Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2022. Read them in this 14th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
2022
Cloud Outlook: Focusing on the Experience
By Cyndi Lyon, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Otava
Just a year ago, we gladly turned the page on 2020. Now,
as the pandemic persists, and many of the same challenges and struggles
continue, most businesses have had multiple crash courses in navigating
uncertainty. One of the first lessons that many businesses learned was the
importance of moving their workloads to the cloud. So, it comes as no surprise
that the growth in cloud computing and infrastructure that surged in 2020,
continued this year. IDC has forecasted cloud infrastructure spending to grow
12% in 2021, whereas non-cloud infrastructure is expected to see only 2.7%
growth.
The prevailing sense going forward is that all roads lead to hybrid cloud, and
there's no turning back.
We've learned a lot recently, including the important fact
that we can't always predict what comes next. It's with this in mind, that as
we head into 2022 one central priority for cloud services rises to the top -
creating an exceptional experience.
As a hybrid cloud services provider, we at Otava are
inspired by the endless innovation across the cloud landscape. In 2022, we are
keeping our eyes on a few key trends that will take shape and impact how
enterprises overcome challenges and prepare for the future:
1) The Remote and Hybrid Workforce is
Here to Stay - Mind your Desktops
It's become clear that the traditional in-office working
environment has by and large become a thing of the past. In the coming year,
corporations will continue to invest in tools and technologies to accommodate
the distributed workforce environment of the future. Cloud-based services
designed to support anyone, anywhere, on any device will be key to this effort.
We expect to see a solid uptick in adoption of solutions that automate, deploy,
and manage service delivery with virtual desktops and applications in the
cloud.
Additionally, with the
hybrid workforce settling in, security will remain a top priority, as more
available points of access exist than ever before. Leaders will need to protect
against unwanted cyber-attacks and device theft. Remote access control will be
in demand to protect sensitive data from anywhere. Organizations will increase
their efforts to automate, manage, and deliver the same intuitive user
experience for IT services and applications to all their devices, not just a
lucky few.
The bottom line is that
companies will need to focus on implementing cloud solutions that improve the
overall user experience while providing full protection. As such, we expect to
see new inroads for cloud solutions that support remote employees in their home
offices, like remote desktop management and managed services.
2) The IT Staffing Shortage &
Great Resignation Reign - Look to Managed
Cloud Services
Finding and retaining skilled technology professionals has
been a challenge for years. But recently, the staffing shortage reached a new
peak as the pandemic spurred many to leave or change jobs. What's being called
‘The Great Resignation' applies to all roles, IT and otherwise. So many
employees changing jobs in a relatively short time frame has created a
significant challenge for businesses everywhere. In response, companies need to
cultivate a service-oriented culture, and partner with like-minded technology
organizations that support the need for flexibility.
To keep moving ahead with limited resources on staff,
automation and managed cloud services take center stage. Both automation and
managed cloud services allow IT organizations to do more than monitor and
manage company servers to ensure they're running properly. They provide the
support necessary so that precious staff can focus on the truly important
stuff. The additional benefit of reducing internal IT costs, helps
organizations stay competitive.
While operating with a shortage of key staff can be
difficult day-to-day, it is important to seek out a direct path to
transformation. Managed cloud services offer the flexibility and support that
will enable organizations to create an experience that keeps employees engaged
and motivated, and ultimately delights customers.
3) Cloud-Native Applications Advance
- Automate for a Unified Experience
As innovation accelerates, technology will continue to
become more complex. However, to create and maintain a user experience that
drives success, simplicity is key. This is where cloud-native applications play
a big role. Because they are scalable and can include automation capabilities,
cloud native platforms that reduce complexity will continue to advance and
mature in the coming year. Without a doubt, built-in automation can and will be
a game changer for certain aspects of IT. But it's also important to remember
that with exceptional experience as the goal, automation can't entirely replace
the human element in the cloud journey. Pairing the benefits of advanced and
automated cloud-native solutions with human experience will for the foreseeable
future be the best recipe for success. As the saying goes, 'it takes a village'
to navigate multiple clouds in ways that are fluid and easy.
2022 is shaping up to be another interesting year as
the challenges and opportunities created by the non-stop evolution, are being
addressed with urgency and innovation. Cloud providers and solutions that offer
the support, features, and flexibility needed to create an exceptional
experience will be those that thrive. The reward is well worth the effort and
will shape our future.
##
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cyndi is a customer experience, service delivery and operations
trailblazer with a laser-focus on process improvement and organizational
development. In her 25 years of experience, she's had an impact on everything
from high-tech client outcomes and deployments to city planning. As Otava's
Chief Customer Experience Officer, she is the champion of our clients'
end-to-end journeys. She manages marketing and communications, product
management, platform development and customer success metrics with one goal in
mind: to create exceptional customer experiences. Cyndi has been certified by
the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and holds VMware and Veeam
sales professional certifications. When she's ready for a little "relaxation",
Cyndi trains for half-marathons and travels with her family.