In an increasingly data-driven world, organisations are adopting multicloud strategies to meet their business needs. As companies contend with vast and complex amounts of unstructured data, a multicloud approach allows them to manage, access, and protect their information seamlessly across various cloud platforms.
Gartner estimates that by 2025, over 95 per cent of new digital workloads will be deployed on cloud native platforms. This trend is especially visible in Europe, where regulatory compliance and data sovereignty concerns are pushing companies toward sophisticated storage solutions.
According to the Dell Technologies' Innovation Catalysts Study 38 per cent of IT and business decision-makers believe that hybrid infrastructure dominates their IT landscape, while another 38 per cent point to multi-cloud as the leading model.
With businesses navigating a multicloud environment, it is vital that IT leaders harness the growing bank of data within and across their organisation. That requires a greater focus on eliminating data silos and achieving a unified storage system.
There are five key considerations that IT leaders in Northern Ireland need to take account of to ensure their shift from data silos to a multicloud approach unlocks strong business benefits.
1. Hybrid and Multicloud Integration: Breaking Down Data Silos
Companies considering hybrid or multicloud approaches are often contending with data silos that limit data sharing, access, and analytics potential. With hybrid and multicloud options, many organisations are moving toward a more cohesive storage setup.
This is particularly relevant in Northern Ireland, where regulations like GDPR and data residency laws govern how and where data can be stored. By linking storage across multiple platforms, these organisations can centralise data and comply with local regulations, granting them flexible data access without sacrificing security.
2. Cloud-Native File Storage: Enhancing Scalability and Flexibility
As companies’ data needs expand, they require storage that can scale as those demands fluctuate. Cloud-native file storage - engineered specifically for cloud environments - provides the agility needed to scale storage up or down as needed.
Industries with intensive data processing needs, such as automotive technology, are quickly adopting cloud-native storage. For example, Subaru collaborates with Dell Technologies to develop AI-powered driver assistance systems, which rely on Dell’s cloud-native infrastructure for high-speed data analysis from sensors and cameras. This setup lets Subaru’s AI systems handle massive data loads efficiently, supporting compliance while delivering reliable performance.
3. Unified Data Management: Streamlining Accessibility and Governance
In the multicloud landscape, data management now goes beyond storage to include governance, access control, and compliance. A recent McKinsey report highlights that 72 per cent of European CIOs prioritise unified data management, aiming to streamline data access across cloud platforms while maintaining strict control.
In Northern Ireland, where data compliance is essential, companies are investing in platforms that facilitate unified data policies, enabling secure data transfer between clouds with consistent security standards. This approach simplifies workflows, boosts productivity, and ensures that critical data can be accessed from anywhere within the organization.
4. AI and Machine Learning Integration: Extracting Data Insights
As multicloud storage enables more integrated data environments, AI and machine learning are providing unprecedented insights. According to a new forecast from the Worldwide AI and Generative AI Spending Guide published by IDC, European spending on AI is projected to reach $133 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.3 per cent over the 2024-2028. By storing data across interconnected clouds, organisations can leverage AI to analyse multiple data sources for real-time, actionable insights.
AI integration is game-changing across data-heavy industries, providing the framework for complex analytics that drive innovation and enhance decision-making. For businesses, the multicloud approach also ensures secure and ethical AI use.
5. Edge Computing and Multicloud Storage: Lowering Latency and Boosting Data Sovereignty
With the rise of IoT and the demand for real-time data, edge computing is becoming a critical aspect of multicloud strategies, enabling data processing close to its source.
For businesses and organisations here in Northern Ireland, edge computing also supports data sovereignty by allowing sensitive data to be stored within designated regions. Gartner projects that by 2026, 75 per cent of data will be created and processed outside traditional data centers, highlighting the role of edge computing in multicloud strategies.
In the automotive industry, for example, edge computing within a multicloud setup allows companies to process data from connected vehicles in real-time, powering features like predictive maintenance and live navigation. This approach enhances the user experience while ensuring adherence to European data residency laws. Edge computing, as part of a multicloud approach, allows companies to optimise data access and latency, staying compliant without sacrificing performance.
The Future of File Storage
As organisations continue to generate vast amounts of data, the need for efficient and effective storage solutions will only grow. Multicloud strategies represent a significant shift in how businesses can manage their data, moving from isolated silos to a unified, accessible, and secure ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the evolution towards a balanced multi-cloud ecosystem will continue to shape IT strategies in Northern Ireland. Enterprises can unlock the full potential of their data, driving innovation, improving decision-making, and gaining a competitive edge.
The shift from data silos to a multicloud approach isn’t just a technological evolution - it's a fundamental transformation of how businesses operate in the digital age.
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