Category Archives: Cloud Computing

HONG KONG, July 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprises around the world have been strengthening international collaboration in order to boost economic recovery in the post-pandemic era. Leveraging the innovations, resources and advantages of both parties, Tencent Cloud today announced its strategic alliance with globally renowned Boston Consulting Group (BCG), carrying out cooperation in a range of areas, including finance and retail, to help enterprises in their digital transformation. In the future, the cooperation will be extended to Asia Pacific and around the world to jointly explore the development of localized digital solutions.

Amid the pandemic, leaders of every industry are exploring ways to bolster the digital transformation of enterprises. However, the transformation requires professional consulting agencies to advice on many aspects such as corporate strategy, business model and organizational transformation, among others. It also requires strong technical service providers to offer solutions based on new technologies such as cloud computing, big data, AI and IoT, to enable the launch of digital projects.

Under the alliance, Tencent Cloud and BCG will carry out cooperation in various fields, including finance and retail, together to facilitate digital transformation in enterprises, and to provide enterprise architecture design for enterprises' access to the cloud. In addition, talent has been a key element in digital transformation together, both parties will offer staff enablement solutions, moving employees' work and training online through tools such as Tencent Cloud's AI, Tencent Agile Product Development (TAPD) and WeCom, to enhance collaboration, efficiency and creativity of employees.

In the future, the alliance between Tencent Cloud and BCGwill be extended to Asia Pacific and the global market. Being one of the top five global cloud service providers, Tencent Cloud's infrastructures have already covered 27 geographic regions on five continents. Since April 2021, Tencent Cloud has launched new data centers in Bangkok in Thailand, Jakarta in Indonesia, Singapore, Tokyo in Japan, among others, offering more localized services to local enterprises.

As a global top management consulting services company which has established for more than 50 years, BCG is proud to add Tencent Cloud into its growing ecosystem of alliances.In 2020, BCG was recognized as a pioneer in the digital business transformation service industry by Forrester, an international authoritative research institution. Recently, it has been ranked as a leader in digital strategy consulting services industry by IDC. Apart from the launch of digital centers in San Francisco and Paris, BCG has also launched a digital center in Shenzhen, providing governments and enterprises in the Greater China, Asia Pacific as well as global customers with consulting services on digital solutions.

In the post-pandemic era, as every industry around the world is accelerating their digital transformation journey, the internet infrastructure in the Southeast Asia region is still being developed. Many enterprises are in need of technical support provided by cloud providers in their digital transformation. Leveraging the innovations, resources and advantages of both parties, Tencent Cloud will join hands with BCG to strengthen their cooperation in the international market, providing digital solutions to meet local needs, and ultimately helping to boost economic recovery.

About Tencent Cloud

Tencent Cloud is Tencent's cloud services brand, providing industry-leading cloud products and services to organizations and enterprises across the world. Leveraging its robust data center infrastructures around the world, Tencent integrates cloud computing, big data analytics, AI, Internet of Things, security and other advanced technologies with smart enterprise scenarios. At the same time, we provide a holistic smart enterprise solution for sectors including finance, education, healthcare, retail, industry, transport, energy and radio & television.

SOURCE Tencent Cloud

Excerpt from:

Tencent Cloud and Boston Consulting Group Announce Strategic Alliance - PRNewswire

Cambridge, Massachusetts, June 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)-NSRs latest report as cloud computing continues to be adopted Cloud computing via satellite, 2nd Edition (CCvS2) We forecast cumulative cloud service revenue of $ 21 billion by 2030 across four major market segments. The imminent wave of both LEO, MEO and GEO-HTS satellite communications services is set to predict 233 exabytes of traffic, significantly drive long-term cloud adoption and enhance market engagement opportunities. It has been.

The transformation brought about by the adoption of cloud computing is just beginning to impact the satellite sector, he said. Shiva Prakashmurganandam, NSR Senior Analyst and Report Creator. We are seeing change and evolution in many areas, from cloud-hosted applications to cloud storage / processing by geospatial analytics providers.

Partnerships with large IT and cloud players drive market acquisition and growth opportunities across multiple segments. Within these core segments, satellite communications will continue to lead traffic over satellites, and earth observation data downlinks will lead revenue. This represents a $ 10 billion opportunity for ground stations and data relay services to enter the downlink market.

Growth opportunities are projected in both existing and early markets, but cost scalability remains a challenge, added NSR analyst and report co-author. Arthur Van Eeckhout.. But the adoption of the cloud has dramatically reduced the traditional knowledge required for engagement and lowered the barriers to entry for space-derived data services. Today, cloud-born start-ups are more than ever before. There are also many opportunities available.

