4 Interesting Cloud Storage Trends

Ransomware Defenses

Ransomware can affect data no matter where it is stored. Whether on a computer, server, or in a cloud storage platform, this malware can encrypt the data making it unreadable to the business that owns it.

In 2021, the average ransomware payment increased by 82%, and ransomware incidents rose by 64% during the year’s first half. A survey of CISOs found that in the last 18 months, 98% of organizations suffered a cloud data breach.

To defend against ransomware, you’ll begin seeing cloud storage services offering ransomware recovery protection. This involves sophisticated systems that help to prevent files from being encrypted by code, as well as those that take a copy of files and store it securely away, so these files can be easily restored at the click of a button.

With ransomware on the rise with no signs of stopping, this is a welcome addition to the cloud storage arena.

“The Edge” Becomes More Key In Cloud Storage

One of the new buzzwords of the last few years has been “Edge computing.” This means bringing data applications and storage resources geographically closer to the user that needs to connect to them.

As reliance on cloud storage and other cloud applications has increased, so has the need to improve response times from user to server. When data must travel across large distances, it becomes more difficult to quickly and economically deliver the best user experience. Thus, cloud service providers have been moving to an Edge computing model.

The transition to Edge computing means better reliability and faster response when accessing or searching for files because your provider will work to provide your service from one of the company’s cloud servers that is geographically closer to your location.

Keep service location in mind for companies with offices spread out around a country or worldwide when signing up for cloud storage. Discuss with the provider about distance and how Edge computing factors in.

AI & Machine Learning Advancements

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and machine learning are advancing in nearly every area of technology. Microsoft Word and text message apps now use predictive text features to help you fill in the blanks and type faster. Programs like Photoshop can crop around an object or person in an image in seconds using A.I.

A.I. is also going to become more prevalent in cloud storage this year. You can expect help automatically organizing your files based on your cloud storage patterns.

Look for features that eliminate manual or repetitive tasks to free up more time. This includes A.I. helping to automate things like provisioning, obtaining and importing data (known as “ingesting”), managing data retention, and more.

More Cloud Options From Legacy Vendors

Cloud storage options are expanding from legacy technology providers. For example, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise introduced a new Data Services Cloud Console. Dell Technologies also recently launched a new APEX multi-cloud design to improve the cloud ecosystem.

More cloud storage options means you may need additional help deciding which model will benefit you most, as pricing will vary widely. You don’t want to end up with more storage than you need or pay a ton for a smaller amount of space.

It’s vital to stay on top of new cloud offerings and understand that every new cloud storage option may not be a fit for your organization’s specific data storage needs.