Cloud Computing

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   Cloud Computing

CompTIA’s latest study on cloud computing finds that the market for cloud options as part of an IT infrastructure continues to be robust. Over 80% of companies now claim to use some form of cloud solution, whether that be virtual machines that can be spun up on demand or applications that can be easily procured and put into use.

While cost is still a main motivator for moving to the cloud, 44% of companies say that cloud is simply a better option for a number of reasons, implying that companies are enjoying the flexibility that cloud brings and the capacity for exploring new avenues through the use of cloud resources.

However, the introduction of cloud as a high-potential IT option also brings many changes to IT operations—changes that may take place in an IT department or in channel firms. From an end user perspective, companies are seeing changes in the earliest stages of using technology. Fifty-five percent of companies say that they have had lines of business procure cloud solutions rather than the IT department, a trend that will cause vendors and resellers to alter their message depending on who is making the purchase decision. Beyond procurement, companies are experiencing changes in policies and procedures, IT department structure and operations, and the use of outside companies.

CompTIA’s 3rd 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 April 2012 and June 2012.

CompTIA members can read the full report here.