Cloud Computing

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   Cloud Computing

CompTIA’s inaugural study on cloud computing in 2010 found that many companies were experimenting with this new strategy, but there was still measured investment and resource allocation from both end users and channel firms. The 2nd Annual Trends in Cloud Computing study shows that the hesitation is disappearing and companies are moving quickly past experimentation and into heavier use of cloud computing. The major points from the study give a foundation for understanding the shape of the cloud market today.

To begin with, end users are moving into more complex uses of cloud computing. Both understanding and perception of cloud solutions have increased dramatically in the past year—72% of respondents feel more positive about cloud today than they did one year ago. With a new found appreciation for how the cloud works and what it can do for a business, companies are moving beyond simple Software as a Service applications and even using cloud to build new capabilities. Infrastructure as a Service and Platform as a Service are currently used by 32% of companies, but 36% plan on that type of usage in the next year, indicating that companies will be moving or beginning application development in the cloud. As companies also work through the best mix of cloud services and on-premise tools, service providers will find opportunities to assist with integration, security, and network reliability.

Many companies are planning sizable increases, which will likely cover a wide range of services, from the cloud solution itself to integration to training. These investments signal that cloud computing will continue to be a dominant topic in the IT industry and that the opportunities surrounding cloud will be significant.

CompTIA’s 2nd Annual Trends in Cloud Computing study was developed from a survey of 500 end user firms and 400 channel firms in the U.S. The data was collected during June 2011.

CompTIA members can read the full report here.