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improvements, reporting and analytics, and contributions to necessary changes.” Ben adds that resellers have a massive role in helping customers move to the cloud. “Gone are the days of just taking a single data store and putting it in a single cloud storage site, customers need guidance on the best way to architect the data,” he says. “Running workshops with customers is vital to find out how a business and its departments work, considerations with data security and compliance need to be considered as well. I always find offering proof of concept environments helps customers shape the design and makes them feel included in the process, giving a better result and happier customers. “Another big area that sometimes gets overlooked is training. Offering training solutions to the customers is vital and increases satisfaction with the solution and ensures people are more receptive to changes and can address concerns before the go-live date.” Automation, standardisation, accessed in different locations As we look forward, it seems that a range of factors are set to make a mark on the data storage industry, as Don explains: “As businesses look to close the books on 2023 and move into 2024, the cloud computing industry is set to change significantly,” he says. “A trend expected to see gaining momentum is the adoption of software as a service (SaaS) public cloud offerings in the greenfield, particularly in combination with next-generation ERP systems. “This is because many organisations are now realising that true innovation and digital transformation come from a combination of cloud infrastructure and cloud-native, multi- tenant SaaS ERP solutions. This shift builds upon the recognition that merely moving existing ERP systems to the cloud does not automatically trigger innovation. “Instead, it is the combination of cloud infrastructure with cutting-edge ERP products that propel businesses toward digital transformation. This trend aligns with SAP’s strategy, as partners have seen a significant uptick in the adoption of cloud- native ERP offerings. “Additionally, one key area to watch is the integration of AI into their cloud products and the availability of sustainability initiatives. With increasing legislative requirements on
companies to report on their carbon footprint, the role of AI in tracking and analysing sustainability data will become vital.” Mark adds that AI is going to have a hand in the future use of data storage “Looking ahead to 2024, AI is set to change the cloud game by automating tasks and saving businesses time,” he says. “SMEs should be aware of the power AI has, however, they need to make sure they’re not giving into ‘FOMO’ and are investing in these tools for the right reasons. “As a cloud solution provider, Babble has seen what has gone well in thousands of migrations; as well as what has gone badly. It is this broad experience that is helpful to both SMEs with no in-house IT, as well as larger companies with established teams. It’s all about making the right moves and staying ahead of the curve to remain truly competitive.”
Andy Brown technical services director of Advanced Solutions
uk.tdsynnex.com
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SMEs should
be aware of the power AI has, however, they need to make sure they’re not giving into ‘FOMO’ and are investing in these tools for the right reasons.
On top of this, it seems that just like most other industries, the hybrid working trend will also make its mark on the storage industry, as Gary details: “More recently, hybrid cloud solutions have emerged as an increasingly popular way of handling and storing data for SMEs,” he says. “These can offer a nice middle ground between on-premise and cloud services. “Hybrid solutions rely on a local backup system that synchronises with a cloud backup. Businesses can set it so files are backed up on a computer’s local drive, which then backs up to the cloud. This can also work in reverse, where files are uploaded directly to the cloud from the computer, while simultaneously backing up to the local drive. “This ‘double back up’ method means data will be quick and easy to restore, minimising the risk of data loss. This approach enables SMEs to customise their storage solution to meet the specific needs of the business, giving flexibility and scalability, alongside the security and control that comes with on- premise data storage.”
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Paul Vogt VP partner strategies
loftware.com
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