Whether you consciously think about it not, these days you likely use cloud computing – computer resources accessed over the Internet rather than locally – on a very regular basis. From utilizing the Cloud for data storage for your business, to using the latest productivity apps, or taking advantage of the Cloud when you’re shopping, traveling, connecting with loved ones, or learning new skills, cloud computing has changed the way humans live, work, and enjoy leisure time.
Admittedly, there are some potential security issues to be addressed when it comes to data being sent and kept in the Cloud. However, there are also lots of ways to mitigate risk, whether you buy Microsoft Azure Security for your business data or rely on the security purchased by other companies to keep your information safe.
When you weigh the pros and cons are weighed, it’s easy to see that cloud computing has, and will continue to, change the way the world works in many ways. If you’re wondering where the growth in this arena is going next, read on for some of the latest developments made possible by cloud computing.
Work
Businesses around the world are already enjoying the cost benefits of cloud computing. Rather than having to pay for expensive local servers, companies can now enjoy discounted rates made possible through accessing cloud storage. The benefits extend beyond just cost savings though.
Companies in every type of industry can now capture and analyze huge amounts of information quickly and easily, which allows them to cater to customer needs and wants much faster than if they were relying on local servers. When data is captured in the cloud, businesses can regularly update sales information and inventory tracking information, often in real time. This leads to quick turnovers in new product designs and developments.
When considering the vast amount of data tracked online, you can look to the British online fashion retailer, Asos. According to Pete Marsden, the company’s Chief Information Officer, Asos is getting close to measuring data volumes that are in the petabytes. This huge amount of information can only be efficiently handled because of cloud computing, which allows the retailer to constantly analyze which products are selling well, what customers want, and how to deliver it to them in record time.
Health Care
Cloud computing is also changing the face of healthcare. For starters, hospitals, medical centers, and nursing homes can now update patient information on the go, and give health providers access to data instantaneously. Rather than having to source records from other facilities, doctors and nurses can gain access to patient data from the cloud. This allows for much quicker diagnoses and treatment.
Cloud computing is also changing where and how healthcare can be provided. In the future, more and more people will be able to access services from their home, rather than needing to go to hospital or clinics for checkups.
Home health monitoring will make it possible for patients with diabetes, sleep apnea, heart conditions, and other problems to be watched and treated remotely. Companies working on experimental technology are also looking at ways to use infrared cameras to analyze a person’s face and body to scan for negative changes. This will help to quickly alert healthcare providers and patients themselves to potential dangers.
In addition, the rapid rise and popularity of gamification will be utilized in the healthcare field. For example, gaming principles are starting to be used in the delivery of information about medications and health to patients, as it makes it more fun to learn. People can be educated and coached in real time using personalized games and disease management programs – much more interesting than the old food pyramids or bland guides that come with tablets.
Travel
The travel industry has also already been very affected by cloud computing, from how people plan their trips, and book and check in to flights and hotels, to how they pay bills, find a cab, and much more. The trend certainly hasn’t stopped either.
The big data captured in the cloud is now being used to help produce more and more personalized travel offerings for consumers. For example, the predictive Utrip app which launched last year produces specially-created travel itineraries that are based on a user’s interests and budget restrictions.
Communicating with people in different languages is also set to get easier thanks to cloud computing. Travelers will likely soon be able to simply use their mobile devices to make language barriers a thing of the past, via apps which use voice recognition and translation software to convert foreign words into the user’s preferred language.
