Cloud expectations 2013

Posted December 31, 2012 at 12:00 pm by admin in Cloud Computing, General.

As we all know, the world of cloud computing is changing rapidly. At the same time, cloud computing is changing the world rapidly. The perception of the risks of outsourcing ones data is becoming more realistic, and therefore in 2012 a lot of traditional organizations decided to join the cloud and the number of enterprises using the cloud continues to grow. But what will the cloud bring us in 2013?

In the past few weeks in almost every IT magazine predictions were given on what to expect in 2013 with regards to cloud computing. We have selected the five trends we feel that will have the strongest impact.

1. The cloud goes European

The European Commission is working on a proposal to introduce uniform rules for cloud computing in Europe by means of certificates and standards for the transmission of data through the cloud.  According to the Dutch European Commissioner Neelie Kroes, this will speed up the cloud adoption process in Europe, which means more organizations will be able to benefit from the resulting cost savings. Kroes is in favor of a European Cloud Partnership that combines best practices on purchasing and cloud use within the public sector. This might help convince other organizations to join the cloud as well.

2. More transparency and flexibility

For many organizations the decision to join the cloud depends on whether they are allowed to store sensitive data in cloud data centers. Because of legislation like the Patriot Act organizations are not sure whether their privacy is guaranteed, resulting in a certain hesitancy or a downright unwillingness to connect to the cloud. Therefore, more transparency from a cloud provider’s perspective on issues like continuity and security is crucial. IT will increasingly become a commodity, very much like the energy and telecommunications sector did. In 2013 we´ll see that the need for flexible and scalable solutions without long-term contracts and obligations will increase, since budgets continue to be under pressure.

3. Traditional IT will disappear

Because of the developments in cloud computing many traditional IT skills will disappear. This means that IT consultants and outsourcing partners will have to adopt a new stance, expanding their know-how beyond the technical borders of IT, and familiarize themselves with broader business issues such as costs, legislation, and strategy. Consulting clients in a wider perspective will be the trend for consultants and outsourcing parties.

4. Not everything belongs in the cloud

Until very recently, businesses thought that everything could be performed in or uploaded to the cloud. This idea is changing. Although working in a cloud is increasingly considered to be safe and to have a lot of advantages, there are also some weaknesses to take into account. They are expected to become more apparent in 2013, as time passes and experience grows. In that light, companies should consider hiring outsourcing specialists who can help decide what activities belong in a cloud and what don’t.

5. Competition between providers

As stated above the cloud is gradually becoming a commodity. Suppliers of cloud computing are starting to compete with each other, resulting in advantages for the customer. Prices will fall and trial periods will be offered. Even changing from one supplier to the other will be considered to be normal. In 2013 an increase in flexible service offerings from cloud providers will be the trend, so clients can expect to see more and more custom made, personalized and innovative solutions coming their way.

Keep an eye on our blog posts if you want to stay updated on other cloud news.