About the report

NSRs, built on NSRs industry-leading Satcom and EO market analysis Cloud computing via satellite, 2nd Edition (CCvS2) The latest NSR report identifies trends and developments related to cloud and big data use in the satellite industry by 2030. It forecasts the outlook for the global industry in terms of cloud data traffic / volume and cloud service revenue across key regions and applications. CCvS2 It provides decision makers with the essential tools for strategic planning and engagement across cloud computing over the satellite value chain over the next decade.

For more information on this report, including a complete table of contents, list of exhibits, and executive summary, please visit: http://www.nsr.com Alternatively, call NSR at +1-617-674-7743.

Companies profiled or mentioned in this report:

AddValue, Airbus, Amazon Web Services, Arctic Space Technologies, Atlas Space Operations, Ball Aerospace, Blacksky, Capella Space, Cloud Constellation, CloudEO, Clutch Space Systems, Deimos, Descartes Labs, Dish Network, DLR, Ericsson, ESA, Gilat, Global Eagle, Global Star, Google, Groundspace, Hiber, HPE, Hughes, IBM, Iceye, Infostellar, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Iridium, Kineis, Kratos Defense & Space, KSAT, KUBOS, Leafspace, Leocloud, Lockheed Martin, Lyteloop, Maxar, Microsoft, Mynaric , Myriota, NASA, Orbex, Orbit20, Orbital Insights, Orbits Edge, Planet, Raytheon, RBC Signals, Redhat, Rezatec, RS Metrics, SAP, Saraniasat, Satsure, SES, Skyroot Aerospace, Skywatch, Sobolt, SpaceX, Spire, Spliethoff, SSC, Telesat, Tototheo Maritime, TransDigm, Unibap, Up42, Ursa, US Space Force, ViaSat, Virgin Atlantic, Vodafone, We4sea.

About NSR:

NSR is one of the worlds leading market research and consulting firms focused on the satellite and space sectors, with NSRs global team, unmatched coverage, and the ability to forecast trends with greater reliability and accuracy than its competitors. , Is the basis of all NSR products. With its first market coverage and transparent and reliable approach, NSR stands out as a leading provider of important insights into the satellite and space industries.

Contact Us info@nsr.com To discuss how we can support your business.

Read more:

Cloud computing with satellite adoption triggers - Illinoisnewstoday.com

The role technology plays in the typical advice businesshas expanded over the past decade, but alongside the opportunities for greater efficiencycomes the enhanced threat from a cyber attack damaging both the operations and the reputation of a financial adviser.

The scale of the threat from cyber criminals is starkly illustrated from data showing that 44 per cent of advisers have had some experience of cyber attack, with just over three quarters of those (77 per cent) attacks being 'phishing'via fraudulent email.

Solutions

The options available to an advice business seeking to develop a robust IT infrastructureare to deploy in-house serversor to use a cloud computing product.

Using in house servers requires physical space in a specific location, and is likely toincur significant installation and maintenance costs.

A cloud computing solution is not necessarily new, but it does offer the chance to store data remotely, and externally, which should deliver savings and efficiency for advisers. Many cloud computing options come without the bells and whistles of a traditional server, but a lot advice businesses will feel they do not need the full suite of extras offered by the old 'server room'approach.

Security concerns

Many institutions rely on the same model of security controls, but as the risks have changed, so should the approach. While everyone is shelving added cybersecurity risks, malware, and other malicious attacks under 'just what happens in the new normal', I prefer to label it as the inevitable normal.

Independent financial advisers, accounting companiesand other financial organisations that manage mass amounts of sensitive client data on an everyday basis should already be ahead of the cybersecurity curve. This is true pandemic or no pandemic, and whether digitalisation has slowed or picked up pace in your business.

In my own experience, IFAs choosing a cloud solution is not a matter of if, but when. Cloud computing is already a well-regarded, innovative way to leverage powerful systems to instantly address known threats and predict threats that seek to overwhelm security. The misconception that moving to the cloud will simply put more IFAs in harms way as compared with sending regular emails containing spreadsheets is false.

Cloud computing and accounting ensures no copies of data are kept locally on any device, and that all are stored in encrypted environments. Only those with permissions have access. It is also normal for cloud-based solution providers to employ teams of penetration testers, which work directly with your cloud providers development team to ensure no hidden loopholes are available in the system allowing hackers to take advantage.

Penetration testers, also sometimes known as ethical hackers, effectively try to disrupt the IT systems of a companyin a bid to identify where the weaknesses are, then tell the company about these weaknessesin order that they can be remedied. Penetration testers work for the cloud providerand test the security of each of the cloud provider's clients, allowing the advice companyto benefit from the scale of the cloud computing business.

