By: Sachin Dubey, Principal Director, Cloud Architecture, LTIMindtree

The landscape of cloud and infrastructure services continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, and as we approach 2024, several pivotal cloud computing trends are shaping the future of this dynamic industry. From the pervasive integration of artificial intelligence to the accelerating adoption of industry-specific cloud solutions, the emergence of low code-no code cloud development, and the transformative impact of Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWA), the trajectory of technological advancements promises to redefine the way organization structure, access, and leverage cloud-based services. These top 10 cloud infrastructure trends forecast a landscape where edge computing, AI-driven automation, security enhancements, and sustainability initiatives converge to transform how businesses harness the potential of cloud and infrastructure services in 2024. Based on the direction of technological advancements and the evolution of cloud and infrastructure services, here are potential cloud infrastructure trends for 2024:

1. AI-driven automation:

   By applying machine learning to automate resource optimization, predictive scaling, compliance auditing, anomaly detection, and other tasks, cloud platforms will deliver greater efficiency, resiliency, and cost savings. From provisioning and managing resources to optimizing workloads and security, AI and ML will be increasingly important in helping businesses run their clouds more efficiently and effectively.

2. Hybrid and multi-cloud environments:

   Organizations are increasingly embracing hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, using a mix of public, private, and edge clouds to meet their specific needs. The trend will continue in 2024 and is being driven by many factors, including the need for greater flexibility, region-specific compliances, scalability, and cost-effectiveness while avoiding vendor lock-in.

3. Enhanced security measures:

   As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for enhanced security measures in the cloud is growing; increased adoption of zero-trust security architectures, advanced encryption methods, and AI-based threat detection will be a fundamental need. Cloud providers will also continue to invest in security research and development, and new security regulations will likely be introduced.

4. Containerization and Kubernetes:

   Containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes are becoming increasingly popular for developing and deploying cloud-native applications. These technologies offer several benefits, including portability, scalability, and manageability. Containerization technologies and Kubernetes will continue to emerge as the de facto standard for container orchestration across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. As microservices and DevOps practices mature, containerization is essential to higher velocities of innovation.

5. Prioritization of green and sustainable computing:

   With environmental consciousness around computing’s carbon footprint intensifying, technology providers are highly focused on sustainable operations. Increased efforts to make cloud and infrastructure services more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly through innovations in power consumption and resource optimization, along with carbon footprint dashboards to monitor usage. We can also expect new regulations and incentives to encourage businesses to adopt green cloud computing practices.

6. Industry-specific clouds:

   Cloud providers increasingly develop specialized cloud platforms for specific industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail. These platforms offer industry-specific tools, compliance features, and best practices that can help businesses in these industries get the most out of the cloud. As providers scale specialized offerings, enterprise cloud migration and modernization will increasingly involve sector-tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all platforms.

7. Connected workforce:

   According to Business Research Insights, globally, there is accelerated adoption of remote working, which will exhibit a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period. It’s paramount for enterprises to enable the workforce to connect from anywhere and seamlessly with the same experience, like working from the office, to ensure productivity. Organizations will use collaboration platforms, AI-driven insights, and platforms for talent acquisition and training to achieve optimized workforce productivity.

8. Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWA):

   LPWA networks are Low-power wide-area networks, like NB-IoT and LTE-M, which will prove instrumental in linking Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints across vast distances on meager energy budgets. These networks will enable a wide range of new cloud-based applications, such as smart cities and precision agriculture.

9. Platform engineering:

   In the cloud and artificial intelligence era, platform engineering has become the need of the hour to drive future development in a productized way. Platform engineering covers operational requirements for the entire application life cycle. While it ensures security improvements and cost reduction, it also improves time to market for business, due to which Gartner expects 80% of engineering organizations will have a dedicated team of platform engineers by 2026.

10. Democratization of cloud development:

    Cloud services and platforms are becoming more accessible to a broader range of developers. Low-code and no-code tools allow citizen developers and business users to build applications without deep technical skills. Abstracted services like serverless computing, database PaaS offerings, and AI as a service open innovation opportunities to those lacking development capabilities or data science expertise.

As we peer into the horizon of 2024, the trajectory of cloud and infrastructure services appears set to revolutionize the very fabric of technological operations across industries. The amalgamation of these top cloud infrastructure trends signifies a paradigm shift towards more efficient, secure, and specialized cloud ecosystems. With the steadfast integration of platform engineering, the diversification of computing architectures, the rise of industry-tailored cloud platforms, and the transformative potential of LPWA networks, the future is ripe with possibilities. Embracing these cloud computing trends will empower businesses to unlock unprecedented opportunities, driving innovation, scalability, and agility while steering towards a sustainable and technologically advanced landscape in the years ahead.