These are the pillars of the modern economy, and they have changed dramatically in the past year. Traditional businesses are being transformed by AI and digital transformation efforts, with new value chains and workforces emerging to support them.
These efforts will only accelerate as new services become available to facilitate business collaboration and streamline processes. AI has already played a major role in changing industries, from manufacturing to finance and healthcare. In 2020s, IaaS is likely to be one of the most disruptive tech trends of this decade.
There are already many players in this market such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Digital Ocean and more. But in 2020, there was still a lot left for other players to do. Today, we no longer have to take solace in the fact that there are only two major players — Amazon and Google — when there should be many competitors. The AI arms race has already begun and it is just getting started.
What is IaaS?
The Internet of Things, Big Data, and even self-driving cars are all connected through the cloud. With the onset of AI and the embracing of the cloud, things have become even more interconnected. All businesses need to be able to access this wealth of data to build a better understanding of their customers, drive improved decision making, and even automate repetitive tasks.
Cloud services are the backbone of the modern business world and they have become even more important with the advent of AI.
When data is stored and processed in the cloud, it is accessible from any device, including the far-off data center. In other words, you do not have to have an office or physical location to manage your business from. This level of remote collaboration and access has been made possible by the internet, but it has also been made possible by the server, network, and software used by the business.
When data is captured and stored in the cloud, it is accessible from any device, including the far-off data center.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a model in which services are provisioned and administered through remote data centers. The model benefits from the flexibility of the cloud while having fewer upfront costs and maintenance expenses compared to on-premise solutions.
These characteristics include:
- Anywhere access – cloud services are accessible from any device, including the data center.
- No additional hardware or software needed – with cloud services, you do not need to invest in additional hardware or software for remote access.
- Disaster recovery – with cloud services, you can simply shut down the service and all your data will be safe.
- No controls over data – with cloud services, you have no way of controlling what data gets processed, what data is removed, or what data is incorrect.
With cloud computing, you have no idea how data is being used or who is using it.
Server computing
Serverless computing is another transformation that has taken place in the past year. This transformation is the result of efforts to standardize the technology and remove unnecessary controls. It is different from server technologies in that the computing power is not physically located in one location.
Instead of controlling and managing servers, mission-critical applications, or servers through software applications, these applications are controlled and managed through API integrations and/or serverless codes. This trend has been picking up pace over the past year and is now a major transformation in the data center.
The last year has seen the adoption of serverless platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services, that have made the adoption of serverless a reality for business. These platforms make it possible to create serverless codes that are executable without a human being having to download and run them.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
SaaS is a business model that accepts fees only for the services provided, rather than for the physical equipment used to provide the service. To be considered a SaaS company, a business must provide only software applications, without the corresponding hardware and software required to run them.
To be considered a SaaS company, a business must provide only software applications, without the corresponding hardware and software required to run them. SaaS vendors provide software applications that are stored in the cloud, and users access these applications through a web browser.
However, unlike with other cloud-based services, which are only as valuable as the data stored in them, SaaS applications contain everything needed to function, such as data management and analysis tools, business applications, and marketing tools.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
This is another type of cloud computing service that provides physical infrastructure such as servers, storage, and networking gear. Like all other types of cloud services, IaaS is controlled and managed through API integrations and/or software applications.
However, unlike with SaaS, the hardware and software needed to run an IaaS instance is entirely provided by the vendor. With IaaS, the cloud provider offers the physical infrastructure, and the vendor provides the software applications that operate on this physical infrastructure.
Like all other types of cloud services, IaaS is controlled and managed through API integrations and/or software applications. However, unlike with SaaS, the hardware and software needed to run an IaaS instance is entirely provided by the vendor.
Conclusion
The future of computing is now, and it is shaped by the transformation of data into information. To be successful in this new technological environment, businesses need to be flexible and prepared to change their strategies as new services and technologies are released.
In 2020s, AI and the adoption of the cloud will continue to change the way businesses do business. The good news is that business transformation is an ongoing process that can be accelerated through the use of technology.