Core Insights - Cloud computing is a crucial driver behind the new wave of technological innovation, often overshadowed by the focus on artificial intelligence [1][2] - Efficient cloud storage significantly reduces costs for startups and enterprises, allowing them to avoid the high capital expenditures associated with building their own data storage infrastructure [1] - The demand for cloud services is surging due to the increasing needs of artificial intelligence applications, which require vast amounts of data and generate new data continuously [3][4] Group 1: Role of Cloud Computing - Cloud computing is not just about data storage; it plays a vital role in the development and operation of artificial intelligence technologies [2] - Companies like OpenAI rely on cloud services to access the necessary computational power and resources without the need to build their own infrastructure [2] - Major cloud service providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google dominate the market, but lesser-known providers are also experiencing growth due to rising demand driven by AI [2] Group 2: Impact on Companies - Backblaze, a cloud storage company, has seen a 66% year-over-year increase in AI customers, with data stored by these customers increasing by 25 times [4] - The trend of companies diversifying their cloud service providers for storage and computational needs presents growth opportunities for smaller cloud service companies like Backblaze [4] - Despite the significant role of cloud computing, its impact on AI innovation and daily life is often underestimated [5]