Excerpt from:

Advisers should look to the Cloud for their IT solutions - FT Adviser

Last time, I covered stocks six through 10 in my top 10 cloud stocks. Today, I will finish the series with my top five high-conviction cloud stocks to buy on the next dip. These are high-growth software-as-a-service (SaaS) and cloud stocks that I currently hold in my $1.6 million long-term investing portfolio.

In case you missed the last article, I'll provide some background. If you aren't familiar with the terminology, SaaS is simply a component of cloud computing. SaaS refers to software hosted outside of your organization and offered as a subscription-based service. SaaS generally offers businesses lower total cost of ownership. The latest software updates and enhancements are generally done for the client, allowing businesses to have the latest and greatest without additional effort or overhead. Additionally, SaaS enables businesses to shift capital expenses to operating expenses, allowing them to stretch budgets from an accounting perspective.

Cloud computing refers to servers that are connected through the internet, as well as the software, data centers, and databases that create an online network. Leveraging "the cloud" allows users and businesses to consume and analyze data without having to manage databases or software on their own physical, on-premises servers and machines.

Digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, machine learning, centralized analytics, customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), connected TV (CTV), streaming, work from anywhere, the gig economy, and other secular growth trends fuel SaaS and cloud infrastructure. But what are the best stocks to buy in order to ride these waves and boost your portfolio?

Here are my top five cloud growth stocks. Please make sure to watch the below video for additional information as well as several bonus picks!

#5. Zscaler (NASDAQ:ZS) offers customers a security stack as a cloud service, which offers lower cost and complexity than "old-school" traditional gateway methods. Zscaler's global infrastructure brings internet gateways closer to users all around the world, creating a faster and more streamlined experience. The company enables work-from-anywhere cloud security in a highly scalable fashion.

#4. Datadog (NASDAQ:DDOG) provides monitoring and analytics tools that give IT teams insights from anywhere and at any time. Datadog, like Zscaler, is very scalable. In fact, most cloud-native providers are highly scalable, which is part of the reason they rank high on the list. Datadog brings information together from across an entire organization into a simple dashboard. Companies that leverage Datadog enjoy benefits such as improved user experience, faster resolutions to interruptions, and overall better business decisions.

Datadog has continuously improved its product suite as well as its partnership network. In fact, Datadog recently announced a new partnership with Microsoft (NASDAQ:DDOG) Azure, which allows streamlined experiences for configuration, purchasing, and even managing Datadog inside the Azure portal. Additionally, on July 1 Datadog announced a partnership with Salesforce to provide real-time monitoring and threat detection across the Salesforce (NASDAQ:DDOG)platform.

From a product perspective, here are the highlights:

#3. Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW) offers what it calls a "data warehouse-as-a-service" (DaaS), a cloud-based data storage and analytics solution. Interestingly, Snowflake is not a SaaS company since its revenues are over 90% consumption based. Snowflake reduces cost and improves agility. Its data platform is unique in that it is not built on an existing big data platform.

As you may have heard around the time of the IPO, Snowflake is backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A). Snowflake's clients include Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Nike (NYSE:NKE), Mastercard (NYSE:MA), and many others. Snowflake is all about big data, and it deserves a top spot on the list.

#2. Cloudflare's (NYSE:NET) mission is to help "build a better internet." Cloudflare is actually a network. In fact, it's one of the larger networks on the planet. Cloudflare enables a faster and more secure internet for anyone with an internet presence. Cloudflare has data centers across the globe, and it boasts an astonishing 25 million internet properties, a number that grows daily. To date, Cloudflare handles over 17 percent of the Fortune 1000 internet requests, and the company handles 25 million HTTP requests every second on average. Cloudflare is all about the future of the internet, and it belongs in my portfolio as a long-term investment.

#1 Crowdstrike (NASDAQ:CRWD) is the leader in endpoint security. Crowdstrike's Falcon platform stops breaches through both prevention and response, a process known as endpoint detection and response (EDR). It uses agent-based sensors that can be installed on Mac, Linux, and Windows. Crowdstrike relies on a cloud-hosted SaaS platform that manages data and prevents, detects, and responds to threats. Both malware and non-malware attacks are covered via Crowdstrike's cloud-delivered technologies in a lightweight solution.

Cyberattacks continue to be a major threat, and the total addressable market for cybersecurity is enormous. Crowdstrike has been a monster since its IPO in 2019, growing into a $60 billion market cap company. But I think Crowdstrike is just getting started, and it stands tall as my top high-conviction cloud/SaaS stock for the next decade.

If you want deeper-dive analysis on these stocks, please watch the video below, where I cover these and many others in the cloud space. These growth stocks can boost your long-term investing portfolio, so please check out the below video and subscribe to make sure you stay on top of this sector.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the official recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium advisory service. Were motley! Questioning an investing thesis -- even one of our own -- helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer.

