Cloud Predictions for 2015

Featured article by Margaret Craig, CEO of Signiant Inc.

According to Gartner, cloud will be one of the top 10 strategic tech trends in 2015.There are now active cloud deployments at most companies, ranging from adoption of SaaS solutions to storing content in a public cloud infrastructure. Many of these are still small-scale projects, but there’s a lot of focus on expanding the pace and scope of cloud deployments in the coming year.

The cloud ecosystem is also allowing for rapid technology innovation, from improved performance and new capabilities to continuous progress around specific issues like latency and security. Finally, the business case for cloud technology has become undeniable, proving that it’s just no longer credible to categorically take an anti-cloud stance.

Looking out on the horizon, here are some cloud computing trends that will gain traction in 2015.

Hybrid cloud architectures will dominate. Across every industry, most people agree that next-generation IT systems will involve some combination of on-premises and cloud infrastructure. Rather than making a wholesale move to the cloud, many organizations will incrementally adopt it in appropriate pockets.

SaaS adoption will continue to accelerate. Both hardware and software purchases are clearly shifting from capex to opex and the world at large is also moving in this direction.The key driver, however, is not just economics – there are very real operational benefits of SaaS software. It’s easier and more cost effective to deploy and manage, easier to use, and automatic updates provide access to rapid innovation. Once these benefits have been experienced, it’s hard to go back.

Designed-for-the-cloud workflows will bring efficiencies. Some of the most transformational cloud projects don’t just move an on-premises workflow to the cloud, but rather re-design it to take advantage of the technology. An example I’m seeing more and more is shifting from push to pull workflows.

Based on the predictions above, here are some best practices for organizations to consider in 2015 as they develop their cloud strategies.

Stop analyzing and try it. Technology decisions have historically involved long, resource-intensive evaluation and modeling processes. This used to make sense: there was a lot at stake, a major capital investment was involved, and the technology was highly complex. In the cloud era, however, much of this effort is unnecessary. The investment is much lower for a subscription or consumption-based offering, and much of the deployment complexity falls on the technology supplier. When I look at the companies that are most successful at next-generation technology deployment, they have learned to jump in, deploy a small footprint, and let the technology speak for itself.

Take an incremental approach. For those companies that are just starting to move into the cloud, it’s helpful to start small and build from there. For example, start with a single workflow in a single geographic location, and then scale out in both dimensions. Most technology suppliers are very accommodating of hybrid cloud architectures and fully support incremental adoption. Cloud doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition.

Look at security holistically. As we read about data breaches seemingly every day in the press, it’s clear that there is no such thing as a totally secure technology infrastructure – whether cloud or on-premises. Banning the public cloud altogether or focusing specifically on cloud security threats won’t ensure watertight control of content. The best bet is to regard security as an ongoing, all-encompassing aspect of running the business, and to continually refine every dimension in an integrated fashion. A comprehensive security model takes into account people, policies, facilities, on-premises hardware and software – and cloud technology.

In summary, cloud adoption will continue to accelerate into 2015 and those companies that will most benefit from the cloud will stay open minded to the opportunities the cloud presents in any business model.