Global spending on cloud computing infrastructure is expected to surpass $1 trillion for the first time by the end of 2024. This massive expenditure will be driven by many influences – such as a increased need to adopt new platforms and as-a-service offerings, including artificial intelligence (AI). For many companies, there are still notable challenges – often in the security and data protection space. As 2024 looms, hybrid cloud and federated cloud systems are expected to continue breaking down barriers, as the cloud innovations continue to be robust catalysts for opportunity at many companies.

cloud innovations

According to industry insiders, the following are the cloud trends to watch in the coming year.

  1. AI As-A-Service: Cloud infrastructure has a significant role in making AI available to the general population looking for its social benefits (think ChatGPT). AI models are trained on massive amounts of information and data, using huge amounts of computing power that most companies don’t have the resources toattain. AI-as-a-service through cloud platforms provides these powerful capabilities to larger audiences.
  2. Real-Time Infrastructure: Companies are looking to leverage real-time data into relevant insights, eschewing stale or outdated information. Streaming data platforms (Netflix and Spotify) and video data streaming (Zoom calls) and cloud gaming all require new levels of data storage that deliver instant access.
  3. Hybrid And Multi-Cloud: The number of major organizations adopting a multi-cloud strategy, meaning that they purchase cloud services from more than one provider, rose to 85% during 2024. The platform delivers cost and agility advantages but infuses complexity to incorporating these services with legacy systems. The practice of mixing cloud services with on-premises infrastructure should continue to increase as companies look for ways to balance security with flexibility.
  4. Cloud Resilience and Security: Encryption, authentication and business continuity are three functions based in cloud computing services that are increasingly in demand. Cybercrime and breaches are becoming more frequent and more impactful as criminals develop new attacks based in AI. Therefore security and resilience hold a high priority for cloud providers and customers.
  5. Sustainable Cloud Computing: The prominent cloud service providers have all committed to net-zero standards, both for their own processes and for the clients who use their services. How it plays out remains to be seen, but the initiative towards greener and less environmentally impactful cloud computing will continue to represent a strong trend in the new year.
  6. Cloud Privacy: Privacy in the cloud speaks to the ongoing development of solutions that address technological, regulatory and legislative issues on the platform – allowing businesses to utilize cloud services while feeling confident that their data is comprehensively protected. When a business employs a cloud service, it typically involves transmitting information to a third party cloud service provider. Mitigating the privacy implications of this will continue to be a significant theme in cloud computing.
  7. More Streamlined Cloud Computing: Low-code/ no-code tools are allowing non-technical personnel to develop applications that would have required trained software engineers in the past. Additionally, cloud providers are utilizing drag-and-drop interfaces and natural language tools to reduce the need for advanced technical skills and to “democratize” the management of cloud services and infrastructure.
  8. Serverless And Pay-As-You-Go Cloud Services: Serverless cloud computing services erases the need for companies to manage their own servers, instead just paying for the resources they utilize directly. This type of service compels efficiency by eliminating the required payment for servers not in use.

In 2024, cloud innovations will no doubt continue to revolutionize the way companies adddress their business challenges. If you want to learn more about how cloud solutions can streamline your business and make you more competitive, call the team at Alliance IT today.