What does the future hold for the channel? Automation technologies, IoT and big data tools are some of the technologies that could play important roles in businesses worldwide next year. Here's a closer look at predictions involving these technologies and others that could redefine the channel in 2015.

Dan Kobialka, Contributing writer

December 17, 2014

3 Min Read
2015 could prove to be an important year for many cloud services providers particularly for those that offer or plan to offer automation tools
2015 could prove to be an important year for many cloud services providers, particularly for those that offer or plan to offer automation tools.

How can a business streamline its operations? Automation technologies certainly can help, and as many businesses search for ways to become more productive and efficient, the demand for automation tools could increase across the channel next year.

2015 could prove to be a critical year for many cloud services providers (CSPs), particularly for those that currently offer or plan to offer automation tools.

Gartner (IT) recently pointed out that the majority of cloud application buyers cited cost, innovation and agility as the primary reasons they adopt cloud solutions.

Meanwhile, businesses that leverage cloud apps to automate their operations ultimately could lower their operating costs and better support their customers.

Automation is likely to play an important role in the channel next year, but what other technologies could impact CSPs and their customers? Here are four more channel technology predictions for 2015:

No. 2: Internet of Things (IoT): Several industry analysts are predicting 4.9 billion IoT-enabled devices will be in use in 2015, which would represent a 30 percent year-over-year increase. However, the IoT could create security issues, and Experian Data Breach Resolution recently pointed out that hackers could start launching IoT cyber attacks in 2015. Expect more CSPs to find ways to offer secure, innovative solutions to help customers leverage the IoT in 2015. In fact, Gartner said it expects 25 billion IoT-enabled devices to be in use by 2020, which could create myriad revenue opportunities for CSPs.

Click here for Talkin’ Cloud’s Top 100 CSP list

No. 3: Big data: IT industry association CompTIA found nearly eight in 10 executives said they need better real-time analytics and improvement in converting data into actionable intelligence, and CSPs that capitalize on this demand could boost their revenues in 2015. Expect the big data and analytics market to expand in 2015, especially if more CSPs find ways to offer big data and analytics solutions. “As executives across the organization drive data initiatives, new roles may emerge that incorporate elements of IT, business analyst, researcher and behavioral economist,” CompTIA Market Intelligence Vice President Tim Herbert said in a prepared statement.

No. 4: Cloud security: Hackers attacked The Home Depot (HD), Sony Pictures Entertainment (SNE) and other big-name companies this year, which could lead more businesses to increase their cloud security budgets in 2015. Transparency Market Research, for example, recently said cloud-based managed security services are part of an emerging market that could grow in 2015 and beyond. This research firm predicted the managed security services market would expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4 percent between 2013 and 2019, and the managed security services market could be worth more than $24 billion by 2019 too.

No. 5: Hybrid cloud: Hybrid cloud could be king in 2015. A recent Avanade survey of 1,000 global C-level executives revealed that many businesses want to migrate their apps and services to hybrid cloud environments, and as a result, CSPs could increase their profits if they offer hybrid cloud apps and solutions. “Hybrid cloud gives companies the speed and flexibility they need to transform into digital businesses and enables them to focus on driving growth and outperforming their competitors,” Mick Slattery, Avanade’s president of hybrid cloud, said in a prepared statement.

Which technologies do you believe will redefine the channel next year? Share your thoughts here.

Also, I welcome your opinions in the Comments section below, via Twitter @dkobialka or email me at [email protected].

About the Author(s)

Dan Kobialka

Contributing writer, Penton Technology

Dan Kobialka is a contributing writer for MSPmentor and Talkin' Cloud. In the past, he has produced content for numerous print and online publications, including the Boston Business Journal, Boston Herald and Patch.com. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State College (now Bridgewater State University). In his free time, Kobialka enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football (Go Patriots!).  

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