3 cloud computing trends affecting businesses right now

It was only a few years ago that if you asked a business leader if they were using the cloud, they would only have a vague idea about what that meant. But today cloud computing has become part of the everyday business landscape.

In Australia, it is estimated that 76 per cent of businesses are utilising cloud computing (StollzNow Research), with 46 per cent of non-cloud users planning to use cloud services in the future. Thanks to this growth, the market for cloud services was predicted to surge to $208.6 billion by the end of 2016, up from $178 billion in 2015, according to Gartner.

In addition to more businesses using cloud computing, the innovation in this space is also escalating. Not only is it becoming easier and more affordable to use cloud technology, it is also becoming safer, more adaptable and ubiquitous.

Here are some of the cloud trends businesses should be aware of:

1. Server-less computing

Many businesses are moving beyond just using cloud tools and software and are hosting their entire IT environment in the cloud, including files, email and applications – all accessed through cloud desktop platforms, resulting in a decline in businesses investing in on-premise servers.

More businesses are opting for this total cloud solution for many reasons. One of the most significant is the reluctance to continue to invest in costly IT infrastructure that requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Total cloud environments also allow for greater flexibility and adaptability within the business, meaning growth is easier to achieve.

2. Data security

The security of data is becoming an increasing priority for many business leaders with new threats and regulations starting to impact operations. The security around cloud computing has advanced greatly over the past five years. In many instances, your data is actually safer in the cloud that stored in on-premise servers.

Many cloud providers offer great security options, including regular back-ups, virus and malware protection, ongoing updates and security from unauthorised access.

3. Automation

Automation is beginning to make its mark in the business world. Productivity and cost effectiveness will be the result of more business processes becoming automated, particularly in areas like data collection and data processing.

This trend is also being driven by advances in the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. Businesses are able to collect more data than before and use this to not only make more informed decisions but streamline operations to improve workflow and productivity.

For instance, businesses that have a mobile workforce, or even trucks or delivery vehicles, have the ability to ensure they take the most efficient routes using smarter technology. When they arrive on premise they have access to all their business tools they need to complete the task, meaning that invoicing is done on the spot.

The whole process from customer satisfaction through to ensuring the goods or services have been invoiced, can now be completely automated. This technology is now quicker and cheaper, and also more secure thanks to private cloud providers.

Cloud computing will continue to evolve. From a technology that was once only accessible by large enterprises, to widespread clever cloud tools, to now being able to run a business completely from the cloud, we are only just starting to see the tip of the cloud iceberg.