UC Advanced - issue #4

CLOUD STORAGE

CONTINUED

Michelle Stark: “The future of cloud storage looks promising, and it’s sure to be an ever-more attractive option for businesses to utilise. We’ll likely see them become even more flexible than they currently are, fully adopting a pay-as-you-use system which will see the idea of renting out a set amount of space becoming old news. The cloud already offers incredible scalability, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see cloud storage becoming an almost fluid system where users pay for the exact amount of space they need.” “The rapid development of AI is set to become fully integrated with cloud systems, leading to a point where nearly every facet of cloud storage will be run, monitored and secured by automated programs. Cloud storage will be something you don’t even have to think about, simply pay your bills and allow the automated systems and AI enhancements to do all of the technical work for you while you just get on with using the service. “This will also undoubtedly increase the accessibility of the cloud to those who may be intimidated by the technical knowledge currently required to fully utilise and transition to it, which when combined with faster and more reliable internet speeds, means exponential growth for the industry looming on the horizon.” Mark O’Dell: “As business teams work more closely together, cloud storage expedites more efficient collaboration internally and externally. There is no doubt that the future of cloud storage is exciting. AI-driven data manipulation is set to optimise data, while the advent of quantum computing could revolutionise encryption and security. Sustainability will undoubtedly also take

“There may be sovereignty concerns too, some countries have data sovereignty laws that require specific types of data to be stored within their borders. This can be challenging with cloud providers that have data centres in various locations. Additionally, there may be concerns about the cost of transitioning to the cloud and ongoing maintenance and support, and businesses heavily invested in legacy systems may find it difficult to integrate with cloud storage solutions seamlessly.” What does the future of cloud storage look like? Phil Pennington, Technical Sales Leader, Tectrade: “The future of cloud storage looks more like a utility than a product. Just as we don’t care if our local power company uses certain machines to deliver our electricity, we won’t care what vendor provides our cloud storage. “All of that will be front-ended by a portal that allows us to define our level of performance and the capacity we need for a given workload, attach the application to the selected storage, and it just runs like lights coming on when we flip a light switch.” Sergei Serdyuk: “Well, it’s hard to say for sure, but the future of cloud storage looks pretty bright. With more and more businesses and individuals relying on cloud-based solutions, it’s clear that this technology will continue to be ubiquitous. “As the demand for cloud storage continues to grow, some potential trends and developments could shape its future, including hybrid cloud solutions because many businesses may adopt a hybrid cloud approach, combining on-premises data centres with cloud storage to balance data control and scalability. “Cloud providers will continue to invest in advanced security measures and privacy features to address concerns and meet compliance requirements. Solutions could integrate AI capabilities to enhance data management, analytics, and decision-making processes, and there could be a stronger focus on environmentally friendly cloud solutions to reduce the carbon footprint associated with data centres.”

Michelle Stark Sales and Marketing Director

fasthosts.co.uk

Phil Pennington Technical Sales Leader

tectrade.com

centre stage, with efforts to address the cloud’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.

“When deciding what cloud storage option to choose, it will be essential for businesses to be informed when deciding the best storage approach. Ensuring data security, accessibility and sustainability align with business objectives is essential. Cloud storage optimises efficiency, enhances flexibility and offers collaboration and cost-effectiveness, redefining modern data management.”

34

Powered by