Evolving Cloud Techscape

Dr Archana Verma

Sarthak Hooda is Founder & CEO, Neon Cloud

To what extent are cloud-native technologies (e.g., serverless ML, distributed training frameworks) reshaping how ML workloads are deployed and scaled?

Cloud-native technologies are fundamentally transforming how ML workloads are built, deployed and scaled. Kubernetes has become the backbone of ML infrastructure, enabling reproducible and scalable workflows. According to the 2024 CNCF report, over 60% of organizations using ML in production now rely on Kubernetes – double the number from just three years ago.

Serverless ML is another game-changer. With platforms like SageMaker and Vertex AI, teams can run inference on demand, significantly reducing infrastructure overhead and latency. This is especially useful for real-time and edge use cases, with studies showing up to 50% cost savings on small-to-medium scale models.

Distributed training frameworks like Ray and DeepSpeed are also enabling faster training of large models across nodes. At Neon Cloud, we’ve optimized our compute and storage for such workloads – delivering scalable, low-latency environments that accelerate experimentation and deployment.

By abstracting infrastructure complexity, Cloud-native ML frees up data teams to focus on innovation, not maintenance – and that’s where the real value lies.

The evolution of Cloud security and how business can stay ahead of emerging threats.

Cloud security has evolved from basic perimeter defence to dynamic, multi-layered protection models. With rising adoption of hybrid and multi-Cloud architectures especially in India, where the threat surface has expanded. Attackers are now exploiting misconfigurations, API vulnerabilities and identity loopholes rather than just brute-forcing firewalls.

Businesses are shifting to Zero Trust models, integrating continuous identity verification, encryption at every layer and AI-driven threat detection. To stay ahead, businesses must invest in proactive security adopting DevSecOps, training teams on shared responsibility models, and leveraging native security tools provided by cloud platforms. Security today isn’t just a feature it’s a continuous, adaptive process. Those who build it into their cloud DNA will be best prepared for what’s next.

At Neon Cloud, we’ve embedded security into every layer offering automated compliance checks, real-time anomaly detection, and end-to-end encryption by default. For Indian enterprises navigating complex regulatory frameworks like CERT-In, we ensure region-specific compliance without compromising scalability.

Additionally, we also see the need to eradicate vendor lock-ins, so businesses are not forced to adhere to their existing security measures. Regardless of the cloud environment, they can scale such measures to provide security when and where they need it the most. As a flexible, all-in-one cloud platform, we provide capable solutions so businesses can have control of their stacked infrastructure and their necessary security measures; responding in real-time to threats without restrictions imposed by their proprietary ecosystems.

How is the shift toward AI-native applications, edge computing and sustainability driving innovation in cloud service models?

The shift toward AI-native applications, edge computing and sustainability is fundamentally reshaping how Cloud services are designed and delivered. AI workloads particularly, large language models and real-time inference engines; demand high-performance, low-latency infrastructure. This is pushing cloud providers to move closer to users, driving growth in edge computing.

At the same time, AI-native apps require scalable GPUs, distributed training environments and automated ML pipelines. We’re seeing rising demand for specialised instances and workload-aware orchestration moving beyond the traditional IaaS model.

Sustainability is no longer an option, it’s a business essentil. Enterprises globally are demanding carbon transparency from their Cloud partners. At Neon Cloud, we’re integrating energy-efficient infrastructure and carbon tracking tools, in line with India’s growing focus on green data centers and the government’s 2070 net-zero target.

This convergence of AI, edge and sustainability is inspiring a new generation of Cloud platforms – ones that are intelligent, decentralised and purpose-built for the next decade of innovation.

How cost effective is Cloud computing for the MSMEs?

For MSMEs, Cloud service models are a game changer if built with them in mind. More often than not, Cloud solutions get priced and packaged for enterprises and smaller businesses have to juggle with sky-high costs, complex billing and restrictive lock-ins.

We believe that MSMEs deserve to have an equally powerful and scalable infrastructure that large enterprises enjoy, minus the sky-high prices. Hence, creating a straightforward Cloud ecosystem that is highly affordable by design. No hidden fees, no tough contracts, just straightforward pricing and fair value.

Furthermore, it is crucial for MSMEs, being cost effective in the Cloud means not just saving money but also saving opportunities by avoiding the need for huge and costly IT infrastructure and big tech teams. With the right cloud partner by your side, you can get products to market faster, smoothly scale operations and take on the big companies without burning through all your cash.
With Neon Cloud, we provide a helping hand for such innovative technologies as AI, ML and edge computing to MSMEs, enabling them to compete on a more level playing field.
For us, it’s that simple. The Cloud should act as an enabler of growth rather than a barrier. MSMEs are the soul of our economy and we’re committed to powering their journey with a cloud that works for them, not against them.