Read the original:

Top 10 Cloud Stocks to Buy on the Next Dip -- Part II - The Motley Fool

Oxford Quantum Circuits has launched a commercially available cloud service for enterprises to access a UK-based quantum computer to solve complex business tasks.

The startup said it is the UKs first quantum computing as-a-service (QCaaS) platform, which involves companies paying to remotely run programs on quantum computer hardware.

OQC told Verdict that its platform is capable of connecting many customers simultaneously but the number will depend on their computation needs.

OQC partner Cambridge Quantum, which develops software for quantum computation and recently launched a joint venture with quantum computer hardware company Honeywell, will be the first to gain access to the private cloud. It will use the quantum computer to demonstrate and test its cryptographic keys, which are designed to withstand the superior firepower of quantum computers.

OQC said it has opened a beta list for companies in sectors ranging from finance to pharmaceutical. Our focus right now is on building relationships, gathering customer feedback and future needs rather than large volumes of users, a spokesperson said.

We know quantum computing has the power to be revolutionary but for decades this power and potential has been relatively untested and unverified in the real world, said Ilana Wisby, CEO of OQC. By making our QCaaS platform more widely available to strategic partners and customers, we are offering the worlds leading enterprises the chance to demonstrate just how far-reaching quantum will be for their companies and their industries.

It is the latest sign of the nascent quantum computer industry looking to apply the technology commercially. Experts say quantum computers will be able to help identify new drugs, identify new molecules and advance artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

Sam Holt, GlobalData thematic analyst, told Verdict that it is definitely significant for the UK quantum computing sector and that OQC was looking to benefit from a first-mover advantage.

Classic computers store information in a series of 0s or 1s binary with each unit known as a bit. However, quantum computers store information as 1s, 0s or both. These are known as qubits and it allows quantum computers to perform calculations in parallel and so significantly reduce the time it takes to solve complex problems.

OQC did not disclose how many qubits its machine contains, but in 2017 the company was working on a 9-qubit system.

The startup told Verdict that users would have competitive computing power comparable to most existing quantum processers.

However, Holt said it is really difficult to be sure of the technical capabilities of the platform because OQCs announcement is so sparse in detail.

Holt added: We dont know the quantum volume, qubit count, the gate fidelity or any other technical specifications of its machine.

What we do know is thatOQC uses a novel approach to its hardware that uses three-dimensional superconducting circuits.

The architectural approach, called Coaxmon and described by Holt as potentially revolutionary, can reduce interference from the wiring on circuits and as such reduce the error rate as the number of qubits is increased.

Its really complex engineering and fiendishly difficult to do, added Holt.

Contrastingly, Honeywell uses trapped ion architecture. Holt said the partnerships could be the companies wanting to diversify the technology stack.

Googles quantum computer used 53 qubits when the company claimed to achieve quantum supremacy when a quantum computer solves a problem that a classical computer cannot.

Despite recent advancements, the technology remains immature and machines are often error-prone.

Quantum computers must be kept in controlled conditions that involve sub-zero temperatures, making them impractical to run outside of laboratories.

These logistical challenges have seen a rise in quantum simulators, where a classical computer simulates the running of programs on a quantum system. The current limit for simulation is 48 qubits because the number of classical bits required per qubit increases exponentially.

Given OQC will not disclose the number of qubits in its quantum computer, it is unclear whether it can offer much if any superior processing power over a simulated quantum computer.

But Holt said that there are some tasks, such as generating truly random numbers for quantum cryptographic keys, that cannot be done by simulating a quantum computer.

A handful of other companies are already offering access to quantum computer hardware via the cloud.

IBM, for example, rents out access to its quantum computers through IBM Q Network, while Microsofts Azure Quantum provides full-stack remote access to quantum computers.

Google offers a service to run programs written in an open-source quantum computing language on its quantum computers located in Santa Barbara, California.

Meanwhile, cloud computing giant Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers services that allow businesses and researchers to access quantum hardware operated by manufacturers D-Wave, IonQ and Rigetti.

OQC told Verdict that its machine will have an equivalent power to the devices publicly available on AWS Braket within six months.

Founded in 2017, OQC built its first superconducting computer in 2018 and has received 2m of UK government funding.

While OQCs platform much like existing QCaaS platforms can be accessed anywhere in the world, the company told Verdict being based in the UK meant it could schedule uptime around European and Asian users.

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: The UK boasts some of the worlds top innovators and research institutions and this partnership helps reinforce our position as a global leader in quantum computing.

Quantum computing can help tackle some of the worlds greatest challenges such as climate change, and UK firms can use this cutting-edge service to boost growth and innovation, and build back better from the pandemic.

