Cloud computing is widely used, but doesn’t enjoy the flash of the software side. The cloud stored files that could then be easily shared with others, as per the original conception.
As advances like automation and AI come to other types of cloud services, like team communications and business apps, cloud storage is not being left behind. Cloud storage is integral to advances like automation and AI, as it must integrate with team communications and business apps. Due to the business interest in confidentiality, storing data in the cloud must become less complex, better secured, and more reliable.
In 2021, an estimated 50% of all company data stayed in the cloud. This is an increase of 15% from just five years earlier. Today’s hybrid teams may work from home and be hundreds or thousands of miles away from co-workers. Therefore, companies must centrally locate files in cloud systems that can be accessed by everyone.
What can you expect to see in the cloud storage market this year? Here are some of the most interesting trends to keep an eye on.
Built-In Ransomware Defenses.
Ransomware impacts data no matter where it is stored. Whether on a computer, server or in a cloud storage platform, this malware encrypts the information to make it unreadable to the business that owns it until they pay the creator. It’s extortion, plain and simple.
In 2021, the average ransomware payment increased by 82%. Ransomware incidents rose 64% during the first half of the year. A survey of CISOs found that over the last 18 months, 98% of organizations suffered a cloud data breach.
As part of the ransomware response, cloud storage services race to offer improved data recovery protections. Increasingly sophisticated systems help prevent files from being encrypted by outside code. The double recovery method involves copying files for storage elsewhere, to restore with a mouse click.
With ransomware showing no sign of stopping, this is a welcome addition in the cloud storage arena.
“The Edge” becomes more key in cloud storage.
One of the new buzzwords of the last few years has been “Edge” or “Edge computing.” It’s a method of internal distribution that stores a client’s data, apps, and cloud based programs geographically closer to them.
As reliance on cloud storage and other cloud applications has increased, so has the need to improve response times from user to server. When data must travel across large distances, it becomes more difficult to quickly and economically deliver the best user experience. Thus, cloud service providers have been moving to an Edge computing model, so each client’s needed data is stored in the server closest to them.
What this means for you is better reliability and faster response when accessing or searching on files because your provider is going to work to provide your service from one of the company’s cloud servers that is geographically closer to your location.
For companies with offices spread out around a country or throughout the world, this means that you’ll want to keep service location in mind when signing up for cloud storage and have a discussion with the provider about distance and how Edge computing factors in.
Expect More Help from AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are impacting every area of computing and IT. Autocorrect may be hilarious, but it’s getting better all the time. Graphic design programs are “learning” to see people and features to make image manipulation easier and faster.
AI is also going to become more prevalent in cloud storage this year. You can expect help with automatic organization of your files based on your cloud storage patterns.
Look for features designed to eliminate manual or repetitive tasks to free up more time. This includes AI helping to automate things like provisioning, obtaining and importing data (known as “ingesting”), managing data retention, and more.
Legacy Vendors Begin Offering More Cloud Options
The big, old companies are finally starting to see the light, or at least feel the heat. 2022 will bring more cloud storage options coming from legacy technology providers. For instance, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise recently introduced a new Data Services Cloud Console, and Dell Technologies just announced a new APEX multi-cloud design that it is working on to improve the cloud ecosystem.
More cloud storage options mean you may need more help deciding which model will work best for you, as prices won’t be transparent. You don’t want to end up with more storage than you need or be paying a lot for a smaller amount of space.
It pays to keep on top of new offerings and understand that every new cloud storage option might not be a fit for your organization’s specific data storage needs.
Don’t forget your telecom data
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To find out what cloud based PBX can do for you, schedule a consultation or call us today at 866-550-0005