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2012 Vision for the Cloud

January 05, 2012

According to the Washington Post, 2012 will be a big year for cloud technologies. A December 28 article in the Post reported that last year more companies started to accept the idea of Internet-based services, which is driving the need for cloud technologies to mature in 2012.

Washington Post contributor Vineet Jain reported five visions for the cloud in 2012, including enterprise-wide shifts to the hybrid cloud, tablets that will turn into business tools, a trend toward on-shoring, an increase in cost for “freemiums,” and cloud “commuting” to replace the cubicle.

1. There will be enterprise-wide shifts to the hybrid cloud: According to the article, enterprises will adopt hybrid clouds that maintain the benefits of traditional servers with the accessibility of the public cloud. Since most enterprises move cautiously, it’s predicted that they will first adapt new technologies to existing ones. The hybrid cloud will fit this solution, as it will allow stability, speed, and security.
2. Tablets will be used as business tools: With tablets already becoming a main way for consumers to surf the Internet, The Post reports that executives will find them to be extremely useful in the field. The article noted that since tablets lack storage and processing powers, being able to save and work on documents stored in the cloud is key to making tablets into useful business tools.
3. Offshoring is out, on-shoring is in: According to the Post, 2012 will be the year employers will find they can just as easily provide on-shore jobs through the cloud as they can offshore them to countries like India. With the help of the cloud, employees can access the tools they need to work from home.
4. Freemium models will not be sustainable: Freemiums, which allow businesses to provide free services with increased advertising fees, still cost. The Post predicts that in 2012, businesses will realize that this is not a sustainable business model.  
5. Cloud “commuting” is expected to grow: The Washington Post took note of the fact that today, an office isn’t necessarily a cubicle; with cloud services, employees can work from home, which can cut operating costs for employers.

Overall, The Post predicts that 2012 will be a promising year of innovations for the cloud as it moves beyond its “early adopter” phase to broader acceptance and use.

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