The Evolution of Cloud Computing in Industry 4.0

The evolution of Cloud computing according to IoT. In today’s Industry 4.0, data volumes and access have changed. In a context that is every day more competitive and transnational, we need a technology that enables faster production information usage at any time, regardless of the location.
The development of the Cloud architecture continues on this trajectory, with solutions aimed at promoting the Smart Factory.

Cloud and edge computing

Among the main trends of the evolution of Cloud, the integration between Cloud and edge computing is climbing to the top. We’re talking about processing information at the edge of the network, where data is produced. In the industrial context, in fact, “edge” refers to the IT infrastructure located at the edge of the network and near the data source .
In this way, it is possible to reduce processing latency and increase response times (real time). In addition, as this information has already been processed, the data center receives smaller volumes, saving bandwidth. For example, data that makes sense at the machine level is managed locally. In fact, it makes no sense to send huge amounts of irrelevant data to the Cloud.
This is why edge computing is rapidly joining cloud computing as one of the main enablers of industrial and digital transformation according to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The higher the number of smart devices connected to the Cloud, the more efficient the data flow and, consequently, production itself.

3 future trends in the evolution of Cloud computing

1. Multi-Cloud and hybrid Cloud solutions

Hybrid and multi-Cloud solutions are the next step in the evolution of Cloud computing. These two models offer a completely dynamic machine and resource management. This way, they promote greater flexibility and scalability.

2. Increasing Cloud usage

The popularity of Cloud-based services and solutions will not stop: far from it! According to Bain & Company, the compound annual growth rate of subscription-based SaaS (software as a service) solutions will increase by 18% by 2020, IaaS and PaaS solutions by 27% and Cloud infrastructures by 12%. In general, cloud computing services represent 60% of the entire IT market growth.

3. Security as the main objective

We have talked several times about the problem of cyber security in company digitalization. It is only natural that with the growth of cloud platforms, the need for security and compliance will also increase. Data and privacy protection will be decisive in the evolution of Cloud solutions.

Discover ESA’s Cloud service

ESA’s service integrates the evolution of Cloud computing in a single solution that guarantees full accessibility to all data and devices of a production plant. Thanks to the MQTT protocol, it’s possible to export data with maximum precision and quickly transfer them on Cloud platforms.