Cloud computing is changing our lives and the way we work.
Every day – in the company, at home, or when we travel – we use services provided or developed via the Cloud: virtual meetings, professional email, ERP and management systems, streaming music and movies, video games, social media, image archiving systems, home banking, and online shopping.
The future will see further development for cloud-based services.
Technologies on the rise, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, are already exploiting the computing and storage resources made available by Cloud computing to change work paradigms.
It should also not be forgotten that the GDPR also suggests using Cloud backup systems for corporate data: companies that process sensitive data must protect them from any attacks and data breaches.
In the era of digitalization, knowing the essential characteristics of Cloud computing (and knowing how to identify the right cloud providers) is essential for all types of companies.
Cloud computing: more and more companies are using it
Therefore, it is not surprising that all the market analyses confirm a constant growth trend of Cloud services, even for the near future.
According to the strategic consulting firm Gartner, it will be precisely the Cloud that will drive the growth of the ICT sector in the EMEA area (Europe-Middle East-America) also in 2022.
Overall, the sector is expected to spend 1.3 trillion dollars, up by + 4.7% compared to 2021. The Cloud will represent 12.5% ​​of investments in the IT sector by companies. Cloud Iaas (Infrastructure as a service) will record the most conspicuous growth with + 32.3%.
What is Cloud Computing?
The fundamental question to start from to exploit these trends is: what is meant by Cloud computing, and how can companies use it to support growth and simplify work?
Establishing a definition of Cloud computing is a good starting point for clarity.
Cloud computing is a technology that allows data to be processed and stored on the network. This data, stored on remote hardware (for example Cloud server), can be shared with one or more users over the internet.
Thanks to this virtualized infrastructure, companies have access to advanced applications and services, greater computing power, systems for Big Data analysis, and storage spaces.
These resources are no longer located on local computers or servers and therefore can be used from anywhere with a simple internet connection, promoting collaboration. Furthermore, the available resources can be increased or decreased according to the moment’s needs with maximum flexibility and considerable economic advantages.
How to take advantage of the Cloud for your business
The practical applications of the Cloud in the business sector are innumerable and are increasing every day:
- Data storage and sharing
- Backup Cloud e disaster recovery
- Videoconferencing and desktop sharing
- Creation and distribution of web applications
- Software development
- Streaming broadcasts
- Big Data management and analysis
- Platforms for the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
In the era of smart and shared work, the Cloud is the ideal solution for companies that want to ensure operational capacity for employees who work remotely.
For example, virtual PBX switchboards allow you to use landline numbers even on your smartphone or to online storage systems that are always updated and accessible from any device.
Cloud backup also allows you to duplicate data and IT resources safely to ensure business continuity in a cyber-attack or accident. The company can protect itself from increasingly widespread dangers such as viruses (e.g., ransomware).
The computing power made available by the Cloud supports the most significant technological innovations in progress. For example, in the financial or insurance sector, it is possible to use data processing systems to forecast market trends and assess any risks. Or in medicine and pharmacy, it becomes easier to develop personalized treatments for patients. Leveraging machine learning and data analytics also allows you to predict changes in market demand, anticipate any machinery failures, and optimize product production and distribution.
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