Bosses unsure over cloud computing says survey

BUSINESS owners and managers in the North West are unsure about what cloud computing is and what benefits it can deliver, according to a survey.

Research by Merseyside company The PC Support Group says that just 42% of directors and senior managers understand what cloud computing is, while just 16% are planning to use the technology in 2011.

Cloud computing is basically web-based computing – where a company stores data remotely – in ‘the cloud’ rather than having its own servers.

The PC Support Group says the IT industry expected 2010 to be the year cloud computing took off,  but so far take-up has not matched the hype.

Nearly half (49%) of the 750 respondents saw ease of working together across multiple locations as the principle benefit of the technology, while 30% cited reduced capital costs.

The biggest barrier to entry (30%) is security concerns, while doubts about the quality of service if something went wrong was highlighted by 25% of respondents.

Philip Bird, managing director of The PC Support Group said: “Most businesses have IT at the heart of operations, so it’s hardly surprising that there’s a lot of talk about the potential of cloud computing, and no less surprising that reality does not always match the dream.

“Too many IT companies are blindly pushing cloud computing as suitable for everyone, whilst some IT professionals are simply worried it will do them out of a job. As with all advances and changes in technology, it is usually a combination of products and services that work best.

“We’re not expecting to see a tectonic shift in the uptake of cloud computing services next year,but there will be more headlines and with such a strong focus on reducing cost and improving efficiency more businesses will need to review their IT requirements.”