In recent years, businesses have encountered unprecedented challenges—from inflation and economic slowdowns to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. To navigate these complexities, companies now rely on cloud-native technology that can evolve rapidly to meet shifting demands.
Once primarily a tool for streamlining IT infrastructures, cloud technology has become essential. It empowers organisations to adapt within a fast-paced business landscape and drives digital transformation, enabling innovative businesses to create resilient, future-ready models. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2025, 95% of new digital initiatives will be built on cloud-native platforms.
As this technology continues to disrupt industries and deepen interconnectivity, it has become vital for sustainable transformation. This article will explore its impact across key business areas and examine how organisations can stay ahead in this transformative era.
Understanding cloud-native technology
Cloud-native technology refers to services and applications designed specifically for cloud environments. By leveraging cloud tools like containers, microservices, and declarative APIs, cloud-native technology achieves flexibility and resilience. Unlike cloud-enabled applications, which are legacy systems modified to run on the cloud, cloud-native applications are built natively for the cloud.
This technology speeds up development cycles, boosts flexibility, and enables rapid innovation. Cloud-native applications provide digital experiences that adapt quickly to market changes. In contrast, cloud-enabled applications retain monolithic structures, lacking the agility and scalability of cloud-native systems. For organisations aiming to stay competitive, cloud-native technology is essential.
Strengthening data ecosystems with cloud-native applications
In just one year, cloud-native data solutions have become a new standard, enabling enterprise-wide data platforms that combine technology with strategic vision.
One major benefit of cloud-native data solutions is their integrated ecosystems, known as modern data stacks. These stacks include data loading, quality, observability, processing, AI, and analytics, often available in cloud marketplaces. They support diverse use cases, such as Spark, SQL, and AI/ML, enabling businesses to adopt new data technologies more rapidly.
Moreover, cloud-native data solutions eliminate the need for infrastructure management. Businesses no longer have to handle virtual machines, as serverless patterns now dominate cloud-native design. This approach boosts efficiency, scalability, and sustainability by removing server management responsibilities, freeing resources for innovation.
Enhancing cybersecurity
As organisations become more data-driven, protecting data integrity and ensuring recoverability have become critical priorities. To achieve this, businesses must adopt cloud-native cybersecurity practices and tools.
Using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools ensures consistent infrastructure deployments, reducing risks like configuration drift. Additionally, cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) strengthens security through multi-factor authentication and role-based access. Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) add an extra security layer, enforcing granular, risk-based policies.
Security by Design integrates security into every development stage, with automated testing to detect issues early. Policy-as-Code enforces data access controls, network security, and encryption standards. For data recoverability, cloud-based resiliency services provide an extra safeguard. Implementing these practices ensures that businesses can confidently make data-driven decisions while protecting their assets.
Supporting sustainability
As climate change awareness grows, organisations face increasing scrutiny regarding their IT infrastructure’s environmental impact. Cloud-native technology offers a pathway to a more sustainable future.
Cloud-native architecture provides elastic scaling, preventing overprovisioning and reducing energy consumption. By using auto-scaling features to match real-time demand, organisations optimise resource usage, avoiding waste and cutting carbon emissions. This approach enables cost-effective, environmentally friendly IT practices.
When carefully implemented, cloud-native technology reduces carbon footprints and enhances operational efficiency. For lasting impact, cloud-native organisations should adopt GreenOps strategies that align IT operations with sustainability goals, ensuring improvement throughout the lifecycle.
Staying ahead with cloud-native technology
As we move deeper into the Cloud Native Era, legacy applications cannot match the efficiency and scalability of cloud-native solutions. Businesses that unlock the full potential of the cloud go beyond “lift and shift.” By integrating cloud-native technology, they build modern, stable environments, positioning themselves for long-term success in a sustainable future.
Want to learn more about cloud-native technology?
Check out TechRadar by Devoteam to see what our experts say about its viability in the market.