The rest is here:

'Only working quantum computer in UK' now accessible in the cloud - Verdict

Thematic exchange-traded funds saw fund inflows of about $38.8 billion in the first half, compared with $7.8 billion in the first half of 2020, according to Morningstar Inc. There are now 191 such funds with a combined $164.2 billion in assets, up from 55 funds and $11.2 billion in assets five years ago.

Investors are shifting from buying individual story stocks to thematic ETFs to get diversification in some of the hottest growth markets in the world," says Todd Rosenbluth, CFRAs senior director of ETF and head of mutual-fund research.

To be sure, themed funds are riskier than ETFs that follow the broader market and can tank when enough investors start to think a trend has run its course. Cloud computing, for example, while still seen as a strong trend for the long term, has lost momentum recently as the pandemic has started to wane and fewer people are working remotely. Through June 30, ETFs based on cloud computing have seen net outflows of $600 million this year, Morningstar reports.

The Wall Street Journal asked a number of ETF experts to identify themes they believe are likely to produce strong returns for years to come. Here are five:

1. Cloud Computing

In 2020 the pandemic accelerated cloud migration for all types of enterprise applications as more people shopped online and worked remotely. Now, despite an easing of pandemic concerns in many places, demand for cloud computing continues. Many countries have cloud-based development projects in the works that should drive the markets growth globally. Deloitte projects a 30% compound annual growth rate for the cloud sector through 2025.

First Trust Cloud Computing (SKYY) is a $5.8 billion fund with a large-cap focus on such companies as Microsoft, Oracle and Amazon.com. Though it is up 11.5% this year through June 30, it has a one-year total return of 42.5%. WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund (WCLD), a $1.1 billion fund that tracks an index of 50 companies, is up 4.4% this year as of June 30, but it has a one-year return of 43.5%.

Spending on cloud technology continues to accelerate," Mr. Rosenbluth says. We are in the beginning stages of this boom."

Downside risk: Demand for thematic ETFs in cloud computing has waned in recent months as the effects of the pandemic recede and states are generally reopening. If employers shift technology spending to support on-site personnel, cloud companies could face less demand.

2. Cannabis

New cannabis and hemp industries are emerging in the U.S. thanks to some form of legalization in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Congress has reintroduced legislation to federally legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use throughout the country. With the Democrats controlling both houses, this has a good chance of passage. The legal cannabis market is expected to double to $41.5 billion by 2025, projects New Frontier Data.

Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (CNBS) is a $145 million fund that invests 80% of its assets in companies that derive 50% or more of their revenue from cannabis and hemp. It has year-to-date returns of 47.7% and one-year returns of 136.6%. Global X Cannabis ETF (POTX), a $191.5 million fund, has a year-to-date return of 40.1%, and a one-year return of 38%.

Cannabis is one of our top themes this year as states move to legalize it for revenue," says Jay Jacobs, senior vice president and head of research and strategy at Global X ETFs. This is the tipping point for the cannabis industry."

Downside risk: Cannabis companies face changing compliance issues. At the same time, mounting competition from large brands is spurring industry consolidation, which may portend volatility in the sector in the years ahead. Small-cap cannabis companies have limited resources to offset these challenges.

3. Infrastructure

President Bidens American Jobs Plan aims to create millions of jobs through infrastructure spending. While the initial plans $2 trillion price tag had Democrats and the GOP deadlocked, a roughly $1 trillion slimmed-down bipartisan version could have a better chance of passing.

Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) invests in all players in the construction supply chain, including raw-materials producers and engineering-service providers. It is up 21.4% this year and has a one-year return of 69.3%. IShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) also invests in construction and materials companies and in railroads and utilities. It has a one-year return of 51.8% but is up 18.4% year to date.

Infrastructure investment is a way to stimulate the economy," says Mr. Jacobs. This is one area of consensus between Democrats and Republicans."

Downside risk: The bull run in these stocks could end if the infrastructure bill fails to pass in Congress.

4. Clean Technology

The Biden administration is giving priority to clean-tech investments such as renewable energy and electric vehicles. Despite a decline in clean-tech stocks in the first half, ETFs in this area have had strong one-year returns.

Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) is a $1.94 billion fund that invests in clean energy and conservation. It has a one-year return of 131% but is down more than 9% so far for 2021. Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT), a $3.2 billion fund, invests across a range of battery interests, from mining to battery production. It has a one-year return of 129.4%, and 17.9% year to date.

Downside risk: Clean-tech stocks have gotten swept into the technology selloff, and volatility in the sector remains high in the short term. The sector has become crowded, MSCI reports, and could fall sharply if there is an economic downturn or outbreak of stagflation.

