I recently sat down with the very awesome Stu Miniman of RedHat on his live video series, ‘In The Clouds’, to talk ‘Cloud 2030’. It was so cool to catch up with Stu – definitely check out the video, but I’d also like to share what I was thinking before sitting down with Stu.
As technology continues to evolve, cloud commuting remains a pivotal force shaping the digital landscape. Looking ahead to Cloud 2030, we can anticipate exciting opportunities and significant challenges in the realm of cloud computing. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key aspects that will define the cloud’s future, including cost management, technological advancements, the evolving role of IT leaders, the rise of multi-cloud strategies, and the importance of collaboration and innovation.
- Cost Management: Balancing Value and Cloud Accounting
Cloud 2030 will witness a continued focus on cost management and value optimization. The rise of FinOps, a discipline dedicated to cloud financial management, highlights the increasing importance of understanding and controlling cloud expenditures. Business leaders must strike a balance between the benefits of the cloud and the potential costs involved. The option of repatriation, or bringing some services back in-house, should not be dismissed, as it can be a viable solution for certain use cases.
- Thinking Ahead with NIST and Cloud Characteristics
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a forward-looking perspective on cloud computing. The five core characteristics of the cloud (on-demand/self-serve, network access, measured, elastic/scalable, pooled resources) will still be relevant in Cloud 2030. However, additional attributes such as observability, automation, integration, and agility will become essential to address future business needs effectively.
- Cloud Accountability and the Evolving Role of IT Leaders
Cloud accountability will be a pressing concern in Cloud 2030. Leaders across IT and business domains, including board members, investors, and governments, will seek better oversight of cloud services. Understanding who “owns” the cloud service, who is responsible for security, availability, and privacy, will be critical. IT Operations teams will play a central role in this scenario, using advanced technologies like machine learning and AIOps to enhance cloud observability, performance, and security.
- On-Premises Still Matters in the Cloud 2030 Landscape
Contrary to some predictions, on-premises infrastructure will still have a role to play in the cloud era. While traditional leasing and owned data centers might become less common, hosting, colocation, and edge cloud solutions will thrive. Physics and specific hardware requirements will keep some workloads and systems anchored to on-premises environments.
- The Rise of Community Cloud and the API Economy
The concept of Community Cloud, also known as Industry Cloud, will gain traction in Cloud 2030. Collaboration between companies within an industry will foster shared knowledge, leading to better outcomes for all involved. The API economy will become more prevalent, enabling seamless integration between cloud services and encouraging a platform-based approach to building cloud communities.
- Beware of Amara’s Law and Embracing the Unknown
Amara’s Law reminds us that we tend to overestimate the short-term impact of technology while underestimating its long-term significance. As we envision Cloud 2030, we must remain open to the unexpected. New innovations may arise, disrupting the cloud landscape in unforeseen ways. To thrive in this rapidly evolving environment, businesses must remain agile and adaptable.
Conclusion
Cloud 2030 promises to be an exciting period of growth and transformation. As cloud computing becomes more deeply embedded in our lives and businesses, pragmatic decisions driven by value, data, and collaboration will be essential. IT leaders must stay vigilant in managing cloud costs, ensuring accountability, and fostering innovation through partnerships and interconnections. Embracing the multi-cloud reality and staying prepared for the unforeseen will position businesses to make the most of the opportunities that Cloud 2030 has in store.
