Consumption-Based Forecasting and Planning

CHAPTER 7The Future Is Cloud Analytics and Analytics at the Edge

Cloud computing is the technology of the future, particularly for predictive and anticipatory analytics. Given that demand forecasting and planning has been cited as the area that will deliver the most benefits from predictive analytics, we can assume that cloud computing would also be the preferred technology platform. As this technology continues to grow, there will be debate surrounding the best approaches to utilizing cloud computing due to the high demand for advanced analytics skills. The cloud computing market has been growing fast and shows no signs of slowing down. As a result, spending on public cloud services now accounts for more than half of worldwide software, server, and storage spending growth, according to recent research conducted by several analytics firms. In addition, there is growing demand for certified cloud professionals, as well as basic cloud computing skills.

WHY CLOUD ANALYTICS?

Many companies are still running their applications on their internal networks, having made previous investments in the necessary hardware, software, and IT infrastructure. It can be costly and complex, however, to maintain such technology deployments, which require regular upgrades and special technical expertise to keep pace with changing demands. This is why companies are moving portions if not all of their applications to the cloud. It is not just core business systems like finance, HR, and supply chain ...