Confusion and lack of proper training remain largest factors of not moving to the cloud
18 August 2011 16:48:45
While many organizations across all sectors have initiated the use of cloud computing services, others are much more reluctant to begin the transition. Experts have found a relative lack of understanding to be the biggest sticking point for companies that do not wish to move their IT services to the cloud.
According to SYS-Con Media, new research supports the belief that proper training and education of cloud services could potentially lead to a higher rate of companies switching to these new types of IT services and operations. The website notes that a study from a division of The 451 Group showed 52 percent of executives questioned reported training and overall internal change to be the biggest factors holding them back from cloud computing services.
Additionally, the source notes a study from The NPD Group that found less than a quarter of U.S. consumers report feeling a familiarity with the technology, though a majority of the IT-based activities consumers partake in are directly associated with cloud services. While this number may seem baffling, many experts see the problem as an easy fix, and one that will occur organically as the technology matures across industries and the general public.
To improve the general knowledge of the cloud, as well as regulate and standardize certain services, providers and regulatory entities formed the Cloud Security Alliance. According to an Info Security article from earlier this month, the CSA announced it would release a Security, Trust and Assurance Registry to the general public, with the hope of improving the general comfort levels of consumers and organizations looking for a cloud provider.
STAR will consist of two reports, a Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire and the Cloud Controls Matrix, while cloud providers will be required to choose one and make it available to customers. The CSA expects this registry to provide a general framework and outline of industry-standard structures and security controls.
SYS-Con Media adds that the drawbacks of the cloud have not stifled the technology's overall success thus far. According the website, a KPMG survey found confidence among IT service providers that consumer consumption of the technology will continue to run strong, with 42 percent of respondents reporting clients have already initiated use of cloud services.
The International Data Corporation is optimistic with respect to the cloud industry's future as well, projecting it to nearly double in profitability and general use in the private and public sectors by 2014.
-McAfee Cloud Security
