Emily Suzuki
Elevate your design and manufacturing processes with Autodesk Fusion
Learn about the advancements in cloud-based software solutions that are enhancing and propelling businesses into new flexible practices.
The nature of business has shifted significantly over the last year, as the global pandemic caused a rift in how companies digitally operate. Thousands of employees learned how to work from home, and businesses realized the underlying problems associated with local operating systems. Although the pandemic and strict lockdowns might be winding down, some experts speculate that it will continue to impact the economy, healthcare, and business continuity in the coming years.
Cloud-based software has been around for a while in terms of technological advancements, but only recently has it been implemented in larger business environments. Cloud-based computing provides several benefits — accessibility, flexibility, and scalability — that local systems cannot compete with. Cloud-based computing is an iterative process of digital optimization that will likely be the future for businesses everywhere heading into the future.
Cloud-Based Software and Business
Cloud computing is improving how data is transferred, stored, and analyzed. Data is stored in “the cloud” and can be accessed from anywhere on any authenticated device. The pandemic is a good example of showing the effectiveness of cloud-based software. Employees can work from home and collaborate with their peers in real-time without transferring files via email. Traditionally, email file transfer has been limited due to file size restrictions. So, naturally, companies have adopted software like Fusion 360, Google Drive, Adobe Cloud, and Microsoft Office Online to share media without stringent file restrictions.
In Google Drive, a worker can create and store a document in a shared file. Their revisions and updates are automatically saved, in real-time, as they work. At the same time, another worker can open the file and edit or comment on the same document. Both workers can see their revisions manifest on the screen as the other types. Similarly, Fusion 360 offers real-time editing of CAD files. Real-time editing and content creation are just the tip of the iceberg for cloud-based software solutions, though.
Cloud Computing Advancements
The marketing industry has already seen leaps and bounds in how data is collected thanks to cloud-based solutions. Before the cloud, marketing metrics were collected and reported in separate environments. With a fully integrated system, marketing tools like emails, social media, and web content can be utilized in one end-to-end platform. As time goes on, marketing companies will continue to adopt integrated platforms to create intuitive social campaigns.
In the future, cloud gaming could become more popular among AAA game developers. Recently, Google launched the Stadia, where gamers can stream games from the cloud instead of needing a dedicated console or gaming PC to play.
Other advancements in cloud computing (see Google’s Quantum Breakthrough) could revolutionize artificial intelligence and push supercomputers into realms never thought possible. On top of that, engineering companies are also seeing the benefits of cloud solutions and AI integration.
For example, Fusion 360 integrates CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software in a cloud environment. Fusion 360 also uses artificial intelligence for generative design. Engineers can input specific parameters and requirements into CAD, and AI will generate thousands of digital prototype designs. The engineer can then choose a generated design or continue on their own.
