Emerging trends expected to shape UAE’s cloud technology industry in 2023

As the cloud technology wave continues to sweep across industries regionally on the back of an ever-evolving digital-centric consumer base, players in the cloud computing space are racing towards adopting value-driven solutions in a bid to grow their market share.

According to hybrid data cloud company Cloudera, this has resulted in a dramatic shift occasioned by emerging consumer preferences and trends shaping markets.

In recognition that technology and innovation, especially in the cloud computing industry, remain pivotal to the growth and success of many organisations, Cloudera has reiterated the need to adopt and integrate emerging trends as part of the organisation’s digital strategy.

“Cloud technology remains a top priority in every organisation because consumers have become tech-savvy and expect solution providers to lead by example. This has, in turn, led to an increase in the adoption of cloud technology for various applications, including data management. Therefore, organisations must keep an eye on new trends and innovations to help them deliver the right solutions across industries,” said Karim Azar, Regional Vice President of Middle East & Turkey.

Hot on the heels of these disruptions and growing consumer expectations, the market has introduced newer products to fill emerging gaps.

As the market prepares to usher in 2023, the industry should align its strategies with new trends and consumer preferences in the cloud technology space even as they plan to remain competitive in its respective strongholds; expect the development of the following trends:

1. Adoption of the Multi-Cloud

The mass adoption of cloud computing is a crucial driver of the most transformative technological trends. The industry is expected to witness multiple businesses leveraging cloud services to access newer, innovative technologies and build efficiencies in their operations and processes in the upcoming year. 

While 2022 has been a great year for Hybrid clouds, 2023 expects businesses to diversify their services across cloud portals. Adopting multi-cloud services enables organisations to expand their horizons regarding agility and security. Moreover, the multi-cloud technology prevents users from getting tied down to one cloud ecosystem.

“Adopting hybrid and multi-cloud services provides several benefits in terms of flexibility, ease of use, and even cost savings,” Karim Azar, Regional Vice President – Middle East & Turkey at Cloudera. Sixty-nine per cent of business executives are convinced that their enterprises require a comprehensive data strategy to succeed. However, only 35 per cent believe that their current system sufficiently fulfils their requirements.

Industry experts have cited the ability to manage seasonal demands, support special projects, and identify and organisation renegade workloads as some of the key reasons hybrid and multi-cloud services are necessary for businesses. 

1. Ability to manage seasonal demands
2. Supporting special projects
3. Identification and organisation of renegade workloads
4. Higher Funding For Cloud Security & Durability

Since businesses will be looking to adopt multiple cloud services for their data, security and longevity will be crucial. Although migrating across clouds exposes companies to myriad growth opportunities, it also significantly increases their vulnerability to cyber threats. Businesses will, therefore, need also to shore up their investment in tried-and-tested technologies to help them safeguard their data from any potential threats online.

1. Upskilling for digital transformation success and business survival 

The global tech industry remains amidst a severe talent and skills shortage, impacting the ability of businesses to see through their digital transformation projects and endangering their survival. 

With a restricted pool of graduates with specialist data skills, having individuals with suitable skill sets is crucial. With AI and machine learning (ML) taking over everyday time-consuming tasks, employees can shift their focus onto complex tasks that require human intelligence.

Going ahead, business investment in upskilling and reskilling programmes will be key to unlocking future growth and development. Complementary to this are prospects who are increasingly receptive to these programmes. Cloudera’s Limitless: The Positive Power of AI report found that most (80%) of knowledge workers were comfortable taking on new roles thanks to advances in AI/ML and data analytics, making their job easier.

1. Digital Transformation to Save Costs

Instigated by cost-cutting strategies, the priority for most businesses will likely be cost-efficient data security strategies. This includes increased use of Artificial Intelligence, and Predictive Technology crafted to identify potential security threats in advance. Finding opportunities for monetary savings offers the benefit of reducing costs, but more importantly, it enables a reallocation of budgets towards innovation projects.

Substituting redundant data storage is a massive opportunity to reduce costs. Organisations can seek opportunities and evaluate cost savings using mergers. Solution providers can be challenged to demonstrate the most efficient solutions to optimise project deliveries and costs. 

As technological advancements grow, business leaders and employees will have more time to focus on complex tasks, enabling them to finish more in lesser time at better costs.