Possibly more so than any other human advancement within the last hundred years, the internet has revolutionised how our species interact with one another. Internet technologies have completely changed the way we communicate, take leisure, make purchases, pursue education, and more. So, it’s really no surprise that these same internet technologies are also restructuring the way companies do business. And perhaps the most significant change of recent years is the internet-enabled shift to cloud computing for business.
How Is Cloud Computing Changing the Business World?
Cloud computing, at its most basic, describes the outsourcing of computer software and hardware. Rather than having to purchase and install computing hardware in-house, businesses may rely on cloud service providers for many of their computing-related needs. The provider covers the cost, maintenance, and repair of the relevant computer hardware, which authorised cloud users can then pay to access remotely over the internet. And the savings tend to be significant; in a recent survey, 60% of enterprises reported increased savings as the primary reason to shift from conventional on-site servers.
The end result is a low-effort, inexpensive alternative to in-house computing. Businesses can store and retrieve data, access valuable software tools, back up important files, and more, all from anywhere in the world — all they need is a secure internet connection.
By eliminating the business need for costly in-house computing solutions, the cloud has become nearly ubiquitous across industries and geographic locations. In fact, it’s estimated that as much as 94% of enterprises rely on cloud solutions in one form or another, with the global cloud market expected to reach a staggering USD 832.1 billion by 2025.
Why companies are moving to the cloud
Organizations around the world are using the cloud for business. And while this move is often motivated by the reduced costs mentioned above, savings are not the only reason companies are moving to the cloud. Other motivations include the following:
Simplified Scaling
In the past, when an organization’s customer load or data demands would expand beyond their capabilities, the only solution was to purchase more servers. The cloud eases businesses’ growing pains, allowing organizations to increase or decrease their allotted storage capacity to meet the demands of scaling. And with on-demand pricing models, organizations need only pay for the data, storage space, and resources they use, rather than having to anticipate how much storage they may need over a given time period.
Increased Flexibility
Scaling gives businesses the flexibility to adapt their computing resources to meet shifting demand. This increased flexibility also extends to employees who need to access important data. Rather than confining data access to on-premises solutions, cloud computing makes relevant information available from anywhere in the world, regardless of time or location. This also allows employees increased freedom in setting their own work hours.
Real-Time Data Analytics
Top cloud vendors do more than simply provide organizations with a place to store data; they offer solutions for analyzing it and turning it into actionable insights. And, by automating data collection and applying analytics tools in real-time, businesses enjoy the most up-to-date views of vital metrics.
Enhanced Security
Traditionally, the biggest impediment to cloud adoption has been the issue of security. The argument is that by keeping sensitive data on-premises, it will be safer than in the cloud. But this fails to take into account issues related to human error, local disruptions, and failures of organizations to maintain vital security measures. Cloud providers are generally much more capable of providing effective, up-to-date security. Additionally, cloud vendors can customise their security posturing to meet the unique needs of essentially any organization.
How Do Businesses Use Cloud Computing?
Early cloud computing often fell into the rut of data management, with vendors providing remote-access file storage and other limited services for businesses that simply needed somewhere to keep or back up important information. But as the cloud has grown, so too has its number of possible applications. Here we explore the three most common ways that businesses use the cloud:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud vendors provide essential computing, storage, and networking resources on demand, hosting business’ services and saving them from the responsibilities associated with developing and maintaining an effective infrastructure on-premises.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Cloud providers give users access to a platform with which they can develop and launch their own software applications, without having to worry about operating systems, storage, updates, or infrastructure.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Complete applications are delivered via the internet for businesses to use. These applications are fully managed by the cloud vendor, with most running directly in any standard web browser.
Cloud Computing in Bahrain
As the uses and benefits of cloud computing continue to expand, it’s becoming ever more clear that the cloud is the future. The Kingdom of Bahrain embraces this future as part of its ongoing push towards digital transformation.
Bahrain has long set a gold standard for technological innovation. And, with cloud traffic growing faster in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) than in anywhere else in the world, Bahrain is uniquely positioned to lead the charge. And that’s exactly what the island nation is doing.
The Bahraini attitude towards foreign investors makes the Kingdom an ideal place for cloud computing companies to establish themselves. And up-and coming cloud vendors and other cloud-focused businesses aren’t the only organisations that are seeing the value in investing in the cloud in Bahrain.
In 2019, Amazon Web Services (AWS) established the Middle East (Bahrain) region, opening up new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and more. Even more recently, multinational technology conglomerate holding company Tencent announced its collaboration with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) to deploy Tencent’s first public cloud infrastructure in the MENA region. This partnership will also help drive Bahrain’s development, and support its transformation as a regional hub for the cloud and IDC sectors.
Amazon’s and Tencent’s interest in Bahrain is not unique; Bahrain is the ideal testbed for data-focused companies to launch innovative products across the region. The Kingdom also offers a number of clear advantages for anyone considering investing in cloud technologies. These advantages include easy access to global connectivity, thanks to the six different terrestrial and submarine cables that run through the Bahrain region. Additionally, Bahrain is committed to promoting cloud-literacy in its workforces, by providing essential educational and training initiatives, including covering 100% of the cost of training for any Bahraini seeking AWS certification.
But perhaps the biggest advantage is the Kingdom’s continued dedication to cloud technology, as evidenced by Bahrain’s progressive cloud-first policy. Determined to modernise and drive innovation in private as well as public sectors, Bahrain is at the forefront of the MENA cloud revolution. The cloud-first policy is built on four pillars, designed to drive cloud success:
With full support from Bahrain government institutions and other decision-makers, Bahrain is embracing cloud technology like no other nation on the planet. And that makes it the perfect place to invest in cloud computing.
How to Invest in the Cloud in Bahrain
Bahrain’s cloud infrastructure and clear commitment to cloud success provide a unique opportunity for businesses worldwide. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, contact Bahrain EDB today. Our team can help you find the right investment options to drive your success.
The cloud is changing the world, and the Kingdom of Bahrain is leading that change. Learn more about investment opportunities in Bahrain, and see what the world’s most innovative nation can do for your business.
