- Cloud security specialist
- Cloud systems engineer
- Cloud network engineer
- Cloud consultant
- Cloud developer
CompTIA Cloud+ can help you learn and develop the skills you need to land one of these job roles. CompTIA Cloud+ covers concepts that apply across any, or even multiple, cloud environments and shows employers you have the technical skills needed to secure cloud-based infrastructure services in the context of broader IT systems.
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