Cloud Computing Predictions for 2014: Trends and Trends Influencing the Sector

As we step into 2014, the landscape of cloud computing is set for significant changes and developments. In this article, I'll explore the trends that I predict will shape the cloud computing sector this year. These trends encompass focus areas such as performance, security, app migration, strategic offerings from Google and Microsoft, and the rise of personal clouds. Together, they reflect the evolving needs of the enterprise world.

Focus on Performance and Security

One of the most critical areas for improvement in cloud computing this year is the focus on performance and security. Many organizations have recognized that their existing security processes, procedures, and technologies may not be sufficient to cater to the distributed nature of the cloud. In 2014, we will see a significant shift in how enterprises approach these issues. While some attempted to push traditional approaches into the cloud, finding that it doesn’t align well with the cloud’s architecture, others will strategically enhance their security measures to protect sensitive data.

Increased App Migration

A noticeable trend in 2014 will be the increased migration of applications to cloud-based platforms. This shift will not come without challenges, as many enterprises will migrate applications without fully understanding the underlying design and architecture. This rapid approach may result in applications that operate poorly or fail to leverage the benefits of being in the cloud. Despite this, the rise of Desktop as a Service (DaaS) is a significant indicator, as this segment is growing at an alarming rate. However, failing to properly understand how these applications function in physical environments can complicate or even fail migration projects.

Google and Microsoft Get Serious About the Cloud

As more enterprises turn to the cloud, both Google and Microsoft have recognized the need to improve their offerings and compete more aggressively with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Both companies have launched competitive cloud offerings, recognizing that their initial attempts were not adequate. This development signals a more serious and strategic approach from these tech giants to capture a larger share of the market.

The Rise of Personal Cloud

In 2014, we will see the rise of the personal cloud. This trend shifts the focus from specific devices to a more holistic approach. Devices will still play their roles, but the cloud will act as the central hub for managing and securing access to content and applications. The concept of having a single primary device is becoming obsolete. Instead, users will have access to a variety of devices, with the PC remaining just one option among many. This shift in focus offers more flexibility and convenience for users.

CIO and IT as Cloud Enablers

The role of CIOs and IT in the cloud era is undergoing significant changes. Traditionally, these functions have acted as gatekeepers for resources, but with the shift towards cloud computing, there is a new emphasis on enabling cloud capabilities. CIOs and IT management will need to move at a faster pace and virtualize applications to support these changes. This requires a shift from merely resource management to fostering a strategic environment where developers can leverage cloud resources effectively.

The Rise of PaaS

The deployment of Platform as a Service (PaaS) in enterprises will see a significant rise this year, driven by open source tools like Chef, Docker, and Puppet. These tools are preferred by developers and developer-oriented IT teams, allowing for infrastructure to be managed as code. However, as complex environments grow, the benefits of this approach may become challenging to maintain. Private PaaS solutions like ElasticBox will gain popularity as they offer more control over the cloud application lifecycle, enabling developers and IT to work in tandem with resource and policy controls.

IaaS Playing Field Widens and Services Converge

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) providers are expanding their PaaS offerings to remain competitive. We will see interesting developments with products such as AWS Beanstalk and CloudFormation. The lines between IaaS and PaaS will continue to blur as IaaS providers expand their service offerings to move up the value chain. Additionally, other IaaS offerings will be taken more seriously, especially in markets where companies are looking to innovate and experiment with new options.

Application Centric Development

The trend towards application-centric development is expected to continue in 2014. This shift is driven by the emergence of IaaS and PaaS product offerings, which allow developers to focus more on application development rather than managing infrastructure. Modular application development, where individual components are isolated and available in service catalogues, will become more prevalent.

Security in the Public Cloud

Security will play a major role in 2014, influenced partly by the NSA scandal and the continued publicity of relaxed compliance. Enterprises will need to take a more serious approach to protect user data and address regulatory concerns. Data encryption will become a common practice to enhance public cloud security. Enterprises will be forced to evaluate whether to bring data back on premise with hybrid clouds or to move security measures to the public cloud.

Crunching the Numbers

The growing volume of data being collected in the public cloud means that enterprises will need to find cost-efficient storage and computational solutions. Big data is only set to grow, and enterprises will have to devise strategies to make use of the billions of data points. This will involve finding efficient ways to store and structure data, as well as developing computational solutions to analyze and extract valuable insights.

In conclusion, 2014 is poised to be an exciting year for cloud computing. The trends discussed above represent significant shifts and developments in the sector that will continue to shape how businesses leverage cloud technologies. As we move forward, it will be essential for enterprises to stay agile and strategic, adapting to these changes to stay competitive in an increasingly cloud-centric world.