Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the most recent technological breakthrough that has instilled a rivet within almost every industry worldwide, tantalizing the question of what is the next big thing in store for upcoming future?

A consensus in 2018 forecasted the next technological wave to dominate the year of 2019 will consist of:

1. Blockchain

Blockchain may not have imposed the same revolutionary effect as AI or be as intuitive as voice control, but it has great potential in reforming conventional methods of handling finance, real estate, IoT, the supply chain of most industries, and much more. These factors have contributed to the pressures of governments incorporating them into everything they can as they know well of the high costs of trailing behind on this new wave of technological advancement.

2. Blockchain as-a-Service (BaaS)

BaaS should transcend the cryptocurrency use case and release distributed marketplaces, as well as computing systems that control communities for sharing of resources in both a cost- and resource-efficient manner. These types of technologies will be generated through the BaaS platforms by cloud computing giants like AWS, Azure, and IBM.

3. AI-Led Automation

This prediction is at the forefront of the next anticipated technological wave. Data mining and management, business processes, IT services, customer support, and several other sectors are expected to propel automation via machine-learning-based solutions and neural networks; which is a system that alters its structure during a learning phase and is commonly used as an exemplary for complex relationships between inputs and outputs to depict trends and patterns in data. Therefore, the fruition of AI-Led Automation has indicated it is definite.

4. 5G

5G network, as of recent, has made its breakthrough deployment in many cities worldwide. It is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, an advancement from 2G, 3G, and 4G. By advancing its predecessors, 5G has the potential to offer faster connections, quicker response times, and more significant capacity. 5G network connectivity is necessary to fulfil the requirements of the influx in demand for data and connectivity from both customers and businesses.

5. Chrome Operating System

It is the first web Operating System (OS) designed for users who mainly spend their time in a web browser, offering applications and documents while connected to the Internet. The only disparity from conventional computers is their inability to run software and programs locally. However, applications are not limited by the absence of connectivity and can still operate offline, like Gmail and Google Docs. Although user data is stored in the cloud, Chrome OS devices; Chromebooks, are created to work equally well online or off. Its considerable reception is credited by the manifold of users who predominantly use Google Chrome as its primary search engine, as well as Google applications and plugins to conduct their tasks.

Technology is advancing faster than the world can handle, with only the few people who truly grasp the underlying concepts of the cloud being able to understand them. Are you one of them?

The surge of connectivity in IoT is the main contributor to the grand shift towards the takeover of cloud technology. This cutting-edge technology inspires organizations to adopt a cloud TOS which ought to resolve many operational inefficiencies, drive operational efficiency, and enhance their overall performance.

Although several TOS providers tend to pitch this buzzword at every opportunity, nearly all system infrastructures evade entirely from the core cloud characteristics and components. Instead of achieving maximum ROI, which is a forefront deliverable of the cloud, they confront a surplus in expenses and experience a downturn in performance. As a result, these TOS which claim to be cloud-based foster an undermining perception of how powerful a true cloud TOS can manifest on a terminal.

Not only does the undesirable outcomes that emit from a forged cloud TOS misconstrue cloud computing, but the acute fear detesting the security of a cloud TOS illustrates the device as belligerent and detrimental. Data insecurity inherits the main deterrent against adopting a true cloud TOS. Although many sources suggest a resistance against the cloud, there are not many valid reasons justifying this proposition.

Before making a misinformed decision, it is critical to fully understand every aspect of what a true cloud TOS can offer a terminal. Outlined below, are the debunked speculations challenging data insecurity.

1. 2048-Bit Encryption

Anything connected must be supported by well-defined and well-implemented security. Therefore, a cloud TOS must provide 2048-bit encryption; the highest encryption rate available. This level of encryption is exponentially more secure than 1024-bit, setting the new standard across the Container Handling Industry. Do not settle for less.

