2017 is a promising year for new cloud app trends. Many businesses have already taken the plunge and experienced how the cloud makes business run smoother when properly implemented.

Keeping up with changing technology is always a challenge. However, developers are already making design and functionality improvements to online storage and networking solutions to help you manage and operate your business.

Cloud App Trends for 2017

Here are some cloud app trends you can expect to see in 2017:

Heightened Cloud Security Features

Security is always changing, so it should be no surprise that new features and tougher security are in store for 2017. More developers are innovating advanced features for cloud security. One key security focus is on standardization and automation approaches to cloud security. The more cloud solutions come on the market, the more data and networks become vulnerable to hacking and other malicious activity.

For instance, 2017 will see a surge in system and application purchases without enterprise approval or protection. As a result, IT resources will be stretched thin trying to cover more ground with apps and services, making it more difficult to prevent cyberattacks.

Augmented Reality for Utilities

In the business sector, augmented reality hasn’t been taken seriously. But that’s about to change in 2017. With the growing popularity of wearables, augmented reality tools can be more useful by recognizing words, phrases and hand movements. People can send and receive texts and calls through their wearable devices.

This cloud app trend will create huge opportunities for businesses. Text and audio evolvements in cloud apps will enable people to find relatable action items in popups. For example, by pressing a button and saying “restaurant,” consumers can open a list of their favorite restaurants nearby, along with hours and phone numbers.

Related trends will tie into social media, location tracking and favorite shopping sites or special alerts. Companies that capitalize on the backend of the augmented reality cloud app trend will win big in 2017.

Apps Enabled With AI

Although it may sound like science fiction, apps have already been developed with built-in AI features.

Cloud developers have designed apps that capture data from people’s search histories and customize their mobile displays based on mood, location or personal preferences. This cloud app trend may be an intrusion to privacy to some or a welcome technology to others who appreciate a customized cloud experience.

Large-Scale Migrations to the Cloud

While businesses have been lagging with cloud migrations, many new businesses will demand the cloud from the start. 2017 may see a huge bump in cloud migration and cloud implementations, which will bring new management, performance and security challenges.

As a result, more businesses will have to rely on third-party cloud service providers and consulting firms to set up and maintain their increasingly complex cloud solutions.

As more companies migrate to the cloud, the demand for hosted and hybrid cloud solutions will also follow. Along with the large cutover, companies will have to take extra steps to ensure all existing apps can migrate to the cloud with no issues. All integrations with systems and other apps need to cutover smoothly without interruption to service or functionality. This procedure will consist of replicating every app onto the public cloud to eliminate the unnecessary expenses of maintaining onsite and cloud networks.

Industry-Based Cloud Apps

Each industry has specific needs. It’s reasonable to think that industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, legal, etc., would have individual clouds. Each industry will have access to customized clouds based on a set of industry-required functionality. Individual companies will be able to customize their industry-based cloud solution and change the way they exchange data across their specific network.

Expansion of IoT Cloud apps

The IoT industry is still growing — with more apps designed to integrate mobile devices with physical equipment, appliances and devices.

2016 saw growth in this area through IoT integration with inexpensive children’s toys and household appliances. Medical supply companies are introducing new medical devices that send patient data to a doctor’s office (such as smartphone-based blood glucose monitors).

The expansion of IoT app integration will mean complexity for developers to leverage mobile platforms and enterprise-level infrastructure to share data between every type of device.

Location-Based Service Growth

Nearly every mobile device is enabled with a GPS feature. In 2017, location-based services and apps will continue to thrive.

Some people are skeptical about apps that make suggestions based on their location. But others will be more than willing to give up their geographical location to find the nearest cup of coffee or gas station.

Location-based services are excellent for travelers who are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Along with location-based services, beacon technology will grow as well. Several big-box and (even smaller stores) will begin to notify shoppers of sales based on their shopping list and location in the store.

2017 promises to be an exciting year for new tech innovation through the cloud. Top mobile app developers are designing new cloud apps based on customer demands for new trends. Developers will have to push their limits to keep up with changing demands.

Need a partner in the cloud? Contact Agile IT today to take advantage of these cloud app trends and more!