Cloud for Data Enablement
Cloud computing has been on the scene for a number of years, but lately, it is seen as the enabler of next-generation data solutions that encompass AI initiatives.
“Significant trends in data management and delivery, such as real-time end-to-end data pipelines, polyglot persistence using purpose-built data stores, data security, and zero-trust patterns, will shape the way for the future,” said Jayaprakash Nair, head of analytics, data science, machine learning, AI, and visualization at Altimetrik. “However, one trend that continues to gain prominence is cloud adoption for data management and delivery.”
The continuing shift toward cloud computing “has been occurring for some time, but it shows no signs of subsiding. An increasing number of companies are either migrating their data to the cloud or developing applications where the data is cloud-native or born in the cloud itself,” said Nair.
The business benefits of cloud-based data can be seen through “managed services, or platform as a service,” which helps “ensure that organizations can get up and running on true end-to-end data pipelines in a short timeframe,” Nair explained. “The capital expenditure is minimal; therefore, you pay as you go. This helps organizations spread out the cost, get business value out to the market quickly, and reduce the risk of technology obsolescence, which is especially relevant, as technologies are changing at a breakneck pace.”
At the same time, with cloud, “one question that organizations continue to face is how much of the data should be placed on the cloud versus on-premises,” Nair continued. “While the on-demand elasticity of the cloud is well-known, there is a nontrivial cost associated with sending huge amounts of data back and forth to the cloud.”
Another potential challenge “is the accidental cost associated with cloud services,” Nair cautioned. “There have been instances where organizations have had to pay substantial amounts because they inadvertently left some of their cloud data instances running without being used.”
Augmented Reality for Hands-On Experiences
Augmented or virtual reality—fed by a blending of real-time and analytical data—promises to put digital replicas of physical assets and environments into the hands of users, no matter how far they may be from the original. “In my line of work, I’ve developed a keen interest in technologies that revolutionize how we collect, interpret, and share information, particularly in the travel and tourism sector,” said Pierce Hogan, owner of Varied Lands, a digital travel agency. Augmented reality (AR) is one such technology that “while still flying under the radar, is making significant waves.”
AR “is revolutionizing data handling by providing immersive experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds,” said Hogan. “In the travel industry, for example, AR can project information about historical sites right in front of tourists’ eyes, turning a simple sightseeing trip into an informative, interactive experience. This type of data delivery not only enriches user engagement but also caters to the growing demand for personalized and accessible travel content.”
The business advantages of adopting AR are compelling. “It offers a unique way to captivate customers’ attention, providing them with unforgettable experiences that can translate into higher satisfaction and brand loyalty,” said Hogan. “For businesses, AR also provides opportunities to streamline operations and present information in more efficient ways, potentially reducing costs and improving service quality.”
Despite its potential, AR’s broader adoption faces significant barriers. “The technology demands advanced hardware and software, and the development cost can be prohibitive,” Hogan cautioned. “There are also concerns regarding user privacy and data security that need to be rigorously managed to foster public trust and comfort with AR technologies.”