Edge Computing
Decentralization is popularizing edge computing, where everything is done locally instead of at the central cloud network. Storing and calculating data close to where it is generated and consumed reduces latency, provides faster real-time response times and optimizes bandwidth.
Businesses are looking to bridge the gap between a centralized cloud and the end-user at the network edge. Spurring innovation requires integrating a distributed edge strategy into a larger cloud computing effort.
Serverless
Serverless is a cloud-native development platform that allows developers to build apps without managing servers. Servers still exist in serverless, but they are abstracted from app development. Cloud providers handle provisioning, scaling, and maintaining the server infrastructure. Deploying code is as easy as packaging it up in a container.
The main difference between serverless and other cloud computing models is that the cloud provider manages both the cloud infrastructure and the scaling of applications. In serverless applications, containers automatically launch when you need them.
SASE
Organizations will continue to adopt security access service edge (SASE) technology as they graduate from the quick response measures implemented for unexpected surges in remote workers.
With SASE, software-defined wide area network (WAN) capabilities combine with cloud-native security services, including zero-trust network access, secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, and firewall as a service.
Regional Ecosystems
The future of cloud computing will see the emergence of regional and vertical cloud ecosystems. Growing regulatory fragmentation, protectionism, and industry compliance all drive this trend.
Many companies are looking for ways to reduce lock-in and single points of failure for their cloud services. Regions that cannot create or sustain their own cloud platform ecosystems will have to rely upon those established in other regions. Concerns among politicians, academics, and tech providers have increased within these regions, leading to regional data infrastructure initiatives such as GAIA-X in Europe.