2. ISO Standards

Standardization for data must be enforced to ensure a decree of legislation is governing the continuously growing cloud computing landscape. As cloud computing expands into new fields, new standards regarding security and privacy are introduced, becoming stricter and increasingly rigid. The latest ISO/IEC 19086-4:2019 has been instituted, heeding strict conformity from all cloud service providers. This standardization also serves as guidance whereby infringement of the regulations instigates viable litigations.

3. Multi-Layered Security

A TOS operating in the cloud is essentially a SaaS running on a PaaS belonging to a cloud service provider. As opposed to the conventional on-premise enterprise TOS solution, there is a higher concentration on data security since cloud servers maintained in data centers are rigorously safeguarded and managed by professionals with strong IT expertise. These professionals are highly experienced in responding to any malfunctioning or system failures with imminence. Entrance to these warehouses also requires numerous levels of authorized clearances. The rollout of stringent compliance requirements, firewalls, policies, processes, and control activities collectively fortifies an ethical use of cloud technology to instill a safe environment respecting global privacy and data protection.

Traditionally, a terminal restricts their resources and delegates limited-to-one IT maintenance personnel to maintain the hardware and system infrastructures. As a result, this limited expertise can engender additional implications such as being incapable of detecting the issue early which prolongs the timespan to resolve the issue. Therefore, if anything, security is heightened in the instance of adopting the cloud which starkly distinguishes against the common on-premise TOS.

4. Cloud in Everyday Use

The masses of Internet-enabled devices expedite cloud use and has become an unknowingly natural practice for all Internet users. Cloud technology is prevalent in everyday operations and activities inducing greater dependence as it continues to expand across all industries. Many users entrust their private data to cloud-based software giants such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google Drive, baring the question – what is the difference?

5. Non-sensitive Data

Data processed in a TOS is predominantly non-sensitive as it primarily comprises of EDI messages providing discharge as well as load orders, and container throughput sent from shipping lines. Therefore, the terminal operator does not own any data that enters or departs from the terminal other than their KPIs, which is of very little value to external stakeholders.

When terminals face results that deviate heavily from their expectations and objectives, it is crucial to understand that it is yielded from poor decision making in implementing a forged cloud TOS. A true cloud-based TOS will offer higher revenues, lower expenses, and instill paramount security measures. Conduct research, understand the true meaning of cloud infrastructure and select the correct cloud TOS to leverage only benefits. It is time you start seeing a difference.

Emerging technologies are no longer just changing the online landscape but altering the way devices interact with humans. As the pool of devices and machines increase, the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem grows accordingly.

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is commonly referred to as a system of interconnected computing devices or virtually any physical object that features an IP address for Internet connectivity. The communication channel established between these Internet-enabled devices, objects, and systems also attributes to the concept of IoT.

IoT and the cloud are closely linked such that it is typically rendered as an application of the cloud. The interrelationship is formed based on the fact IoT requires the cloud to operate and interchangeably; the cloud’s prevalence is dependent on the scope and influence of IoT.

Connection between IoT and the Cloud

Product manufacturers quickly understood that devices do not require to be transformed into a computer with intelligence and data storage to operate independently. Nowadays, the cloud is no longer limited to just tablets and smartphones but is incorporated into objects varying from household appliances to vehicles. Users can subsequently, garner greater control as all data is shared on a centralized system and can be accessed via any IoT device.

What does this mean for the future?

IoT is forecasted to cumulate to a remarkable 31 billion worldwide as of 2020. Similarly, Discrete Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics and Utilities are projected to devote an estimated USD 40 billion each on IoT platforms, systems, and services. This anticipated growth in correlation to the continual innovations in real-time data analytics and cloud computing are set to drive IoT to the forefront. The influx in connectivity will empower enterprises as small data is procured from various Internet-enabled devices to engender Big Data in the cloud. While IoT is becoming increasingly reliant on the cloud, the cloud infrastructure must be prepared for expansion to serve the requirements of the IoT era. Therefore, cloud computing will continue to transpire as a vital player for IoT in cultivating complex systems aimed to simplify interactions.