Cloud

Container-based applications emerge as the preferred architecture

Containers have emerged as the top choice for microservices-based architecture to build resilient and scalable applications for digital initiatives. Cloud providers started with proprietary services for container management, however, significant developments from the open-source community and industrywide adoption have seen Kubernetes emerge as a dominant platform.

Businesses adopt serverless computing models

Cloud services (infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and PaaS) and container management platforms help reduce the cost and complexity to set up, maintain and manage the stack for traditional three-tier applications. However, capacity planning and scalability management continue to haunt the operations teams.

CMP platforms empower developers to be more agile and facilitate a DevSecOps mode of operation

Enterprises on the digital journey are quick to embrace DevSecOps methodologies to accelerate the development and rollout of business solutions. The speed and innovation required to meet an enterprise’s expectations can be delivered, for the most part, by hyperscale providers.

Amplified automation and multi-cloud observability provide the highest level of business service reliability and resiliency

Cloud operations are shifting to managed hybrid models that encompass services delivered on the public, private and edge cloud. CMPs enhance their observation capabilities to identify and resolve operational issues and help improve application reliability. By utilizing AI and ML capabilities, the observability platforms can take preemptive actions to minimize incident occurrence.

Tools-based containerization of legacy apps shift to Kubernetes

Containerization is emerging as a dominant strategy for cloud portability in a multi-cloud environment. Industry analyst Forrester agrees that container services will become the preferred platform for application development in a multi-cloud environment.

Massive amounts of data move to the cloud

Gartner expects that, by 2022, inadequate cloud skills will delay half of an enterprise IT organization’s migration to the cloud by at least two years. Despite the challenges, organizations must find a more efficient way to move data from their systems of record to the cloud if they want to achieve better analytics and insights to help drive business decisions.

Platforms simplify the integration of streaming and cloud-native applications

The integration needs as part of application modernization can utilize the CSP integration platforms and API gateways or open-source and third-party party platforms. Cloud-native integration platforms cater to various enterprise integration patterns and act as a platform orchestrator with its out-of-the-box support for other cloud services.

Domain-specific iPaaS models gain popularity

The integration platform has moved from the EAI/ESB model to an API and iPaaS model with technologies from cloud service providers and standalone products such as Mulesoft, with over 200 rich connectors for all iPaaS platforms. These products are predominantly horizontal but, with faster application and service development expected, domain-specific iPaaS products will have an extreme focus on specific use cases to deliver better integration capabilities and accelerate time to market. Right now, products such as Greenbird for smart metering and Patchworks for e-commerce integrations lead the market.

Cloud security as code

A wide range of solutions for security are available from cloud service providers and cloud security-focused providers that employ advanced technology. However, a dramatic change in implementation is needed if they want to empower developers to consume cloud services without compromising the implementation of security controls.

Context-aware and intelligent security technology emerges

Compliance and regulatory requirements are a big challenge in hybrid clouds. Today, these requirements are addressed through advanced and intelligent platforms from CSPs and specialized third-parties like Prisma Cloud that provide ready-to-use templates and policies for almost all known frameworks.