The forecast for cloud computing in 2013? A veritable downpour of innovation: the first touch-based operating system. Greater emphasis on the “open cloud.” Apple’s new virtual server. VMWare’s new “self-service” virtualization product. And that’s just for starters.

For an IT environment defined by seemingly non-stop evolution, cloud computing will welcome a host of groundbreaking technologies in 2013, according to Infinitely Virtual CEO Adam Stern.

“In looking at innovations shaping the cloud hosting and computing environment for next year, I believe this will be the most exciting time in the history of the cloud model,” Stern says. “Whether you’re a medium-size business or an early stage startup, in 2013 you will be able to take advantage of new technology that gives you both greater control over your virtual environment, and also more flexibility.”

Stern, founder and head of Infinitely Virtual -- a leading provider of virtual server cloud computing services – is available immediately to address these emerging trends:

• The Virtualization of Touch: Windows Server 2012, the first touch-based operating system capable of being hosted in the cloud, will alter the user experience. Stern can offer an early line on what that’s likely to look like and what it will signify for small and mid-size businesses.
• The “Open Cloud” Concept: Open computing is coming to the cloud and figures to prompt a huge shift in the development of new apps. Notes Stern: “With openness comes questions of security and data and application interoperability, among other issues.”
• Mac OS X: Says Stern: “For Apple-lovers moving to the cloud, this is an enormous technological advancement -- it will virtualize Apple’s server operating system.”
• Self-Service in the Cloud: In the coming year, the cloud will be less and less the sole domain of the IT intelligentsia, Stern suggests. Look for significant growth in the self-service approach, as users take BYOD to the next level and begin to deploy their own apps and manage their own security -- while maintaining cost-effectiveness and the 24x7 support inherent in cloud-hosted computing. Indicative of this trend: VMWare vShield 5.2, a new product that will enable users to manage their own security, no longer leaving firewall oversight in the hands of the hosting provider.
• The Cloud Goes Financial: For accounting professionals and others in financial services, it should be a watershed year. QuickBooks 2013 will be available in a cloud hosted environment, a boon to one of the fastest-growing sectors in cloud computing.

“We see 2013 shaping up as perhaps the most promising since the advent of cloud hosting,” Stern says. “We anticipate that these and other innovations will make the cloud an even more robust, secure and affordable computing environment, and will foster even greater migration to virtualization, to the ultimate benefit of the businesses making the transition.”

About Infinitely Virtual

Infinitely Virtual is a leading provider of high quality and affordable virtual server technology, capable of delivering services to any type of business, via terminal servers, SharePoint servers and SQL servers – all based on Virtual Dedicated Servers. The company was established as a subsidiary of Altay Corporation, and through this partnership, Infinitely Virtual provides customers with expert 24×7 technical support. With an innovative approach to virtualization – one that includes reliance on its IaaS and SaaS tools for its own operation — Infinitely Virtual provides aggressively priced options that competitors simply cannot meet. For more information: http://www.infinitelyvirtual.com or call 866-257-8455.