Stable and mature, cloud platforms are now an integral aspect of the modern IT landscape. That’s not to say that development has stalled, however. Vendors are continuously releasing new features to meet the changing needs of their clients.
From hybrid and multi-cloud systems to enhanced security and cost control, here are five major cloud trends you must be aware of.
1. Hybrid Cloud gains vendor support
The hybrid cloud is the default operating model for most organisations. With a hybrid cloud, companies can run applications and store data both on-premises and in the cloud, enabling seamless integration of both environments to capitalise on security, cost, flexibility or scalability according to the demands of each workload.
Vendors are now embracing this model, developing platform-agnostic, modular applications that can operate in any environment, allowing organisations to adapt quickly and optimise resources. Applications are now capable of running anywhere, whether on-premises, in public or private clouds, or even in edge computing environments.
This trend empowers businesses with choice and control, enabling them to choose the best environment for each workload. And because service providers are driving this change, there are fewer issues with compatibility and interoperability.
2. Multi-cloud encourages vendor cooperation
With many organisations using multiple cloud providers to avoid lock-in and optimise performance, multi-cloud deployments are pushing vendors to collaborate more closely. Major cloud providers are working together to support interoperability, interconnection, and a more unified experience across platforms.
For businesses, this means they can use the unique strengths of each cloud provider for specific tasks without sacrificing compatibility or performance. Companies might use one provider for data storage, another for advanced analytics, and a third for specialised AI services. This cooperation among cloud providers ensures smoother operations and simplified management for IT teams overseeing complex multi-cloud ecosystems.
3. CIOs clamp down on cloud spend
CIOs often complain of ‘sticker shock’, discovering that the resource-usage billing model employed by cloud providers results in significant overspending. CIOs are increasingly taking charge of cloud spending, emphasising cost management to ensure investments align with business objectives.
Unmanaged cloud expenses can escalate quickly, particularly with the rise of multi-cloud and hybrid strategies. To keep costs in check, CIOs are using tools for real-time tracking, and automated optimisation. This focus on spending is enabling businesses to get more value from their cloud investments and to reclaim control of their spending.
4. Cloud security improves dramatically
As data breaches and cyber threats become more sophisticated, cloud providers are doubling down on security. Despite the shared responsibility security model employed by vendors, companies increasingly expect their suppliers to deliver top-tier defences with AI-powered threat detection tools at the top of their wishlists.
Many providers are also adopting zero-trust security models, which assume no user or device is trustworthy by default. For businesses, this means greater confidence in their data’s safety and more secure infrastructure for both hybrid and multi-cloud setups. Strengthened cloud security is crucial for companies handling sensitive information, from financial data to intellectual property.
By better protecting customers, cloud vendors hope to differentiate themselves from the competition – and to keep customers on board for longer.
5. Data sovereignty and privacy become strategic priorities
With stricter regulations on data privacy and sovereignty emerging worldwide, CIOs need to know exactly where their cloud-based data is located – and whether it is compliant with relevant legislation. Laws such as GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California have heightened the need for companies to carefully manage where and how they store customer data.
CIOs are developing strategies to ensure their workloads are fully compliant. Cloud providers are also enhancing their offerings with region-specific storage options and privacy management tools, making it easier for companies to meet localised regulatory requirements. By proactively managing data sovereignty, businesses are building trust with customers and positioning themselves as leaders in data privacy.
Until next time…
These five cloud trends reflect the reality that cloud deployments are now mission-critical. Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies offer increased agility, while robust cost management and security ensure sustainable growth. The issue of data sovereignty is finally being taken seriously – cloud vendors like Oracle are helping CIOs make smarter choices about where and how their data is hosted.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series in which we look at AI, the edge and the cloud…