AI-Enhanced Cloud Computing: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Challenges, and Future Directions in Resource Management, Fault Tolerance, and Security Automation

Abstract

The rapid expansion of cloud computing has brought transformative changes to how organizations handle data, deploy applications, and manage IT infrastructure. However, these benefits are accompanied by significant challenges, including the need for efficient resource management, fault tolerance, and enhanced security. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in addressing these challenges, offering innovative solutions for predictive analytics, load balancing, task scheduling, and security automation. This paper presents a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art AI applications in cloud computing, encompassing AI-driven resource allocation, proactive fault management, energy-efficient operations, and secure cloud environments. We examine the use of machine learning, deep learning, and heuristic models in optimizing cloud performance, reducing operational costs, and ensuring reliability. Key applications discussed include AI-assisted load prediction, virtualization optimization, fault tolerance, and automated security measures that respond to evolving threats in real-time. By integrating AI techniques, cloud systems can dynamically adjust to changing demands, predict failures before they occur, and maintain high levels of service availability and security. Despite these advancements, several challenges remain, including data quality issues, the complexity of integrating AI models into existing architectures, and concerns over data privacy and algorithmic bias. This review aims to guide future research and development by highlighting the successes and limitations of current AI-driven approaches, proposing potential pathways for further enhancing cloud computing through advanced AI technologies. Our findings underscore the critical role of AI in shaping the next generation of cloud services, ultimately paving the way for more intelligent, efficient, and secure cloud environments.