5. AI and Robotics

Companies are increasingly using AI and robotics to alleviate supply-chain issues and boost productivity. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20% through 2026 and reach $74 billion, according to Mordor Intelligence. It is the centerpiece of many disruptive shifts in industries from manufacturing to space exploration.

ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) has a one-year return of 83.8% and a year-to-date return of 13.3%. Global Xs Robotics & AI ETF (BOTZ), a $2.6 billion fund, has garnered a one-year return of 46.6%, and year-to-date return of 5.8%.

Mr. Rosenbluth says, Companies learned the benefits of automation during the pandemic and have sought out ways to be even more efficient."

Downside risk: Job losses as a result of advanced AI and robotic systems in the workplace could cause serious pushback from unions as low-skill jobs get delegated to machines. High investment costs could slow adoption of the technology.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters

* Enter a valid email

* Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Read the original post:

Themed ETFs are hot. Here are five of the hottest to invest in - Livemint

IDrive cloud storage has been a long-time favorite of ours, receiving 4.5 stars in our IDrive review. It offers generous storage tiers, affordable rates, and an intuitive user interface, which is why weve included it in our list of the best cloud storage services available today.

We reached out to CEO Raghu Kulkarni to give us some insight into the world of cloud storage from an industry leader.This interview covers some of IDrives most important recent successes and challenges, and we also talk about the impact of COVID-19 on the online storage industry; IDrives new cloud computing platform; and what its like standing tte--tte with giants like Microsoft and Amazon.

IDrive cloud storage interview: growth, COVID-19 and new ventures

IDrive is a leading cloud backup and remote access services provider for consumers and small- to medium-sized businesses. We have more than four million users worldwide storing over 400PB of data, with data center footprints at over 200 locations.

Our biggest success at IDrive has been building a sustainable, profitable business that has become a leader within the cloud backup marketplace. We listen to our customers' feedback, and do our best to address those requests while continuing to innovate.

The breadth of services we provide within the backup space, and the value we offer to our customers, is unmatched.

The biggest challenge in the cloud is always the big players: Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. It is not easy to out-innovate and out-value them. But with a razor-sharp focus on what consumers and businesses need in our specific segment, we have been able to innovate more, and offer better value, in comparison to the big players.

The biggest positive is the global move to working from home. This resulted in a multi-fold increase in remote access service needs, and the need for backing up critical data that is now residing on home computers and devices.

The biggest negative is related. More people working from home has reduced the need for backing up office computers.

With more opportunities in the remote work space, more of the big players got into the space with bigger resources. So it is a race against time to meet the demands for consumers and businesses.

There are software and infrastructure tweaks needed that fit the work-from-home system better. The hybrid workplace is here to stay. Remote work will be a key component for almost every business.

We continue to focus on our core products, IDrive and RemotePC, both key players in the remote work and hybrid workplace. We just recently launched ZipDrive, a personal cloud platform that uses the user's own computer for resources.

We want to continue to focus on our core products. In addition, we also aim to provide an edge computing platform for developers and businesses, with hundreds of locations across the globe able to serve the cutting edge applications that require low latency and high performance.

This computing platform will leverage the work we are already doing for our remote access and backup services. We have just launched a phase one product for the same with 20 locations, called IDriveCompute.

With the continued growth of consumer data from desktops, laptops, and of course, mobile devices, the need and demand for quality cloud backup will always be there, and IDrive will be there to help those customers.

In terms of changes, we expect that with new technologies like 5G, consumers and businesses will have faster access to the cloud to upload photos/videos or critical data, which will further the growth of cloud storage.

More:

IDrive cloud storage interview: growth, COVID-19 and new ventures - ITProPortal

Cloud computing can answer many challenges facing oil and gas companies by ensuring ideal data sets and visualization tools are fully accessible to relevant team members.

But it can be a difficult decision to transition from a traditional (monolithic) IT infrastructure where the organization controls management and security of all hardware, software, databases and applications, towards buying each of its infrastructure, platform and software as a service, according to a new white paper released by the Daily Oil Bulletin and geoLOGIC systems ltd.

There is a compelling case for many companies to migrate data workflows to the cloud, said geoLOGIC chief executive David Hood. It can reduce infrastructure investment and the need for IT expertise to manage and troubleshoot. It enables efficient access to data and visualization tools for asset teams wherever and whenever they may need it. And it is scalable to fit the purpose and offers companies the flexibility to access only the data they need.

Many oil and gas companies have been relatively slow movers to cloud solutions compared to other technology-reliant sectors. Forty per cent of industry respondents to a DOB survey indicate their data is cloud-based. Among this number, some companies have totally moved to the cloud, while others are running hybrid systems with some data cloud-based and some hosted internally. Results from the survey informed the white paper, entitled: Strategies for data-driven value creation within oil and gas.

