2022 Predictions

  1. Cloud storage will continue to gain momentum
    Technology supply chain constraints and soaring prices for existing inventory will be the straw that breaks on the on-premises camel's back.

  2. Continuous cyber attacks will drive cloud storage adoption
    Primary and secondary backups/archives will make their way to the cloud, employing immutable storage features to ensure data integrity.

  3. Cloud tiering will gain momentum
    Every on-premises storage vendor will support cloud tiering, and added licensing fees, to maximize the capacity and performance of the existing systems.

  4. Cloud storage providers will see few, if any, new entrants
    The cost of entry, strong alliances, and limited/expensive hardware will make it difficult for new storage service providers to get off the ground.

  5. Backup vendors will align themselves with a handful of storage service providers
    AWS has their favorite partners [until they pull the rug out from under them], Microsoft Azure made a significant investment in Rubrik, Veritas bought their own storage service provider - the battle lines are being drawn, more walled gardens are being planted, and consumers will have fewer independent providers to choose from.