Moving to the cloud no longer optional in 2023

Businesses in 2023 need the innovation, capability and scalability of cloud computing more than ever. For the vast majority of businesses to implement cloud it’s been done to meet the rising demands of the business and market environment they find themselves having to compete in.

Cloud has often been adopted too fast for comfort, particularly due to the fast-forward effect of the pandemic, which experts say advanced commercial digitalisation around seven years.

What does 2023 hold for businesses when it comes to cloud?

The time may have come now for businesses to slow down when it comes to cloud adoption. There’s no doubt that the need to argue the concept for cloud has been on gone. Let’s be clear: businesses need the security, scalability and affordability cloud offers. We are past the point of debating that.

But now, 2023 signals a time for businesses to put in some actual planning and execution time to refine what and how they use that cloud technology they’ve been eager to get their hands on.

2023 – a more strategic use of cloud

It’s a good idea for businesses to go slower rather than faster when it comes to putting the strategies, budget and plans in place for their cloud usage. And this will involve looking at the future plans for the business, the goals of the organisation and related budgets.

It’s also important for businesses to look at the risks they encountered during their operation. Have there been security incidents in the last 12 to 24 months? What were the nature of those incidents and how can cloud security be more effective, to reduce incidents of vulnerability, but also capacity and potential for user error?

Facing data security challenges

Where cloud has been adopted on an ad-hoc and/or large-scale basis, there can be exposed APIs (Application Programming Interface) which have a high potential to lead to security breaches where non-authorised people gain access to data.

Improved configurations and secure cloud infrastructure can avoid this. Similarly with loss of data. Data backups need to be robust and implemented software of high integrity.

Businesses can benefit from cloud setups looked after by experts with a handle on cloud security so that they correctly implement use of encryption, access control, and activity monitoring to prevent data breaches.

ROI – what have you got to show for your cloud expense?

If businesses are using private cloud to ensure high processing power, but now realise the expense of this weighed against profitable output, it’s likely that a hybrid (public and private cloud) solution might be a more cost-effective alternative.

Popular hybrid cloud solutions

Businesses get the best of both worlds with a hybrid cloud solution. They have more flexibility, can manage cost more effectively, but they’re still able to scale and perform all necessary data processing.

Cloud providers will be looking to optimise costs by using resources efficiently while still offering the high levels of performance many businesses need.

“…as a service”

There has been a trend for businesses and organisation to build cloud infrastructure according to what’s required. But the investment needed is significant. 2023 will see many moving instead to using what they need ‘as a service’ enabling a more effective rationalisation of costs.

Summing up on the 2023 cloud outlook

Cloud computing will continue to be the defining platform for businesses, and where technology will drive innovation and efficiencies. But cloud by itself, particularly where it is implemented in an ineffective or short-sighted way, will not be the solution to every challenge that’s presented.

The capabilities of cloud are now so diverse that effective oversight and expert application are essential for maximum security and long-term resilience.

Need help to implement cloud technology for your business? Get in touch with our cloud experts today.  

< Read more articles on our IT Academy