Cloud computing is here to stay and its growth is being driven by several trends at the moment. Mobile devices that use apps to access data on public and private networks are in use worldwide. The apps are the front end used to access data and functionality in the cloud. Cloud computing helps information to flow more freely and easily. Pricing will become more of a factor in decisions as more companies’ ramp up their offerings. Social media networks all use the cloud. The popularity of Facebook, Twitter and the rest is undeniable. Social features are in demand and undoubtedly will come to the cloud.
The proliferation and ubiquity of mobile devices is driving usage of cloud computing like never before. Smart phones and tablets are everywhere and their apps most often leverage the cloud. Phablets, a mobile device with the capabilities of a phone and a larger screen like a tablet, are projected to lead the next stage of mobile growth.
The number of third-party apps for top cloud platforms will grow and flourish. Each new application deployment will add to the net total value of the cloud to its users. Just like the operating systems and browser wars of the past, the cloud computing platforms with the most useful and popular third-party apps will win in the end. Cloud software companies such as NetSuite will flourish thanks to this.
Cloud computing reduces friction. Friction points slow companies down. The cloud removes them. Automated transactions, real time supply chain updates and communications between employees and customers are all examples of ways the cloud can speed things up.
The new front in the cloud computing battle will be price. Amazon has enjoyed a long period of prosperity with their cloud services. As Microsoft and Google both get serious, they are sure to chip away at their dominance through very aggressive pricing.
A major cloud computing trend is cloud storage. Dropbox and its competitors can represent some of the highest network usage at any given time on corporate networks today. Hand in hand with improvements in cloud security, storage in the cloud is commonplace. The ease of accessing your data anywhere, at any time, from any device just makes sense.
Social media features of the cloud are on the rise. Communication via cloud apps instead of just using email is being demanded by many accustomed to the always on, instantaneousness of social networks like Facebook and Twitter. Social media channels can be monitored and made more manageable through the use of dashboards. Data can be collected and filtered in real time so insights may be gained from customer feedback via social channels. Customer service reps can then communicate with customers faster and more easily.
Cloud computing is a truly global phenomenon already and this will ensure its usefulness. Application deployment to the cloud will become the norm. Application developers will likely rule even more than they already do in the tech and business worlds. The cloud will speed up business and pricing will be competitive among providers. Mobile device usage, cloud storage and cloud social will likely lead the way. 