How Will Future Devices Affect File Sharing

By Michael Brown 1

By 2020 it's expected there will be over 50 billion devices connected to the internet. How many of these will rely on cloud based file sharing? What does the future of file sharing look like with that many devices being connected? 

As the world becomes more and more connected it will be the challenge of MSPs to make sure these devices are synced properly, sending files to the right places, and most importantly, are secure. 

When we say more and more connected, we really mean it. A Dutch startup, Sparked, is using wireless sensors on cattle. Homes and offices are getting more automated. Soon all offices will have automatic doors, lights, thermostats, security cameras, televisions, and computers. All employees will have phones, tablets, smartwatches, Google Glasses, and Fitbits. All of these devices will be transmitting data and most of these devices will need to access it. 

One Central Location 

As more and more things start collecting information, companies will need a central hub to collect and organize it all. Some of these things may be able to send information directly into the cloud. Some may require a local device to collect the data and then send it to the cloud. 

This will depend on the sophistication of the device being used. Keep up to date on the most recent advancements in these centralized control systems to see where the industry will be heading in 5-10 years. 

Greater Security Threats 

The connection of so many devices will pose an even greater security risk for companies. In the past we’ve covered the added security risks that come with employees using their own devices. Setting up good practices for this now is even more important when the number of devices employees are bringing in to work is going to increase so dramatically. 

The connection of so many office functions poses a large security risk too. Security company Trustwave recently studied vulnerabilities in home automation systems. Once they were able to access a home’s automation system they could turn on the lights, adjust the heat, turn off the TV, or even unlock the door for burglars. As an office connects more devices it’s vital that the MSP keeps security top of mind. 

Right now, there are almost 14 billion people, processes, data and things connected to the Internet. The future we’re planning for is closer than you may think.
 

The demand for fully integrated offices and employees is already here. The need for these devices to share files over the cloud is definitely a real concern.  

MSPs should start planning for accommodating the needs of their customers when they each have hundreds or thousands of devices to connect. Not only should you stay current on the technology that will help you achieve this. You should plan on the services you will need to offer and the new partnerships you may need to make.