Cloud computing has transformed the daily lives of companies and users throughout Brazil by enabling the remote storage, processing, and access to data, services, and applications. According to information technology expert Tiago Mendes A. Mota de Avelar, the cloud is not just a trend but an essential tool in today’s digital environment. Available to businesses, governments, and individual users, this resource offers greater security, mobility, and cost savings—provided it is implemented with strategic planning.
Avelar, a consultant in digital infrastructure and a researcher in distributed systems, explains that cloud computing allows anyone or any organization to access files and programs via the internet without relying exclusively on local servers. “It’s like having a virtual office you can carry in your pocket,” the expert said. The technology has gained significant momentum over the past five years, driven by the need for remote work, distance learning, and the digitalization of public and private processes.
Among the main benefits highlighted by Avelar are scalability and cost reduction. Companies that once had to invest heavily in physical servers have shifted to on-demand services, paying only for the actual use of storage, processing power, and software. “This democratizes access to high-performance resources that were once limited to large corporations,” he pointed out.
Data from the Brazilian Association of Information and Communication Technology Companies (Brasscom) show that the cloud computing market in Brazil grew by 27% in 2024, generating more than R$18 billion in revenue. The sector is led by major providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, but there is also increasing room for national and hybrid solutions. Experts predict continued growth as more industries embrace digital transformation.
Cloud computing is already present in everyday activities such as using email, banking apps, streaming platforms, and social media. “Most people are already using the cloud—often without realizing it. When you edit a document in Google Docs or automatically back up photos on your phone, you’re using the cloud,” Avelar explained.
Beyond the private sector, the public sector has also adopted the technology. The Brazilian Federal Government, for example, has expanded the use of cloud solutions for Gov.br services, promoting greater system integration and easier access for citizens. Public schools, universities, and hospitals have followed the same path.
Despite its advantages, using the cloud requires attention to information security and legal compliance. Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD) sets clear guidelines for handling personal information, requiring providers to adopt appropriate technical and administrative measures. “The cloud is secure, but it requires responsibility from both the user and the provider. It’s essential to adopt best practices such as two-factor authentication, encryption, and controlled access policies,” Avelar warned.
Another important point is workforce training. With the growing demand for cloud solutions, the technology job market is booming. There is a shortage of qualified professionals to work with cloud architectures, DevOps, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Technical courses, undergraduate programs, and specific certifications—such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals—are among the most sought-after.
For the end consumer, the cloud represents greater autonomy and convenience. Users can start a task on their phone and finish it on their computer, keep files synchronized across devices, and access content from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a daily habit.
The future of cloud computing includes advancements such as edge computing, which decentralizes processing closer to the user, increasing speed and reducing latency. Another trend is the rise of multicloud strategies, in which companies use multiple providers to optimize costs and performance.
“It’s not just about where the data is stored—it’s about how this technology transforms the way we work, learn, and live,” concluded Tiago Mendes A. Mota de Avelar. He emphasizes that understanding how the cloud works is an important step for both citizens and managers to make more informed decisions in the digital world.
With a growing presence across all sectors of society, cloud computing is solidifying its role as a strategic ally for productivity, accessibility, and innovation, becoming a key driver of economic and social development in the information age.
By Dinarte Spadari, IT Specialist
