Web Summit 2021

Cloud continues to be one of the most important trends in the digital environment, not least due to COVID-19. According to experts, the infrastructure market is worth USD 1 trillion, of which only 20% has been migrated to the cloud. However, the pandemic has accelerated migrations and it is expected that the remaining 80% will be moved in the next 5 to 6 years. It should be noted that a "lift and shift" approach is not enough to successfully exploit the potential of the cloud. Instead, an adequate adaptation of IT operations and governance is required. In addition, an elaborate security strategy is required in order to eliminate security concerns and thus be able to migrate key applications to the cloud.

At Intero, we also deal with the topic of the cloud as part of numerous projects. We have therefore summarised our knowledge and experience of migrations to the cloud in several white papers. You can read more here.

CLOUD

In the 21st century, data and its processing into useful and relevant information is becoming increasingly important and can give companies a decisive edge over their competitors. According to a survey, 68% of companies currently do not fully utilise their existing data to derive business-relevant information. However, 75% of those surveyed are convinced that effective utilisation of data can lead to a radical change in their business model. So there is still a lot of hidden potential here.  
In addition, the cloud is seen as one of the most important keys to enabling the availability of data across silos and thus generating insightful information. This aspect should therefore be taken into account when migrating to the cloud in order to create structures in the cloud right from the start that ensure the overripe and complete utilisation of existing data.

Artificial intelligence has already irrevocably changed many areas of our lives. We often don't even realise where AI is being used and where it is taking or simplifying our work. At Intero, we have made a conscious decision to use this technology to optimise our travel expense accounting. The potential uses of AI are constantly evolving and this is where the opportunities and risks for the future lie. AI is currently heavily under-regulated worldwide. Experts are therefore calling for clear guidelines and limits that provide a framework for the further development and use of AI - especially from a moral perspective. This should minimise the risk of misuse of the technology while still allowing its potential to be exploited.

COVID-19 has permanently changed the way we work. While it was still unthinkable for some companies and employees to work from home in 2019, this is now the new standard. Digital working harbours both opportunities and challenges. In addition to the discussion about optimising digital working, the post-COVID working world is also being discussed. The experts agree on one thing in particular: it will not be possible to turn back the clock to previous working models. A hybrid working model consisting of on-site and remote working days will remain in place even after COVID-19. Companies must offer attractive working models in order to respond to the individual needs of employees and attract top talent to the labour market. At the moment, however, there is still no consensus on what best practices will look like in terms of working models after the pandemic. Different approaches are currently being tried out, and there was a lively exchange of ideas at the Web Summit. It therefore remains an exciting topic that affects us all and that we will continue to follow closely.