After a year of hardship and disruption, many UK businesses will have viewed Julys Freedom Day and its easing of the remaining Covid restrictions as a welcome return to some sort of normality. The long-awaited return to the office and face-to-face meetings is finally here. However, very few organizations will be planning a reversion to the old paradigms.
The pandemic accelerated a trend that was already well underway; cloud adoption. During the first weeks of chaos, the need to facilitate a mass move towards remote working, boost resilience and switch to online customer communications, meant that the use of cloud services was no longer optional. And, with more than 4 in 5 UK businesses already stating plans to implement hybrid strategies moving forward, cloud workloads are only likely to increase even further.
However, cloud environments come with their own unique set of data-related challenges. Whether it's integration or security, businesses need to act now to get one step ahead.
Although many organizations have been on the journey to the cloud for several years in some way or another, the pandemic undoubtedly created a new impetus. It forced business leaders across all sectors to reevaluate their priorities and more often than not cloud adoption came out on top.
In fact, Denodos 2021 Global Cloud Survey discovered that cloud adoption year-on-year has risen 25 percent in advanced cloud workloads, with more complex workloads moving to the cloud. It also reported that almost 40 percent of the 150 businesses questioned are now leveraging hybrid cloud (using combined on-premise and cloud services) and some 9 percent who have extended their architectures to multi-cloud (more than one cloud service).
There are several reasons why the pandemic accelerated cloud adoption at a mass scale. These include:
- The need to facilitate remote working This is perhaps the most apparent change brought on by the pandemic. In an effort to follow government guidelines, keep employees safe and limit the spread of the virus, offices closed their doors and remote work took hold. The need to collaborate online instead of face to face meant that cloud technologies were more essential than ever before. Even industries that were typically slow to adopt due to lack of funding or resources such as the public sector had no option when the pandemic hit.
- The need to continue to deliver services to customers in a digital landscape Traditional retailers and service providers needed to accelerate their transformation from face-to-face, store-based customer interaction to online services. Whether it was putting in place new service models for physical goods such as home-delivery and click and collect or adopting new ways to deliver informational services and advice such as healthcare Software as a Services (SaaS) applications or e-learning all industries needed to reassess how they communicated with their customers in a new digital world. This is where the cloud came in.
- The need to increase resilience and agility The first few months of the pandemic, especially, caused fluctuations in the demand for specific services. Cloud-enabled businesses to be more flexible and scale according to this demand. It also helped businesses to rapidly adapt to new commercial models and launch innovative products and services to gain a competitive advantage, even during this time of chaos.
There is no doubt that cloud technologies became a lifeline for many businesses over the last 18 months, enabling them to survive one of the toughest economic periods in recent history. However, whilst the mass adoption of cloud technologies solved some of the immediate problems caused by the pandemic, it has also created a very unique set of data-related challenges. If organizations are to continue to reap the benefits of cloud long-term, they need to act now and put the processes in place to thrive in our new hybrid landscape.
Businesses typically find themselves struggling during three stages of maturity in the cloud deployment journey:
A common thread throughout these stages is data integration. When moving to the cloud the huge increase in data volumes being stored across multiple sources can make it difficult to keep track. This exacerbates existing challenges around data security and maintaining governance and compliance as well as other regulatory practices such as data sovereignty, lineage and ownership.
To make matters worse, traditional means of moving and copying data are no longer fit for purpose. In fact, the most common method of data integration, Extract Transform Load (ETL) where data files are extracted from an existing source, transformed into a common format and loaded onto a new location has been around since the 1970s. Its no surprise that this techniques limitations, most prominently around complexity, performance and security and governance, are becoming increasingly apparent in our data-intensive age. This is where data virtualization comes in.
Data virtualization complements ETL and other methods of integration such as the Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) and Enterprise Applications Integration (EAI) by removing the need to move and copy data during the journey to the cloud. This gives agility and self-service capabilities to the business, without compromising on security and governance.
As consumers, many of us actually already use a very similar model in the home when consuming entertainment through services such as Netflix and Spotify. They dont hold the physical content in their homes, on DVDs, Blu Rays or CDs. Instead, they will review the information about the film or music (the meta-data) on a platform to decide what they want and, when selected, that content is viewed in real-time from some unknown location in the cloud.
Data virtualization works like this, but for enterprises. Using this technology, the data is kept at the source and only abstracted and consumed in a report, dashboard or application in real-time, when it is needed. This is completely different from the bulk moving and copying of data used in ETL and data warehousing models. It is enabling businesses to gain real-time data insights, to vastly reduce the movement of data around the enterprise and provide centralized security and data governance irrespective of the data sources. For example, for a user who wanted to run a query for a new analytics report, a data virtualization layer would hold details about all the data they might want to consume. It would only be at runtime however, that the system would abstract and combine the actual data from the data source locations for their request. Much like the domestic model for entertainment described above, the content is provided only as and when it is needed.
With cloud technologies set to play an increasingly important role moving forward, organizations need to act now to ensure that they are able to overcome any data-related challenges and maximize value from their pandemic investment. Modern technologies, such as data virtualization, could bring enormous agility to businesses, removing the complexities from hybrid and multi-cloud architectures as users no longer need to worry about where the data is held or what format or protocol is needed for access. Adopting these technologies could help businesses to thrive, no matter what is around the corner.
