Cloud Computing Service Grows Larger than Expected: Report

It would be wrong to say that cloud computing is still in its infancy, because a survey conducted by Business Web Hosting Plans reveals that many a number of small businesses are already making use of the cloud computing services in a large way.

Private users are using cloud computing services far more than small and midsized businesses and nearly 75 percent of businesses that the research firm contacted had been using the service for more than 2.5 years.

“The results show that small and medium-sized businesses have benefited from shifting a significant workload from their computers to a cloud computing system,” Business Web Hosting Plans representative Ryan Newman said.

According to analysts, an affordable price and easy accessibility are the major factors for the success of cloud computing services.

“For example,” Newman continued, “normally, you have to purchase software along with licenses for each of your employees. That can get very expensive. With cloud computing, you only need to load one application using the cloud computing systems interface software. The savings are substantial.”

However, some respondents have expressed concern at the service, saying it is vulnerable to security threats.

“Although these are logical concerns, they are not necessarily legitimate concerns. The concerns stem from not understanding how cloud computing systems operate,” Newman argued. “If a business’ in-house network infrastructure is secure and follows best industry practices, then that infrastructure will support cloud-based applications with the same level of security. As for interoperability, transferring data via cloud computing is normally fast, easy, and smooth.”

Cloud computing technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that it is resolving every problem popping up on its way, said the analyst firm.

Interestingly, many people are already using cloud computing services knowingly or unknowingly. All web-based email services like Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo! are cloud computing applications.

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