More than 50% of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are planning to use cloud computing technology in 2010, according to new research published by internet service provider Easynet Connect.
This shows a jump from 22 per cent in October 2008 whilst SMEs planning on implementing the technology over the next five years has risen from 47% in 2008 to nearly 75% in 2009.
As companies are increasingly streamlining their operations to combat the effects of the recession, this increase is probably down to the cost saving benefits with 51% of SMEs believing that the technology could save them money, up from 35 per cent the year before.
A further 43 per cent surveyed said that cloud computing could also help to enable staff to work from home, up from 35 per cent in 2008.
It is larger SMEs (with 50+ employees) that are the most enthusiastic when it comes to cloud adoption, with 66% already using the cloud or planning to do so within 12 months.
Strangely enough, despite this growth, 85 per cent of SMEs questioned have no plans to take on any extra security measures, while 71 per cent have no formal strategy in place for implementing cloud computing.
Gareth Williams, a senior analyst with Analysys Mason, believes that telecoms companies pushing the service to existing customers may account for the growth in cloud computing take up among SMEs.
"For companies already supplying businesses it makes sense to try and cross-sell additional services like cloud computing, and for many larger enterprises the use of cloud computing does make sense," he said.
However, he warned that time would tell as to whether cloud computing takes off in the way that has been predicted. He likened it to the 'explosion' in hosted VoIP services that has failed to materialise to the extent that was envisaged.
Williams also said that he was not surprised to see that most businesses had not made security or strategy provisions for cloud computing.
"As many businesses are only now starting to look at the use of cloud computing, it is likely that they have only just started to consider the necessary measures that need to be taken to best implement and manage a cloud computing service," he said.
However you manage your IT, security should always be a top priority. FWCS, the IT support London specialists, are always on hand to offer advice and help you implement new systems.
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