Companies that have migrated data and intelligence tools to the cloud say it provides improved security and lowers costs. Savings are being driven by the reliability of cloud computing, with less downtime experienced by users due to the automation of many processes, and with data updates and software updates completed without outages.

Other key benefits to cloud computing cited by survey respondents include accessibility, flexibility, data and intelligence sharing, and collaboration opportunities.

Given the COVID-19 pandemics impact on the employee work environment, the ability to remotely access data and business intelligence tools from anywhere at any time via an Internet browser has become a major positive upside in favour of cloud computing. Accessibility to the same data for all employees across disciplines and departments is seen as vital by both leadership and employees. Related to accessibility, the flexibility to share data across disciplines to collaborate on projects via a single platform is also a major benefit.

Post-pandemic, it will be interesting to see what happens when it is safe for all workers to return to the office, added Hood. It is possible the industry could see a hybrid work environment with employees splitting their time between the office and working from home. If this happens, shifting at least some data workflows to the cloud could become an essential process for many companies.

There are several reasons companies say they havent fully transitioned to the cloud. Cyber-security remains an obstacle. While many companies are willing to access third-party data and intelligence tools via the cloud, they perceive the need to maintain control over internally generated data and tools, said survey respondents. Legacy investment in IT infrastructure is also seen by some as an impediment to a purely cloud-based future.

Some larger companies perceive the benefits of the cloud but believe the large volume of data and internal infrastructure they currently manage could make the transition more expensive and time-consuming. Meanwhile, many smaller companies including oilfield service companies are concerned they lack critical mass to justify the switch.

geoLOGIC recently launched its gDC Cloud platform to answer these concerns. The gDC Cloud is a secure, web-based platform that provides flexibility for lighter data users within large companies who may only use a handful of data sets in their regular workflows, said Terry Jbeili, geoLOGICs president and chief operating officer.

For smaller operating companies the gDC Cloud provides the benefits of seamless access to geoLOGICs premium data and advanced visualization tools as well as the benefits of cloud computing without the expense of maintaining a legacy system, he said. The same holds true for oilfield service companies looking to leverage data and business intelligence to gain an edge in what remains a hyper-competitive market.

Click here to download the white paper: Strategies for data-driven value creation within oil and gas.

Continued here:

Cloud computing can drive collaboration and workflow efficiency for oil and gas companies - JWN

ATLANTA Gov. Brian Kemp has announced a collaborative initiative between the Technical College System of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Education, the Technology Association of Georgia, and Amazon Web Services to provide cloud computing training and education to 5,500 learners statewide by 2024. Through this initiative, high schools and technical colleges in Georgia will offer cloud computing courses and credentials that align with skills needed to pursue in-demand technical careers.

The tech industry in Georgia is rapidly growing with exciting job opportunities for Georgians, Kemp said in a news release. This collaboration with AWS will ensure our citizens have access to innovative training and education to help prepare them for tech jobs in Georgia.

The state of Georgia will work with the AWS Academy program to provide educational institutions with no-cost, ready-to-teach, cloud computing curricula that prepares students for industry-recognized AWS certifications and in-demand cloud jobs. Educators at participating institutions will receive instructor training taught by AWS experts and access to a limited number of AWS certification exams at no cost as they qualify to become AWS Academy-accredited educators. Students also can access self-paced online training courses and labs from AWS.

The use of cloud-based technologies is growing rapidly in Georgia, which means there is greater demand for a work force skilled in this area, TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier said. We are excited to launch this partnership because it will provide students and existing information technology workers with the most up-to-date training available to ensure success in this growing field.

For K-12 institutions, this collaboration supports the Georgia Department of Educations mission to prepare students for success in the global economy.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

We are committed to expanding opportunities for all students, preparing them for life and for rewarding careers, Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. We have a goal to certify 1,200 K-12 students across our state in cloud computing, giving them a pathway to a career in this thriving industry.

This commitment to providing technical skills training and education across the state is designed to fill in-demand cloud computing jobs in urban, rural and diverse communities throughout Georgia. This includes available jobs from organizations across various sectors in roles such as software development, cloud architecture, data science, cyber security, cloud support engineers and more. According to Economic Modeling Specialist International, there are more than 125,000 cloud computing jobs available in Georgia. For individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, cloud computing skills training offers an opportunity for workers to reskill and re-enter the work force.

At AWS, we are committed to working with education, policy, and industry leaders to provide opportunities for individuals to embrace lifelong learning, Kim Majerus, leader of U.S. Education, State and Local Government at AWS. We applaud the state of Georgia for investing in the future and current work force to enable citizens to be at the forefront of rapidly changing technology that is driving todays digital economy.

