- Deploying to the edge
Edge computing is a new way of processing data whereby processing is not done in a data center. Rather, data computation and storage occur near the edge of the network. Every edge server has computing, networking and storage capabilities that allow the server to do functions such as network switching and routing, load balancing and security. Edge computing is not a substitute for the cloud. Rather, it complements the cloud while ensuring near-instant processing of data, reduced bandwidth usage, decreased volume of data transmission and little latency in response times. From now on, there will be an increase in the combination of cloud and edge computing in 2022 and beyond.
- The rise and rise of serverless computing
Serverless computing, a model in which consumers do not deal with server provisioning and infrastructure management, is fast gaining traction. With this approach to computing, the cloud provider handles the necessary infrastructure while allocating resources to users based on needs. The popularity of this computing model continues to grow as it provides another opportunity to increase agility while minimizing costs. Current statistics show that the demand for serverless technologies will rise by 22.6% between now and 2026. Therefore, as we end the year and start another one, we should expect more adoption of serverless computing.
- Increased AI and ML adoption
Machine learning and artificial intelligence require high processing power and bandwidth capabilities. These are more affordable through the cloud than any other approach. These two technologies and the cloud will complement each other perfectly. Some of the areas where these technologies will work for hand in hand include:
- AI will help cloud services manage data while getting reliable insights into the behaviour of users, trends, likes and dislikes.
- Cloud computing will make AI highly cost-effective and accessible.
Cloud computing will work with AI and ML to deliver services such as processing data and providing the necessary insights. According to reports, the AI market value will sharply rise to $850 billion towards the end of the decade. Since AI platforms require high processing power and bandwidth, the cloud will play a vital role.
- Kubernetes and blockchain
Blockchain is a technology that offers a temper-free ledger for recording data without relying on a given central authority. While blockchain is a game-changer, it also suffers from scaling issues, particularly in storing big data and management.
Kubernetes (K8s) are open-source systems for automating deployments and scaling applications that help improve the blockchain environment. Blockchain and K8s can work better to ensure the high availability of containers while running multiple critical services. These two will continue working together in 2022 and beyond as Kubernetes clusters fast become a standard adoption.
- Cloud security will receive more emphasis
The concerns surrounding privacy in the cloud and compliance and integration risks continue to be the roadblocks to some organizations adopting the cloud. In response, cloud service providers are increasingly investing in security to bolster privacy. This has seen a rise in Secure Access Service Edge and Cloud-based disaster recovery. In 2022 and beyond, security will continue to be an area of focus for cloud providers. This will increase the transparency of data because this is what business owners want. Cloud access brokers will also gain attention.