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More and more businesses are moving towards cloud storage when it comes to keeping their business data safe. In a growing industry, it's important to keep up to date with the latest trends.
We’ve compiled a short guide to the four biggest cloud storage trends you'll need to know about in 2022!
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a type of online computing that stores user data on remote servers rather than local devices. Users can access their data through web browsers, mobile apps, and other software programs.
There are three main types of cloud storage services available today: private, public, and hybrid. Private cloud storage allows you to share files with other people who also use the service. Public cloud storage lets anyone access your files without requiring you to log into your account. Hybrid cloud storage combines both private and public cloud storage.
Let’s look at cloud storage advantages and disadvantages.
Cloud storage advantages
Cloud storage has become increasingly popular because it offers several benefits.
It provides easy access to files stored anywhere in the world
It makes sharing large amounts of data simple
It gives you more control over how your data is used
It reduces the need for local backups.
It helps you save money by reducing the number of devices you need to purchase
It improves security by making it easier to protect your data.
Cloud storage disadvantages
Of course, using cloud storage also has its disadvantages
A lack of control over how your data is stored
Security and privacy concerns with cloud storage managers
It can be difficult to migrate files from one storage solution to another
You need a secure internet connection to access your files
Fixed term contracts and paying for larger plans as your file numbers increase
2022 Trends: 4 fascinating Cloud Storage trends you'll need to know about!
In 2021, 50% of all company data was stored in the cloud according to Statistica. This is an increase of 15% from just five years earlier and 10% less than today in 2022. It is safe to predict that cloud storage solutions are the future of team working, especially as hybrid working models continue to grow.
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.
1. Built-in Ransomware defences now come as standard!
Ransomware malware can encrypt your information and make it unreadable and unusable. In 2021 alone, 37% of global organisations reported that they had been hit with Ransomware attacks, according to Forbes magazine. Payment for which increased by 82% in the US, with incidents rising by over 60%.
It makes sense that cloud services are now starting to offer Ransomware recovery protection. How will this work? By creating encryption codes for files as they are created and stored, as well as making backup copies to be stored on another server. This will give you the easy option of restoring your files with a simple click of a button.
2. AI and machine learning are improving your cloud storage
AI and machine learning are becoming more useful in our tech and while you may not even notice your favourite apps and software using them, you will notice the new features that help you do things easier.
Microsoft Word is a great example of AI and machine learning advancement. Offering predictive text, based on keywords or phrases and even your writing style, is helping you make more informed decisions when it comes to writing your next business report.
You can expect to see cloud storage systems using AI and machine learning too, with things like automatic file organisation based on your storage patterns or predicting when you may reach storage capacity.
This is great for helping you eliminate otherwise manual business tasks, from provisioning, obtaining and importing data (known as “ingesting”), managing data retention, and more.
3. More cloud options from legacy vendors
Legacy vendors are now offering services that support potentially critical aspects of your business. In the world of tech, you’ll see some familiar names creating cloud storage options, such as Hewlett Packard's Data Services Cloud Console, and Dell Technologies’s new APEX multi-cloud design that it is working on to improve the cloud ecosystem.
For you, as a customer, it brings lots more choice in how and where you store your business data. One thing to look for is the depth of offer and the pricing structure, so you can find the perfect fit for your business needs.
4. The Edge becomes a key player in cloud storage
“Edge computing” is a new buzzword in technology. Edge computing is a networking philosophy with the sole focus on bringing your computing geographically closer to the source of your data to improve access speeds, reduce load times and reduce the bandwidth you need to access those files. In other words, central cloud storage servers are being placed closer to your location.
Is that great news for you and your team when it comes to accessing your cloud storage?
Well yes and no.
Yes, ultimately it makes for more efficient use of your time while working, but the downside is that not every provider will be able to cover your area with extra server options (at least for the moment anyway). So it’s worth making sure you talk to your current provider to see what your options are.
Need help optimising and backing up your cloud storage? Or migrating to a new provider?
Your business data is important to us. Why? Because we know it is crucial to how well your business runs. It needs to be secure and widely accessible to in-office, hybrid and work-from-home teams. Contact us today and find out how we can help you with the perfect cloud storage set-up!