Cloud technologies become increasingly integral to business strategies worldwide. Hybrid and multi-cloud solutions offer companies the flexibility to manage their data effectively. Artificial intelligence and machine learning in the cloud pave the way for process automation and optimization. Meanwhile, advancements in security and privacy enhance customer trust, leading to significant investments in cloud technologies.
Cloud service providers like Avenga help businesses capitalize on these trends and leverage the cloud’s potential for competitive advantage.
Evolution of hybrid and multi-cloud solutions
Hybrid cloud combines private and public clouds into a unified architecture. In a private cloud, data and resources are owned and managed by a single organization, while a public cloud is provided and managed by a third-party provider. This allows placing confidential data in the private cloud and less sensitive data in the public one. The multi-cloud approach involves using multiple public clouds, reducing dependence on a single provider and enhancing system resilience.
Let’s look at the benefits of hybrid and multi-cloud approaches for different types of businesses:
- flexibility – businesses can choose where to deploy their applications and data based on pricing, security policies, and local laws;
- data protection – confidential data can be stored in a private cloud, where it is better protected;
- scalability – clouds can easily scale to handle increasing traffic or data, providing resources on demand;
- resource optimization – efficient resource allocation among cloud environments reduces costs.
Containerization has played a key role in simplifying application development and deployment. Thanks to containers, applications can migrate easily between private and public clouds, increasing flexibility and simplifying maintenance.
Major software providers like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud offer advanced tools for managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments, significantly simplifying the migration and resource management process.
Opportunities for AI and ML usage
According to Avenga experts, in 2024, there is a significant expansion in solutions based on artificial intelligence and machine learning among cloud migration services providers. Specifically, low-code platforms and SaaS solutions are making AI and ML more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises. Hybrid and multi-cloud environments facilitate the deployment and management of these technologies.
AI and ML are utilized for automating tasks, optimizing workflows, and creating new products. For instance, in the medical sector, AI aids in diagnosis and personalized treatment of particularly challenging patients. In the financial sphere, these technologies provide more accurate forecasts of market trends and fraudulent activities. In retail, AI optimizes inventory management and personalizes offers for customers.
AI and ML offer powerful tools for automating complex and labor-intensive processes. They reduce operational costs and increase efficiency. Specialized AI is developed for specific tasks, enhancing the quality and speed of data processing. For example, AI can automatically handle customer inquiries or manage logistics. Machine learning is well-suited for analyzing large volumes of data, providing valuable forecasts and insights to businesses.
Enhancing security and confidentiality
With the development of digital technologies and cloud systems, new vulnerabilities arise. Multi-cloud environments, due to their technical complexity, face serious security challenges. Traditional security approaches, effective in local systems, often struggle in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. This necessitates new solutions and methodologies.
Moreover, modern cloud solutions incorporate observability and proactive security measures. Observability tools utilize artificial intelligence and data analysis for system monitoring. This enables quick detection and identification of issues, responding to technical failures and cyber-attacks in real-time. Observability becomes a key element in security strategy, providing a comprehensive view of the system’s state.
Compliance and security standards
Compliance with security standards and regulations is an integral part of cloud system security strategy. Companies must adhere to international and industry standards to ensure data protection and compliance with legislative requirements. This entails regular audits, certifications, and implementation of recommended security practices. Standards help establish common data protection requirements and ensure unified approaches to risk management and response measures.
Compliance with these standards helps companies build customer trust and maintain a high level of protection in an increasingly complex cloud environment.
Increased expenditure on cloud technologies that is worth it
According to the American financial-economic journal Forbes, in 2024, global spending on cloud services and infrastructure will exceed $1 trillion USD. This is largely due to widespread adoption of applications with generative artificial intelligence, such as large language models from OpenAI and Google.
Cloud solutions offer significant economic advantages compared to traditional IT infrastructure. They reduce the need for major initial investments in equipment and enable optimization of operational expenses. Companies can pay for infrastructure and services as needed, ensuring scalability and adaptation to changes in business.
Cloud technologies continue to transform the business landscape. In 2024, hybrid and multi-cloud solutions will provide companies with the necessary flexibility and security. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will contribute to automation and process optimization. Security and confidentiality will remain at the forefront, strengthening trust and compliance with standards.
