Just before Christmas, we kicked off our look ahead to what 2018 will have in store for us with, “Cloud Trends to Shape 2018” by Jim Somer of Log Me In. It takes a look at artificial intelligence, it’s role in facial recognition and defining Digital Transformation. It also talks about something that has long been heralded, but which may now become a reality in 2018 – a fully ‘Cloud-Based’ workforce. Will every company be able to ditch their offices? Will every company want to?
Michael Segal of Netscout also told us why 2018 will be the year of Hybrid Cloud. Cloud Computing spend is predicted to increase from $67 Billion in 2015 to $162 Billion in 2020 – with 2018 being a critical step along the way. Is Hybrid Cloud already part of your strategy moving forward? If not, should it be?
Of course, Christmas is a time for happiness and celebration. And spending. Lots of spending! As more and more transactions take place online, the chance for cyber-criminals to do their worst only increases. Richard Menear, managing director at Burning Tree, took a look at how Christmas (and New Year Sales!) provide cybercriminals with all the necessary opportunities that they need. Luckily, Richard also gives us some tips to stay safe online.
Following on from Richard’s article, staying with the theme of CyberCrime, we also had some insight from Sophos and SolarWinds about a potential explosion of RaaS in 2018. RaaS, of course, standing for Ransomware as a Service. It’s bad enough that Cybercrime takes place – but with RaaS kits being made available online, there is the potential for anyone to become a Criminal Mastermind.
Staying on shopping theme, but switching to a happier note, we also had Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple, talking about how technology will shape the future of retail in 2018. A recent survey found that 55% of people look at their mobile device while shopping – if anything it’s surprising that it’s not more! That figure will only increase in 2018 – so how are retailers going to use that fact to improve the consumer experience?
Next Dorian Selz of Squirro took a look at the possibility of 2018 being the year of Artificial Intelligence. As with most technological developments, we often have a promise of what’s to come coupled with a taster of its benefits long before the big break-through finally takes place. Read Dorian’s article to find out what 2018 will mean for AI – its potential and also the concerns it brings with it.
Rounding off our articles looking ahead to the coming year, we had Matt Fisher of Snow asking what will keep CIOs awake at night in 2018! One thing that really stands out is how the role of CIO is expanding outward and encompassing responsibilities outside of the traditional CIO role.
In the coming weeks we’ll have a few more articles looking ahead to 2018, so keep an eye out for those!
In the meantime, Happy New Year from all at Compare the Cloud!