Technology has redefined Georgias job landscape, with tech jobs in Atlanta increasing by 46 percent since 2010. In addition, the city was named one of the five U.S. Cities Poised to Become Tomorrows Tech Mecca in 2017. In support of the growing tech industry in the state, AWS will work with TAG to connect cloud talent to employment opportunities. This collaboration also will help to support the rural jobs initiative by connecting tech learners in rural communities to in-demand careers in cloud computing with TAG member companies.

Members of TAG expect us to fuel the innovation economy, President & CEO Larry Williams said. They challenged us to spark the imagination of students and prepare them today for the exciting careers of tomorrow. Through programs like TAG-Ed and the numerous scholarships we offer, weve done that and more. We also know that the path between skilled workers and company needs runs through all communities, including those in rural parts of a state. In our home state, we partner with TCSG to develop and recruit talent right where they live in rural Georgia so they are ready to work remotely for top technology companies, including AWS.

Stacker compiled a history of the NRA from its founding to its current legal woes. Click for more.

Here is the original post:

New Georgia initiative to provide needed cloud computing training - The Albany Herald

Cloud computing has been witnessing rapid adoption over the years as it offers businesses and organizations certain advantages over traditional methods of storing and accessing data, like from on-site servers. Since, in case of cloud computing, data and information are stored on remote servers, businesses and organizations dont have to spend additional money in installing and maintaining costly hardware. Moreover, cloud computing allows businesses to remain unperturbed about how much storage and other resources they require since such requirements can be easily upgraded or downgraded on the cloud.

Another important benefit of cloud computing is the ability to collaborate more efficiently on projects. It is easier for employees of an organization to access data and information stored on the cloud from anywhere, simply with the help of an Internet connection. Moreover, employees can access such information from smart devices like a smartphone or tablet. This is why cloud computing saw an accelerated demand last year as the outbreak of the coronavirus compelled businesses to shift to a remote working model.

However, even as we move beyond the pandemic, the benefits that cloud computing offers should allow it to see continued adoption in the future as well. In fact, Gartner estimated in a report that the worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is set to increase 23.1% in 2021 and reach $332.3 billion, from $270 billion in 2020. Markedly, Sid Nag, the research vice president at Gartner, stated in the report that emerging technologies such as containerization, virtualization and edge computing are becoming more mainstream and driving additional cloud spending. Meanwhile, a separate report from Fortune Business Insights stated that the global cloud computing market is set to witness a CAGR of 17.9% from 2021 to 2028.

Interestingly, cloud computing also seems to go a long way in ensuring a sustainable future. Notably, a report by the International Data Corporation stated that the continued adoption of cloud computing could prevent carbon dioxide emission of more than 1 billion metric tons between 2021 and 2024, due to factors like increased efficiency of aggregated compute resources.

Story continues

The benefits that cloud computing is offering to businesses and organizations are manifold, including affordability and the ability to access data from anywhere. Hence, this seems like the right time to look at companies that can benefit from the continued adoption of cloud computing. Notably, we have selected five such stocks that carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Alphabet Inc.s GOOGL Google has its Google Cloud segment which offers infrastructure and data analytics platforms, collaboration tools, and other services for enterprise customers. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings increased 29.1% over the past 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 52.6%.

Dropbox, Inc. DBX provides a collaboration platform that allows individuals, teams, and organizations to collaborate and sign up for free through its website or app, as well as upgrade to a paid subscription plan for premium features. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings increased 6.4% over the past 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 43%.

DocuSign, Inc. DOCU offers cloud-based software and provides e-signature solution that enables businesses to digitally prepare, sign, act on, and manage agreements. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings increased 25.4% over the past 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 86.7%.

Microsoft Corporation MSFT offers Azure, which is a cloud platform; Intelligent Cloud segment that licenses SQL and Windows Servers, Visual Studio, System Center, and related CALs; GitHub that provides a collaboration platform and code hosting service for developers, and so on. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings increased 5.8% over the past 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 35.4%.

Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN has its cloud platform, namely, Amazon Web Services which offer functionalities like compute power, database storage, and so on. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings increased 15.3% over the past 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 36.6%.

Blockchain and cryptocurrency has sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the Internet of Money and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree were still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.

Zacks has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly.

See 3 crypto-related stocks now >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportAmazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis ReportAlphabet Inc. (GOOGL) : Free Stock Analysis ReportDocuSign Inc. (DOCU) : Free Stock Analysis ReportDropbox, Inc. (DBX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Continued here:

5 Stocks to Watch on Continued Demand for Cloud Computing - Yahoo Finance