Exploring the Top 3 Trends in Public Cloud Technologies and Cloud Management Platforms

Public cloud technologies and Cloud Management Platforms have changed quickly over the last two years due to the growing need for scalable and cost-effective solutions. Many businesses now view cloud adoption as essential for improving operations and driving innovation. Three major trends are shaping the cloud landscape today.

1. Optimizing Cloud Spending

One key trend in public cloud technology is the increased focus on cost management. As companies move to the cloud, many find that poor management of cloud resources can lead to high expenses, especially if they simply move their existing systems without adjusting them for cloud efficiency.

To tackle this issue, businesses are using advanced cloud cost management tools, often powered by AI and automation, along with FinOps (Financial Operations) strategies. These tools provide real-time insights into cloud usage, helping companies cut down on waste and control costs. However, how well these efforts succeed depends on how the cloud was initially adopted. Projects that merely shifted existing systems to the cloud often did not allow for future optimization.

2. Adopting Multi-Cloud Strategies

The trend of using multiple cloud providers, known as multi-cloud strategies, is on the rise as businesses want to avoid being locked into one vendor and need to address specific workload requirements. This approach lets companies use the best services from different providers for their unique needs, such as choosing machine learning tools from one and data analytics tools from another. This enhances performance and flexibility while reducing dependence on a single provider.

However, managing multiple cloud environments can lead to higher operational costs and added complexity. To deal with this, organizations are turning to unified cloud management platforms to simplify governance and integrate various systems. Success in this area requires a solid understanding of workloads and a focus on optimizing applications for better mobility.

3. Maximizing Value from Cloud Investments

As companies become more experienced with cloud use, they are moving beyond essential migration to find ways to get the most out of their investments. The goal is no longer just about saving money but also about using cloud technology as a foundation for innovation and growth.

Technologies like containers and serverless computing are at the forefront of this change. Containers help businesses deploy applications more quickly, while serverless computing allows them to avoid managing infrastructure directly, providing better scalability.

Moreover, companies are using AI and advanced analytics in their cloud environments. Cloud providers now offer robust AI and machine learning tools that enable businesses to gain deeper insights, automate tasks, and enhance customer experiences. This approach helps unlock new revenue streams and improve efficiency.

Many organizations are also focusing on developing their workforce to harness the full potential of cloud investments. Training employees in cloud-native skills and promoting a culture of continuous learning is essential. This shift is transforming the role of Managed Service Providers as customers increasingly seek collaboration instead of just services.

As the Head of Cloud at DCS (part of the Wavenet group), my role involves mapping these evolving trends into our solutions and services for our clients. This year, we introduced a new service called OnDemand, which I am incredibly proud of. It represents a complete reimagining of Professional and Managed Services, providing flexibility and agility that allows our customers to maximize their cloud investments. After all, the principles behind ITIL were established in 1980, and Professional Services have been around for over a century!

In summary, public cloud technologies have made significant strides in the past 24 months, focusing on optimizing spending, adopting multi-cloud strategies, and increasing value from investments. These trends will continue to play a crucial role in shaping organizations’ cloud journeys and fostering innovation in the years ahead. Understanding what cloud technology is and how it impacts business operations is essential for any organization looking to thrive in this new landscape.