UK Study Says That Cloud Computing Has Positive Impact On Businesses
Why study something that seems counter-intuitive? Cloud computing a boon for business? Well, of course. Those businesses which have benefited greatly from the cloud would, by now, consider such a question, sophomoric, after having increased their profit margins and tightened their work force. And those which are just hopping on the train and discovering cloud computing applicability are most probably thrilled with the results.
However, there is always need for "scientific" validation, though common sense seems more appropriate in certain instances. So BT Engage IT hired Vanson Bourn independent research agency to conduct a study among UK companies to prove out the benefits of cloud computing. What they found was not surprising. Out of the population surveyed, 70% of CIOs thought "cloud computing and virtualization technology had the biggest positive impact on businesses in 2011."
CIOs of smaller companies (1,000 to 3,000 employees) rated computing in the cloud even more favorably (76%) than CIOs of larger concerns. Finally, what was thought to be the biggest trending boom, mobile devices, only received 13% of those surveyed as having a beneficial impact on business. Maybe for personal use, but not for businesses.
Where cloud computing was just a buzz word a few years ago, it is an everyday phenomenon now. Referring to the cloud, John Thornhill, CEO of BT Engage It said such words are "business, rather than just technology terms and companies are now using these technologies in earnest.” In fact, cloud computing and virtualization hyper drive has calmed because the technologies are so familiar.
Mr. Thornhill emphasized the positive benefits of cost savings, productivity gains and levels of customer service as elements improved within businesses switching to cloud and virtualization technologies. And it appears that the nature of the cloud is even impacting positively the role of the CIO who is finding time for innovation (time saved by going on the cloud) is acquiring regulatory and compliance skills, and is learning about risk, negotiation, sales and commercial procurement. In the cloud, the profile of the CIO has soared.
In January of 2011, cloud hosting and virtualization were predicted to be top priorities for CIOs. This is expected to blossom in the years following. This year, cloud computing will definitely remain near if not at the the epicenter of our concerns with business and technology.
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