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Mimecast recently announced the results of a cloud computing adoption survey done last fall, which took a hard look at whether or not cloud computing was making any inroads with IT professionals and those in charge of making and implementing decisions of this sort. Some 565 companies took part in both the US and Canada.
What the survey showed was above all that the trek toward a web full of cloud solutions is tentative and cautious, with many fears being unrealized and being quickly overcome. Most decision makers appear to be heartily satisfied, and in fact making the decision now to move additional solutions into the clouds within the next twelve months. This move comes as a result of discovering the ease with which cloud solutions can be implemented, the cost savings, and the fact that the security features are far better than first thought. Let’s look at what they found.
Try it; You’ll Like it!
More than 70% of those who have used cloud computing solutions have liked them so well that they are planning on moving even more of their business into the clouds. And fast! Many within the next twelve months.
Security and Integration Issues
While security fears seem to be receding, they are still the number one thing on the minds of those considering using a cloud solution.
Integration with existing infrastructure is also a large concern.
Security ranks as the top roadblock for those still not on board with cloud technology. Some 46% of those who had not yet adopted cloud solutions chose security as their primary concern. Certain industries stand out here, among them financial services (76%), energy (75%), government (67%), retail (61%) and technology (40%).
Existing infrastructure investments are the next most important reason for companies not moving ahead. This accounted for some 32% of decisions against. Companies were fearful or unable to abandon recently contracted solutions to move into an uncertain arena, even if it may end up being a better outcome.
Cost also factored into some companies’ thinking, though given the lower costs associated with cloud based solutions, it is probably more likely an outgrowth of smaller IT budgets than anything else.
What the survey showed, however, is that once companies got on board, they were usually quickly sold on the idea. More than 81% of legal, 77% of retail, 75% of government, 74% of technology, 72% of healthcare and 68% of financial services are sectors that are planning to move even more business onto the clouds.
Email and CRM
Email and CRM seem to have the most value, as around 33% have put email management in a cloud solution, and 26% have utilized cloud-based CRM solutions. Archiving and storage are also popular uses for this technology.
Who’s Coming Aboard?
Technology (53%), financial services (40%) and legal (37%) are the top 3 industries making their home in the clouds. Government is by far the slowest adopter, with a meager 19%.
While costs savings (54%) still appear to be the most attractive element in luring companies into cloud based solutions, agility and scalability at 49% comes in a significant second.
What the survey shows above all is that when security and cost fears are alleviated, companies are far more willing to invest in what appears to be a bright future for this technology.
