Cloud engineering has become the backbone of digital transformation. It involves managing computer systems and applications in the cloud, providing businesses with the agility and scalability they need to thrive.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cloud engineer or just starting your journey in this field, staying updated on the latest trends is essential.

In this article, we’ll explore seven new cloud engineering trends that are shaping the landscape and offer insights into how aspiring cloud engineers can learn these and other trends through the QuickStart cloud engineering bootcamp.

1. Hybrid Cloud Adoption

Hybrid cloud is like having a part of your computer at home and part in a supercharged data center. It’s a mix of on-premises and cloud services, offering businesses the best of both worlds. This approach allows companies to keep sensitive data on-site while leveraging the scalability and cost savings of the cloud.

The hybrid cloud model offers several distinctive advantages. For example, companies can scale their infrastructure up or down as needed, reducing unnecessary expenses. Flexibility is another advantage, as it allows businesses to adapt to changing demands quickly.

The unique nature of a hybrid cloud environment has quickly made it popular in many business environments — requiring new skills and strategies from the world’s cloud engineers.

An excellent example of effective hybrid cloud adoption is NASA. They use the cloud to store massive amounts of data and conduct complex simulations while maintaining control over critical systems on-premises. 

On a continual mission to explore and map the unknown, NASA prioritizes cloud platforms for their unique research and development advantages. NASA uses cloud technology to instantly share and upload data. They also depend on the massive storage capacity of the cloud to house large amounts of environmental research.

To learn how to properly navigate a hybrid cloud setup, many students turn to cloud engineering bootcamps like the QuickStart Cloud Engineering program, which teaches skills in programming, cloud administration, and infrastructure.

2. Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a way to run software without worrying about servers. Developers can focus solely on writing code, leaving server management to the cloud provider. This approach to work helps employees reduce costs, specifically around daily computer operations.

Many companies use serverless computing when developing mobile applications. Developers can build and deploy apps, and app features, faster than through traditional computing strategies. Developers can also accomplish tasks without managing server infrastructure, reducing the complexity of the company’s overall cloud environment.

If you’ve ever used a food delivery app on your phone or computer, you know that there’s a fair amount of complexity involved. The app will actually use serverless computing technology, even if you don’t realize it, to accomplish the task. 

With this serverless computing technology, your meal selection, communications with the restaurant and delivery driver, and real-time updates are all pushed through serverless computing processes. No matter the demand, the serverless computing model scales its capacity to handle load over time.

3. Kubernetes and Container Orchestration

Kubernetes is a powerful tool for managing containers that hold software. Think of containers as lunch boxes for applications. Kubernetes helps organize and deploy these lunch boxes efficiently, ensuring your applications run smoothly, even in complex, multi-container environments.

Businesses use Kubernetes to automate deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It simplifies the process of ensuring that apps run consistently across different environments.

As an example, Spotify, a popular music streaming service, transitioned to a microservices architecture to improve scalability and speed of software delivery (Tech Ahead). With numerous microservices in play, Spotify needed an efficient way to manage these services across its infrastructure. 

This utilization of Kubernetes is why Spotify has become one of the most popular music streaming services in the world. Due to its sophisticated use of this technology, individuals can enjoy on-demand music in a very user-friendly, intuitive system.

4. AI and Machine Learning Integration

AI and machine learning play a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of cloud services by infusing intelligence into them. These technologies empower cloud platforms to continuously evolve and improve their functionality without requiring human intervention. 

Take, for instance, the recommendation systems on streaming platforms like YouTube, Hulu, or Disney+., which are powered by AI and machine learning algorithms. These algorithms analyze your viewing history and preferences to suggest movies or TV shows that align with your interests. This level of personalization creates a more engaging and tailored user experience, keeping viewers hooked and satisfied.

AI and machine learning also deliver automation, enabling businesses to streamline processes and reduce human labor. With cloud-based AI, organizations can make data-driven decisions more efficiently, leveraging insights gleaned from massive datasets. 

Moreover, these technologies can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up human resources for more strategic and creative endeavors. Ultimately, the integration of AI and machine learning into cloud services leads to enhanced user experiences (The Forecast by Nutanix), increased operational efficiency, and greater competitiveness in the digital landscape.

5. Multi-Cloud Strategies

The term, “multi-cloud” refers to using multiple cloud providers simultaneously. It’s like shopping at different computer or technology stores for variety, even though each store sells similar products and components as the others. Organizations adopt this strategy to avoid vendor lock-in and take advantage of unique features from various cloud providers.

Multi-cloud strategies offer flexibility and redundancy. If one cloud provider experiences an outage, services can seamlessly shift to another. By diversifying their cloud infrastructure across multiple providers, organizations reduce their dependency on a single vendor and mitigate the risks associated with service interruptions. 

This approach not only ensures uninterrupted access to critical applications and data; it also provides a strategic advantage, allowing businesses to maintain continuity and deliver seamless experiences to their customers, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

6. Security and Compliance in the Cloud

Keeping data safe in the cloud is arguably more important than ever. Data breaches are common concerns, and businesses must implement robust security practices to protect sensitive information.

Even small businesses need to make sure their data is protected. Regardless of your company’s size or industry, your data is valuable. It’s not just valuable to your company for internal use; it’s also valuable for cybercriminals and hackers who want to exploit your data at your expense. 

Your personal data — including personal photos, messages, and emails — have value in the wrong hands. To prevent data breaches, cloud engineers typically deploy strategies like encryption, access controls, and monitoring tools.

Recent incidents like the SolarWinds breach (TechTarget) highlight the importance of proactive security measures for all companies that manage any form of digital data. In this particular case, cyber attackers compromised SolarWinds’ software development and build process by inserting malicious code into updates of the Orion software. 

This meant that when organizations installed these updates, they were unwittingly introducing malware into their systems. Up to 18,000 SolarWinds customers downloaded the compromised updates, which means they were potentially at risk. This deep security breach further underpins just how important cloud security is, no matter who you are or what you do.

7. Cloud Native Development

Cloud-native development involves building apps specifically for the cloud environment. It’s akin to designing a car for the racetrack instead of regular roads. These apps are optimized for cloud infrastructure, offering faster performance and scalability.

For instance, by leveraging cloud-native architecture, Netflix can effortlessly adapt to fluctuating demand and peak usage periods, ensuring that users enjoy uninterrupted streaming experiences. This level of scalability has been instrumental in Netflix’s ability to grow rapidly and maintain its position as a global entertainment leader. 

Furthermore, with the trend leaning towards faster and more reliable technology across multiple platforms, this scalability underscores the transformative power of cloud-native development in creating highly responsive, efficient, and globally accessible digital services.

Getting Started in Cloud Engineering

Staying ahead of the curve is essential for cloud engineers. Trends in AI/ML, cloud native development, serverless computing, Kubernetes, and other fields indicate how dynamic a field cloud engineering truly is. 

To stay on top, you’ll need an education that prepares you for real-world environments — while learning the skills that today’s cloud employers are looking for.

QuickStart’s cloud engineering bootcamp and certificate program provides comprehensive training and hands-on experience in these emerging trends. As you embark on your cloud engineering journey, remember that the sky’s the limit, and the cloud is where the future lies. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunities this exciting field has to offer. Explore our Cloud Engineering Bootcamp and take the first step towards a successful cloud engineering career. Speak to one of our admissions advisors today to learn more about our courses and how QuickStart can help you achieve your career goals. Don’t wait; the future of cloud engineering is calling.

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