t cht lk containers had already begun their slide into Gartner ’ s so-called trough of disillusionment – the phase when businesses have begun to act on the hype but been disappointed by the lack of immediate outcomes .
However , fast-forward the clock to 2021 and containers are already a critical component of DevOps-led infrastructure and application modernisation – with Kubernetes emerging as the dominant container orchestration platform . The business case for using containers enabled by Kubernetes is becoming well established , as microservices-based architectures have gained traction within the enterprise . This opens up new possibilities when it comes to protecting data within containerised environments . A general rule to live and die by is that if you can ’ t manage data , you can ’ t protect it . So , deploying Kubernetes adds the vital orchestration layer , meaning there is now a significant opportunity for a single data protection platform that includes virtual , physical , cloud and containerised environments . Establishing more advanced data protection and backup credentials is one of the advancements that will help containers go from IT side project to achieving the Return on Investment businesses crave .
At the edge of reason
Another technology which presents certain data protection challenges is Edge Computing . Currently , Gartner places Edge Computing right at the peak of inflated expectations on its hype cycle . As hyperscalers look to extend their ever-expanding data volumes and workloads to the Edge and the shift towards remote working creates a greater sense of urgency for businesses looking to transform digitally , the case for Edge Computing looks compelling . You can view this as a confluence of events that make Edge Computing more relevant .
However , alongside Digital Transformation , there are other words on CIOs ’ minds : data protection , cybersecurity , cost optimisation and digital skills , to name a few . All these are relevant when it comes to taking Edge Computing from an overhyped proof of concept to a core hybrid infrastructure service . To manage and protect data at the Edge , businesses must be able to identify the data they need , back it up and secure it . Not only does this require backup , data and replication capabilities , it also requires specific skills – so often in short supply when it comes to relatively new technologies . Businesses looking to capitalise on Edge Computing at this stage need to work with specialist partners to ensure their deployments are not just conducted successfully , but are done so without putting data at risk or allowing cloud storage costs to spiral out of control . Taking the time to define your businesses ’ cloud data management strategy will
provide direction and clear objectives , allowing you to measure the success of introducing Edge Computing to the data management mix .
Taking a strategic view of where technologies you have previously failed to successfully deploy sit within your wider business objectives is crucial for building the business case for them and acquiring the necessary buy-in from budget holders to invest complementary solutions and onboard the necessary skills . For enterprises locked in a race to transform digitally , evolving customer demands along with an increased reliance on cloud and connectivity are forcing their hands . Implementing the latest and greatest technologies to achieve the
desired outcomes of Digital Transformation requires investment in the necessary skills , data management and protection capabilities required to do so successfully , cost-effectively and securely . p
Dave Russell , Vice President of Enterprise Strategy at Veeam
Taking the time to define your businesses ’ cloud data management strategy will provide direction and clear objectives , allowing you to measure the success of introducing Edge Computing to the data management mix .
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