Cloud platforms have changed the way we work, helping businesses of all sizes embrace digital transformation. They’re no longer just a fancy tool for tech companies. they’re a game changer for pretty much any industry. Whether you’re in healthcare, manufacturing, finance, or even farming, cloud platforms can help you do things faster, smarter, and cheaper. In this article, we’ll dive into what Industry cloud platforms are, why they’re important, and how tailoring your cloud platforms to your industry can save you a ton of time and money.

While you can traditionally use cloud services for general tasks, Industry cloud platforms (ICPs) are designed specifically for different sectors. Think of it as going from a “one-size-fits-all” solution to something tailored just for you. ICPs allow businesses to use services that are finely tuned to their unique needs, be it healthcare, manufacturing, or retail.

For instance, consider Google Cloud’s Manufacturing Data Engine and , which provide seamless integration with over 250 manufacturing machines and software tools. These two products are designed specifically to collect, process, and store manufacturing data using tools and databases built and optimised for specifically this. This offers manufacturers a comprehensive solution that reduces the complexity and cost of managing massive data volumes. Similarly, the Manufacturing Connect is built to quickly understand and analyse healthcare data, from medical records and patient notes to medical images, while ensuring compliance with the stringent healthcare regulations. AWS Health platform

In a 2024 Gartner report , it’s predicted that by 2027, more than half of businesses will be using ICPs to stay ahead of the competition. These platforms combine infrastructure (IaaS), platform services (PaaS), and software services (SaaS) into a comprehensive package that’s laser-focused on delivering results for your industry.

Why should you care about ICPs?

1. Cutting costs the smart way

One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that cloud computing is expensive. Sure some cloud services are pricey, but it can also be pricey if you’re using it the wrong way. But that’s where ICPs come in. By tailoring your cloud platform to your Industry, you ensure that every resource is optimised to offer value. With an optimised ICP, you pay for exactly what you need and nothing more.

2. Speed up your work

In today’s world, speed is everything. If you’re slow, you’re out. Whether you’re building software, processing data, or developing new products, you need to get things done quickly. ICPs are designed to streamline your operations, allowing you to move faster from development to deployment. It’s like having a toolkit that’s designed specifically for your needs, making your team’s job easier and faster.

3. Stay secure and compliant

Security is a top concern for everyone, especially if you’re in sectors like healthcare, finance, or government. With all the regulations (think for healthcare or for data privacy), staying compliant is tough. But ICPs make it easier. Most ICPs come with built-in security and compliance features tailored to your industry, saving you the headache of figuring it all out yourself.

For instance, healthcare platforms are built to handle sensitive patient data while ensuring everything is secure and compliant with healthcare laws. By using an ICP, you get the peace of mind that your data is secure and your business is compliant without having to be an expert in compliance laws.

How to get started with industry cloud platforms

Developing an Industry Cloud Platform (ICP) begins with comprehending the particular requirements of your sector, be it manufacturing, finance, or healthcare. For a holistic view, you must identify the major opportunities and problems unique to your industry, incorporating stakeholders from many departments. Next, pick a cloud provider that offers solutions tailored to your industrial use case or one that offers tools particular to your industry, like AWS for healthcare or Google Cloud for manufacturing. Utilise pre-built solutions tailored to your sector to expedite deployment and save time, all the while making sure your platform is adaptable and scalable enough to expand along with your company. The majority of cloud providers include built-in capabilities to help ensure security and compliance, which should be top considerations, especially in businesses with sensitive data.

Okay, now that you’re sold on the benefits, how do you actually get started with an ICP? Here are a few tips:

1. Start small and build gradually: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is an Industry cloud platform strategy. Don’t try to do everything at once. Start with a small, well-defined project and scale as you learn what works best for your business.
2. Leverage what you already have: You don’t have to throw everything away and start from scratch. ICPs should work like an “exoskeleton” for your existing systems, adding new capabilities without disrupting your current setup.
3. Be flexible and avoid vendor lock-In: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Using multiple cloud providers can give you the flexibility to pick and choose the best services for each part of your business. This way, you’re not tied down to one vendor and can always switch if better options come along.
4. Invest in talent : None of this works without the right people. Make sure you hire and train skilled cloud professionals who know how to get the most out of ICPs. As I often say, investing in talent is just as important as investing in technology.

Looking forward, industry cloud platforms are only going to get bigger. As more industries embrace digital transformation, ICPs will be key to staying competitive. Gartner predicts that by 2027, over 50% of enterprises will rely on ICPs to power their business. Early adopters of this trend will save costs and gain an advantage in terms of innovation and agility.

The bottom line? Cloud platforms are no longer just for tech companies and startups. Businesses in every sector may customize their cloud infrastructure with ICPs to fit their unique requirements, saving time, money, and enhancing security. The cloud computing of the future is here, but it varies by industry.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.