Editor's Note: This blog post was originally published on October 14, 2019 and was updated on February 4, 2021 to include the most relevant and up-to-date information.
Scaling has always been a challenge.
In fact, there’s a reason it’s often been said that when it comes to scaling enterprises, there are three ways to go about it. You can do it cheaper, better, or faster—but you can only pick two.
Things are changing, though, as new and emerging technologies evolving around cloud-native applications are making it possible to do all three at once.
Today, many large organizations have not only unlocked the formula to do all three, but they’re also seeing substantial growth from doing so.
The key to achieving this? It’s simple: a hybrid approach to compute and data storage, high-compute interactions at the edge, and the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI).
1. A hybrid approach to data storage and computing
The term “hybrid cloud” is one that is trending upward.
As executives look to avoid “putting all their eggs in one basket,” if you will, they are seeking cost-effective ways to spread out their storage and computing. However, while the hybrid cloud is often referred to as having multiple public clouds, it’s not limited to that.
Download Now: Migrating Cloud-Native Tech Stacks On-Premises
As enterprises scale, organizations are finding it more cost-effective to move some—if not all—of their data to on-premise infrastructures. Doing so, as long as you have the right resources in place to make it work effectively, can not only save tremendous costs but can also allow your enterprise more flexibility.
In this case, you would then have the ability to run one workload better suited in an on-premises environment, and other applications in the cloud.
2. High-compute interactions at the edge
We’ve found that some businesses require operating applications without having to connect to the cloud. Oil and gas pipeline companies, and even cruise lines, for example, often need to run computation and applications without relying on cloud-based connectivity.
In these cases, high-compute interactions at the edge make it possible for these companies to tap into a cloud-like environment that is run locally, giving them the power to host their applications and data at scale.
3. Infusion of AI
The rise of services like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home is bringing us closer to making the fully connected home a reality. We imagine a world where, a few years from now, newer homes may not even rely on things like light switches to turn on and off lights. Instead, a simple voice command can control your life—or, at least, the things in it.
The question is, in that scenario, what happens if a home doesn’t have a cloud infrastructure connected? How do you turn on the lights? This is a problem AI and edge computing will solve.
For companies looking to scale cheaper, better, and faster, infusing AI at the edge can allow for the ability to manage applications without relying on a connection to the cloud. Like the connected home example above, these cloud-like abilities wouldn’t actually require a connection to the cloud.
Looking for assistance in employing these and other technologies to scale efficiently? Contact one of our experts today.