Charles Southwood, Regional VP Northern Europe and MEA, Denodo
See the original post:
The pandemics long-term legacy on cloud adoption rates and what comes next - ITProPortal
- Box for Android - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- eUKhost - eNlight Cloud Hosting! - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing -- Oracle is Ready to Take You There - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Computing? - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Webinar - Cloud Computing: Why You Should Care - 2010-10-14 - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Hosting? - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Misconceptions and Benefits - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting and How it is Set to Change Internet Commerce - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Awesome Cloud Computing Explained with Animation - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Rackspace Cloud Race - UK cloud hosting - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Improved Cloud Service Delivery And Hosting | IBM - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Explained - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Software companies turn to Savvis for cloud hosting and other SaaS services - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Sky News Tech Report on Cloud Computing - Macquarie Telecom Interview - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- BitNami Cloud Hosting Demo - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Fully managed Cloud Computing solution using your current IT infrastructure (Closed Caption) - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting Server Provisioning - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting Provides Cloud Storage and Backup for new Branding Network [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Harris plans to stop offering remote cloud hosting [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting provides cloud storage and backup for new UK branding network [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- DynamicOps Debuts "Fastest Path to Cloud" Seminar and Webinar [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Harris Corporation to Discontinue Cyber Hosting Operation; Will Continue Providing Advanced Cyber Security and Cloud ... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Tutorial! Amazon Cloud Minecraft Server Hosting! - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- MachPanel 4.3 - SaaS and Cloud Hosting Control Panel for Windows - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Webair Carrier Neutral Cloud: Open Network Access in the Cloud [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting Takes UK Digital Media Agency Into the Cloud [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- FireHost Grows Executive Team on Heels of European Expansion; Appoints Jim Ciampaglio as Sr. Vice President of Global ... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- INetU Managed Hosting is SOC 2 and SOC 3 Compliant [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Web Host Webair Adds Carrier Neutral Cloud Services [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- FireHost Appoints Jim Ciampaglio as Sr. Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- BitRock CEO on BitNami Cloud Hosting - Video [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Harris kills remote hosting service as customers shun cloud storage [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Understand Cloud computing in 60secs - Video [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Systech Integrators® Forms Strategic Relationship With Rackspace Hosting® to Offer Cloud Hosting Services for SAP® ... [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Dedicated & Cloud Hosting Provider Codero Names Industry Veteran Emil Sayegh, President & CEO [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Cloud Computing and Technology Mobility - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting Providers - Video [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- Online Education Innovator Gives Virtual Internet Cloud Services an A+ [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- SingleHop Introduces the Hosting Industry's First Customer Bill of Rights [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- Cloud Services Provider Intermedia Launches Integrated Partner Program [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Cloud Services Provider Intermedia Now Offering Microsoft Office 365 [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Inside IT Cloud Computing Security - Video [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Lansing Cloud Host Introduces Faster ‘Storm SSD’ [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Leading Industry Analyst Firm positions Hosting.com as a Challenger in Managed Hosting Magic Quadrant [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Positioned as Challenger in Managed Hosting in Gartner's Magic Quadrant [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- ServInt Announces the First Finalist for Its Inaugural Sextant Award, Recognizing the Most Effective Use of the ... [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Leading Analyst Firm Recognizes Savvis as a Leader in Two Cloud-Focused Magic Quadrants [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- UK Cloud Computing Company iomart Hosting Recruits Scotland Footballers to Kick off New Campaign [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- Rackspace Hosting Positioned as a Leader in the Leaders Quadrant of the Magic Quadrant for Managed Hosting Providers [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- 4t Networks Offers Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 for Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- elchemyv2.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- Steve VanRoekel Keynote, NIST Cloud Computing Forum and Workshop IV - Video [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Enhances Backup Capabilities to Deliver Leading-Edge Data Recovery Solution for Businesses Any Size ... [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Online Tech Hosts Webinar on Cloud Computing in EHR/RCM Systems [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Enhances Backup & Data Recovery [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- ServInt Introduces Its New Flex Line of High-Performance, Fully Managed Dedicated Servers [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Telefonica targets LatAm with business cloud [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- TCWH Announces New InMotion Hosting Review 2012 [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Lokahi Expands Cloud Offering to Include Managed Security Services Through Partnership With StillSecure [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Eco Cloud Hosting IPv6 Ready with Web Application Firewall and Load Balancer - Video [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Private SharePoint Cloud Beats Other Cloud Hosting Options for Enterprises on Price, Practicality [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- Private SharePoint Cloud Beats Other Cloud Hosting Options for Enterprises, Says AISN [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- CaymanSecurity.com Introduces Secure Cloud Hosting Services [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2012]
- Storm On Demand Introduces Windows Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Citrix Streamlines Delivery of Cloud-Hosted Apps and Desktops [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Explained.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- AMD Opteron 3200 Chips Target Cloud, Web Hosting [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Understanding the Cloud Computing Stack: SaaS, PaaS and IaaS | CloudU - Video [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2012]
- Racemi Joins Rackspace Cloud Tools Program [Last Updated On: March 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 22nd, 2012]
- iNetRadio Adds User Music Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- Managed Hosting Company, OneNeck IT Services, Selected by Southwest Home Builder for Cloud Services [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Hosting? - Australian Cloud Hosting Providers - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- Courion Leverages NaviSite's Enterprise Cloud to Deliver Identity and Access Management Software-as-a-Service [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2012]
- TLD Solutions Launches Next Generation "4GH" Web Hosting [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- ElasticHosts unveils simple cloud web hosting for SMEs [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Rackspace Hosting 1Q net income up on higher sales [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- Infinitely Virtual Announces Support for Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Providing Cloud-Ready Hosting with Mission ... [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- Kore Domains Launches Revolutionary New "4GH" Web Hosting Solution [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- 4GH Web Hosting Europa Launches 4GH Cloud Web Hosting Solution in European Data Center [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Hughes Cloud Services & Hosting Showcases Its Comprehensive Enterprise IT Offering At ... [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2012]