Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2023. Read them in this 15th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
Renewed Focus on Simplifying Chaos
By Scott Fuhriman Senior Vice President - Cloud
Services, ColoHouse
As we head into 2023, uncertainty is the reality we face.
The global economy was drastically impacted by COVID-19 over the last three
years. Data centers, along with many other business segments, must juggle
corporate chaos as the recession looms, supply chain issues continue to linger,
and the lack of an experienced workforce is trending.
These struggles are actually turning into opportunities in the data center and
colocation markets as companies are looking for better ways to operate while
minimizing downsizing risk. Gartner predicts that "through 2027, fully virtual
workspaces will account for 30% of investment growth by enterprises in
metaverse technologies and will "reimagine" the office experience." [1]
Cost Control Focus Leads to Increase in Automation
There's a renewed focus on maintaining control over both
data and the software on which it resides.
IDC predicts that data will grow from an estimated 97 ZB by
the end of 2022 to 175 ZB by 2025. Since data storage of this magnitude is so
costly, automating workflows to organize data more efficiently will be
delivered to cloud-native AI and ML tools. The increase in automation will help
boost bottom-line investment.
Security Compliance
Cybersecurity will always be a concern for businesses. In
fact, Check Point Software Technologies noted [2] that
cyber-attacks against corporate networks grew by 50 percent Y2Y from 2020. And
malicious bad actors will only continue to surface as organizations have
enacted remote and hybrid workplace policies. Organizations have realized that
they have data everywhere and lack controls to secure, encrypt and manage their
data. 2023 will be the start of when businesses begin to identify where their
data lives, how it is secured, who has access, and complete the lifecycle management
of their data.
Businesses need to ensure that they are using a trusted and
secure colocation facility that is in compliance with the latest standards.
That's why colocation providers such as ColoHouse will continue to become more
valuable as the company continues to maintain the highest level of security
compliance while expanding its security features for the future.
Supply Chain Issues
Despite the world's enormity, we're all very connected. In
2021-22, for example, troubling supply bottlenecks paralyzed our ability to
receive the goods we needed. And as stories about shipment delays, work
stoppages, and transportation shortages abound - delays will probably continue
but there are factors in play for 2023 that make the landscape look brighter
than last year. Governments are responding to the supply chain as a national
security imperative; 2022 has seen a backlog of orders, causing manufacturers
to increase inventory to meet demand, resulting in a predicted over-supply of
inventory in 2023. New shipping vessels were on order and half of the supply is
expected to be delivered in 2023, resulting in shipping rates expected to
decrease. Although there are still supply chain obstacles to overcome such as
hurricanes, floods, and droughts, overall, the supply chain issues are expected
to improve in 2023.
Vendors Will Consult More
According to another recent prediction by Gartner, "Through
2025, powerhouse cloud ecosystems will consolidate the vendor landscape by 30%,
leaving customers with fewer choices and less control of their software
destiny."[3]
Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) vendors realize that their tools are mature and
outdated, and lack trending functionalities, they will take a more active role
in supporting clients' needs through innovation, speed to market, and
additional training.
Cloud Location and Workload Optimization Increases
The IT landscape has become messy with enterprises utilizing
a combination of data centers, colocation facilities, public clouds, and edge
locations. As reliance on cloud and colocation grows, increased emphasis on
cost, security, and physical location will drive the need for companies to
re-think their data and IT strategies. Multi Cloud will be the focus in 2023
and beyond as organizations must place their workloads in strategic locations
that focus on the desired outcomes.
Shifting Through Cloud Chaos
Most transitions aren't easy. We've seen massive shifts from
private infrastructure to public clouds and back to private deployments. As the
global economy continues to struggle, more chaotic shifts may occur. The key is
a streamlined journey toward deploying or moving to the correct data center and
colocation environment, securing data at all levels, from within a compliant
data center and colocation facility to company data transmitted to/from remote
workers, and cutting costs by focusing on data location, workload optimization,
and automation.
Whatever concerns arise, ColoHouse is poised to help. We
offer colocation, cloud, bare-metal, security, and other services spanning
three continents. Plus, our IT infrastructure platform can manage necessary IT
resources, freeing partner workloads and promoting a focus on other critical
areas.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott joined ColoHouse as SVP Cloud Services,
bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in the service provider
industry and a history of creating, delivering, and growing cloud,
cybersecurity, IT, and data center services. Scott is responsible for the
creation, operation, and growth of enterprise cloud services for our current
and future customers. Scott has been pivotal in growing startups and
established companies such as Lume Technologies. Prior to Lume, Scott spent 14
years leading and scaling technology, operations, and sales teams at TierPoint.
Scott holds CISM and CISSP certifications.
[1] Gartner:
"Gartner Top 10 Strategic Predictions for 2023 and Beyond", December 2022
[2] Check Point Research: "Cyber Attacks
Increased 50% Year over Year." December 2022
[3] Gartner:
"Gartner Top 10 Strategic Predictions for 2023 and Beyond", December 2022