So, what do we really see when we look under the Clouds???
Cloud computing has enabled many of the advantages such as economies of scale, reducing costs and improving operational efficiencies. These benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. The “big win” of cloud computing, is that we can now conduct computing in a truly ‘distributed’ manner. So, why is this exciting and/or important?
Firstly, data is no longer strictly stored behind firewalls. Data is open and more easily accessible. This has enabled us to conduct “real- time analytics,” or what you will hear me call “Edge Analytics.” This in turn shifts our attention to real time search and analytics (a better and ‘immediate’ understanding of our data, and focus away from consolidating distributed data (reverse distribution).
Real-time edge analytics will yield critical and timely information. It is a far better use of our IT staff and capabilities. Our ability to gain timely information from globally distributed data is why we started distributed computing to begin with, so why not do it right? This of course leads to inter-enterprise data sharing, a topic which I will discuss in a later blog.
Secondly, in addition to lowering the firewalls and opening up IT, we now have large numbers of applications which in the past were massive proprietary software systems (monoliths) running behind firewalls. Now these applications are offered as Software (or Application)-as-a- Service. Today, we can provision hardware, configure and access Databases, run a variety of software and applications via the internet with great ease, simplicity and without the cost and overhead. We can provision applications when and as needed, with enormously heightened productivity.
Thirdly, as a result of the above, we can now focus our attention on “innovation” and start using computing as ‘computing’ was intended to be deployed, rather than a mega IT intensive effort. Imagine what it would be like if a 1000 person IT department in a large company would focus on real-time analytics, enhanced knowledge about their respective data and refining applications to conduct their respective businesses better?!
Far better access to information, innovation and real-time edge analytics is what I see when I look under the clouds….
In addition analytics and big data being extremely scalable with services such IaaS being rolled by major companies with access across the globe consumer applications are growing leaps and bounds. Companies such as Dropbox have built an entire business on being in the cloud and providing consumers with storage for all sorts of files. Other more established tech companies are augmenting their existing portfolio or adding features to capture the benefits of cloud services. Apple has changed the way iPhone users interact with data by creating iCloud and allowing users to store everything from contacts to calendar information and music in the cloud.
It’s frustrating to see the archaic nature of data management in aviation. The progress made in cloud computing and the ability to manipulate large amounts of data should translate to an easy fit and adoption into aviation. Yet the decision makers hide behind the excuse of security and budget to justify not stepping up to the latest technology. Don’t get me wrong, safety is never compromised. But not moving with the times is holding back the speed at which aviation is innovating.