Cloud-based applications provide a number of benefits, from scalability to real-time collaboration. For organizations working with big data, cloud computing provides the structure needed to support large volumes and high velocity of data projects. Yet as the realm of big data grows in scope, cloud-based applications must evolve with it. Security and latency concerns are at the top of the list for IT and telco companies alike.
Big Data and the Cloud
There are a number of reasons for enterprises to look into cloud computing to support big data technologies. Cost reduction is one. Massive clusters of servers are often required to support the large volumes of big data. Cloud computing can streamline this process, reducing overhead and costs. Scalability is another issue to consider. While provisioning additional servers can take time, when it’s done in the cloud it’s easier to scale big data environments up or down rapidly. As the value of data can drop rapidly, a quick time to market is essential. For these basic reasons, an increasing number of enterprises working with big data are now using the power of cloud-based applications. Big data and cloud computing are working and growing together for a future when the aims of telco and IT merge.
5G and the Cloud
Super-fast 5G networks are rapidly approaching viability, and when 5G is here it will require new, more efficient networks and applications along with it. There will be larger data demands than ever to process the vast quantities that a 5G network would enable. One example of a new structure built to cope with this demand is the AirFrame solution from Nokia Networks. It’s a framework that includes the hardware, software, and services needed to adapt to the telco demands of 5G connectivity. The idea behind solutions like this is that they take the benefits from both open source and IT domains for greater flexibility. 5G and the rise of the IoT will bring with it extremely strict latency and data demands in order for it to work. Underlying cloud structures need to be able to offer real-time responsiveness to cope. With the AirFrame, advanced packet and crypto acceleration are offered for a more responsive performance.
Future Trends to Watch
Another trend that is bound to crop up to cope with the new demands of faster networks and vaster quantities of data is the hybrid cloud. This blends on-premise workloads with the use of public cloud providers, for a more personalized service. Solutions can vary widely depending on the needs of the enterprise, with containers utilized to move data from one centre to another. In terms of cloud-based applications, we can expect to see them always striving for faster, newer, stronger versions of their earliest incarnations. The next logical step will be complete connectivity and the IoT, with all devices connected without limitation. Apps in the future may be able to run without operating systems, instead running on top of Open Stack.
As a whole, we can expect structures that are able to deliver these new cloud-based applications with low latency and a higher throughput than ever before. Data centers will be increasingly flexible, with security and customization improved for consumers. Data mining is a major concern for both public and private clouds, so security will continue to evolve. Finally, apps will be increasingly mobile-friendly and lightweight to support the needs of a 5G future.
Contributed by: Kathleen McMaster. She has a degree in telecommunication engineering from Staffordshire University. Kathleen eagerly follows all the latest news pertaining to data science and has blogged for numerous online publications.
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