10 Facts About Cloud Computing to Make You Look Smart

Are you planning a start-up offering a SaaS in analytics? Maybe you head the technology division and are toying with the idea of using a hybrid cloud computing solution, or maybe you were caught asking “what cloud”!  Whatever be the case, you will surely like to know some cloud computing facts, the technology that is growing at the fastest pace among all others.
Here are 10 Cloud Computing facts you should know about.
1. Cloud Computing is just that, computing in the cloud!
Hey, if you are wondering how did cloud in the skies pop up in technology, no worries. Cloud Computing simply refers to the use of the internet to store data on remote servers. Instead of traditional storage of data locally on your hard disks or flash drives, you now store data on the cloud. Just as you store documents on Google drive or store emails and company correspondence with your company email provider.
2. Did you know spending on the Cloud is HUGE and rising at a rapid rate? 
It is projected that by 2019, worldwide spending in Cloud will exceed $141 billion. From large multinationals, IT companies, SMEs to individuals, every element of the work and personal spectrum touches upon the cloud. It is there in everyday life, in a 24/7 connected world, it is there for work communication, transport or logistics. Every work or industry you can think of uses the services of cloud in some forms or the other, and most likely in multiple avatars.
As businesses realize the value storing data in the cloud, for any time, everywhere access; investments in cloud technology are increasing at high rates.
3. Why is Cloud technology so “hot”?
It is the most secure way of data storage. You can access your data at a moment’s notice from any location in the world. Besides, if you use the benefits of cloud storage to store important data, it can never get lost. You can access the same even if your laptop has gone “hung” on you or you left the file back at home. Cloud computing also allows collaboration, with edits and changes by a disparate workforce, racing to complete a project on time. It is scalable to suits your needs, supports disaster recovery and cuts down hardware costs. What more could you ask?
4. It’s Public, Private and Hybrid, all at the same time.
There are three types of cloud technologies – Public Cloud, Private Cloud and Hybrid Cloud. As the term suggests, Public Cloud data is open to all, while Private Cloud has restricted access where the secure cloud environment can be operated only by the specified client. The Hybrid Cloud is an integration of on-premise, private cloud /third-party and public cloud services. Here, IT is based on-site, with storage and computation of secure data in the cloud.
5. Cloud is not all about storage, it offers services too!
The Cloud stores global data and offers service too. The 3 services offered by Cloud Computing for businesses are
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
PaaS allows you to start your app building with little money as the PaaS clouds have robust development. IaaS allows an internet business to develop instantly and scale-up. SaaS takes the cake of all Cloud technologies! It allows the cloud software architecture to be used by the vendor while cutting costs of maintenance, as the application runs on the vending machines.
6. Spending on Cloud Computing grows at rates much higher than IT
Of all cloud solutions, SaaS logs the largest block of global spend between $25 and $40 billion in global cloud spend. In India, while cloud services have grows at a CAGR of 33.2 percent, SaaS alone logged 34.4 and IaaS 39.8 percent. This phenomenal growth in cloud services is driven by new IT computing products deployed using cloud models.
7. Cloud talent has been unable to keep up with Cloud growth
Now, this is something that is going to grab your attention. One of the biggest challenge for the Cloud today is a lack of expertise. According to a study by Right Scale, 32% of respondents said their IT departments were poorly equipped to handle the growing workloads in the cloud. What IT chiefs want is a growing workforce who is an expert in cloud Technologies, or at least has covered the basics in a Could computing course.
8. Did you know that server deployment is directly proportional to smart devices?
It does sound weird, but it is true. According to stats, for every 1,200 smartphones / 600 tablets booted up, the cloud adds an additional 1 – 5 servers. By the end of 2019 global smartphone use is expected to rise to over 2.6 billion. So where do you think so many servers will be stored? Why don’t you throw this question around and see how varied and interesting the answers can be?
9. Hang on, here comes 5G!
As the amount of data generated and stored grows rapidly, consumers expectation of faster connections from network providers are also increasing. With work on this front already underway, you can expect up-scaling from gigabyte LTE speeds to full 5G networks! Of course, enhanced network quality will better the performance of fast-loading services and apps. Every industry and business will benefit from faster network speeds, and the world will surely be a different place with this Cloud hyper-performance.
10. Security issues will challenge the Cloud
The security of cloud infrastructures has however become a concern with the increased sophistication of cyber attacks by specialized groups and state-sponsored actors. Businesses will need to ramp up their security, deploy malware detection systems, and implement healthy cybersecurity practices. The risks of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) culture downloading software from unverified cloud services with be a great risk. Cloud services will attempt to fill the role with managed security service providers offering end-to-end complete security.
Takeaway
You don’t need to be a techie to understand the Cloud, but be Cloud-savvy so you can recognize the potentials of Cloud as a long-term investment opportunity. As an analytics or IT professional, what can you do? Rack up your Cloud Computing knowledge so the next time around, when there is talk around the office water cooler, you sure can pull a crowd.