Ben Scowen
Vice President - UK & Ireland Cloud & Core Leader at Kyndryl
The cloud landscape has dramatically changed in recent years as the global data centre market has witnessed significant growth. Such a drastic change can be attributed to rising demands for data and the widespread adoption of cloud technology.
Now, with the rapid rise of AI use, data centres are facing immense pressures to innovate. This has led to increased use of cloud data centres, which provide customers with entirely autonomous cloud-based architectures.
Ben Scowen, Vice President, UK & Ireland Cloud & Core Leader at Kyndryl, is well-versed in this current technology landscape. His main focus at Kyndryl is to scale up the company’s comprehensive consultancy business in the UK and Ireland so that it can provide more customers with better mission-critical business and IT outcomes.
In this exclusive interview with Data Centre Magazine, he tells us about how cloud computing is impacting the data centre industry, where cloud strategies are moving to next and how businesses can best migrate to the cloud.
Tell us about your role at Kyndryl.
As Vice President of Kyndryl’s UK & Ireland Cloud Practice, I oversee the delivery of complex cloud transformation projects that enable businesses to modernise and optimise IT environments. I help our clients leverage the cloud to reduce costs, lower carbon emissions and increase revenue with cloud-native driven innovation.
I start by aligning the client’s cloud strategy with critical IT and business initiatives to create a comprehensive approach to cloud transformation. This includes identifying essential activities, capabilities and assets, while addressing skills shortages, reducing complexity and eliminating technical debt.
One recent example is UK Power Networks, who partnered with Kyndryl to enhance and expand its existing IT modernisation journey, enabling a Microsoft Azure cloud-based environment that will allow for faster deployment, increased innovation and higher operational resiliency.
This involves using automation through the creation of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines, conducting cloud-native builds in Azure and hosting mission-critical systems on cloud to impact the electricity supply for 8.5 million customers.
Tell us about some of the current trends in cloud computing, including the role of emerging technologies and the impact of edge computing on cloud services.
Cloud computing is rapidly evolving with several key trends shaping its future. One of the most significant trends is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into cloud services. These technologies are being used to enhance data processing, automate tasks, and provide more personalised experiences for its users. As a result, cloud platforms are becoming more intelligent and capable of handling complex workloads.
Another emerging trend is the rise of multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments. Companies are no longer relying on a single cloud provider but are instead using a combination of public and private clouds to meet their needs. This approach allows them to take advantage of the strengths of different cloud platforms, while maintaining flexibility and control over their data.
Edge computing is also having a significant impact on cloud services. Traditionally, data was processed in centralised cloud data centres, but edge computing brings the processing closer to the source of the data, like IoT devices or local servers. This reduces latency, improves response times and allows for more real-time processing. As a result, cloud services are becoming more decentralised, with more computing power being distributed across various locations.
Another key trend that we are seeing is the adoption of a product and platform engineering approach which allows companies to scale digital services, reduce technical debt and accelerate delivery. Product and Platform Engineering brings together tried and tested learnings into a single strategy that can dramatically change your chances of success.
How is cloud-centric IT driving the UK forwards and how are organisations stepping into the digital economy?
Cloud-centric IT is playing a crucial role in driving the UK forward by enabling rapid digital transformation across both the public and private sectors. With the shift to cloud-based solutions, organisations are becoming more agile, scalable and resilient. This shift allows them to quickly adapt to changing market demands and innovate at a faster pace.
In the public sector, cloud adoption is helping government agencies and public services to modernise their operations. By moving to the cloud, they can improve service delivery, reduce costs and enhance collaboration between departments. This has been particularly important with the rise of remote-working, where the need for digital services has increased dramatically.
Private sector organisations are also embracing cloud-centric IT to stay competitive in the digital economy. By leveraging cloud platforms, businesses can access cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics and automation without the need for heavy upfront investments. This not only accelerates innovation but also allows companies to offer more personalised products and services to their customers. Additionally, the cloud provides the flexibility to scale operations up or down as needed, which is essential in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Tell us about some of the strategies associated with cloud migration and what challenges they can bring.
Cloud migration presents a number of challenges for businesses to navigate. First and foremost, it is often a missed opportunity to modernise or replace the existing applications or services that are being moved to the cloud due to time constraints. The result is you have moved your technical debt from the data centre into the cloud, increasing your overall cost long term and delaying the inevitable modernisation activity.
The total cost of ownership in the cloud is also often not fully understood until it is too late and the service has been migrated to the cloud. At this point, there is often activity undertaken to optimise the costs. A better approach is to activate FinOps early in the migration process.
Other challenges include ensuring data security and compliance. Moving sensitive data to the cloud can expose it to potential breaches, so companies need robust security measures and must adhere to regulations like GDPR. Another challenge is managing costs. While cloud services can be cost-effective, unexpected expenses can arise if usage isn’t carefully monitored and optimised.
Additionally, downtime and service disruptions during migration can impact business operations, making it crucial to have a solid migration plan in place. Companies also face the challenge of integrating legacy systems with new cloud-based solutions, which can be complex and time-consuming.
A growing concern is the shortage of cloud skills. Many organisations struggle to find skilled professionals who can effectively manage and optimise cloud environments. This skill gap can slow down migration efforts and lead to inefficiencies. Alongside this, there’s adoption resistance from employees who may be hesitant to embrace new technologies and processes. Change management strategies, including training and clear communication, are vital to overcoming this resistance.
What are some of your predictions for the future of cloud technology in the near future?
In the coming year and beyond, cloud technology is set to evolve in several exciting ways. One significant development will be the rise of AI as a Service (AIaaS). As more businesses look to harness the power of AI, AIaaS will continue to become increasingly popular. This model enables organisations to access advanced AI tools and platforms via the cloud, eliminating the need for substantial in-house expertise or infrastructure. Consequently, AI will become more accessible, allowing companies of all sizes to utilise machine learning, natural language processing and other AI technologies to enhance their operations and customer experiences.
Another key trend is the growth of Edge AI computing. This involves integrating AI with edge computing, where data processing happens closer to the source, such as on IoT devices or local servers, rather than in centralised data centres. As the demand for real-time processing and low-latency applications increases, Edge AI computing will become more prominent. By enabling AI-driven insights and decision-making at the edge, this approach will boost the efficiency and responsiveness of various sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare.
Sustainable cloud computing is also expected to become a crucial aspect of cloud technology's future. With growing environmental concerns, there is rising demand for cloud solutions that focus on energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. Cloud providers are likely to invest significantly in renewable energy sources and innovative technologies that lessen the environmental impact of data centres. This shift towards greener practices will not only help organisations achieve their sustainability goals but will also attract environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders.
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