COVID-19 has changed how companies operate. According to an article introducing a 2021 conference on the Gartner website, as more workers use conferencing and collaboration tools while working from home, there is an increase in demand for the networks that connect users to these services and the back-end support systems. The only service providers capable of meeting the growing demand will be those with suitable architecture and consistent levels of customer support.
Cloud providers frequently encounter difficulties with their business continuity plans. They must respond to difficult questions like whether their architecture for the public cloud is robust and scalable enough to handle increasing demand and if it can continue to operate even if support staff falls ill. They must continuously demonstrate that the network infrastructure can handle the rising traffic volume and that the auxiliary infrastructure is trustworthy enough to ensure ongoing access to public cloud services.
To do this, cloud providers must be made aware of the pandemic’s dangers, probabilities, and outcomes. They must show that they are equipped to deal with sudden increases in demand. On the other side, they also have the chance to show how the surprisingly swift increase in the number of people working from home has impacted the services’ ability to adapt and be resilient. In order to be proactive in meeting demand, cloud service providers must also keep an eye on current affairs, Gartner added.
Increased demand poses threats to cloud services
Cloud services providers should be aware of the challenges arising from the increased demand. In addition to remote work, live meetings and streaming services will add stress to the already increased demand.
Operational support for cloud offerings will need to be maintained while working remotely or with less staff, and supply chains will be affected by short supplies due to manufacturing facilities being based in China and other areas impacted by current events. Those cloud service offerings that have not been stress-tested may not be prepared to address these threats.
New technologies present opportunities
Because it is naturally designed to handle changing demands, the cloud computing paradigm should be able to handle larger demands like those caused by the COVID-19 problem when correctly implemented.
In reality, though, not many suppliers have budgeted enough money to make the move. Those who are able to do so will be able to demonstrate their fortitude and adaptability by providing collaboration and conferencing services at a discounted rate or for free, demonstrating the effectiveness of cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to make virtual meetings feel more natural, or by forming new partnerships with telecom companies to expand their telco cloud offerings. By using these and other opportunities, cloud service providers can considerably influence the degree to which cloud-based digital work becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Offset IT spending cutbacks by providing services
The pandemic has affected every business, and cloud providers should be mindful of any lasting effects. Although the need for collaboration and video conferencing will increase, less money may be spent on technology as a whole if the industry falls in the future. Private networks will be put under more strain than the public internet as a result of surge pricing implemented by overloaded providers.
Cloud providers may soothe customer concerns and instill trust by demonstrating their ability to manage an increase in remote work and by stress-testing their data centers, networks, and services while also alerting customers of the performance findings.