You can argue that some of the ideas behind cloud computing aren’t new. Different models such as client-server computing or time sharing have used some of the same concepts. But the cloud model is unique and disruptive, and we have recently witnessed a strong acceleration of this trend toward maturity.
In our latest edition of “Trends in Cloud Computing,” we show that today’s cloud has quickly evolved from a hopelessly overused buzzword into a permanent new technology model that is powerful enough to alter business strategies globally. Consider the following findings from the report:
- Ninety percent of organizations are using some form of cloud services today, and 60 percent have at least one third of their IT infrastructure running on cloud systems.
- Forty-six percent of channel firms consider their cloud business as completely mature and as an established part of their business plan.
- About half of channel firms see faster revenue growth and larger profits from cloud offerings than from traditional IT products.
The Cost of Being Late to the Cloud
If your cloud strategy has been to wait and see if the benefits outweighed the risks, you are behind the curve. Suddenly, there may be the question of how much it will cost to catch up so that you don’t fall even further behind. Or if you were an early adopter, you may be asking how you play your cards to stay ahead in the game.
Being behind means that you will have to quickly adapt your business: Your decision process for utilizing cloud resources is not the same as it was for early adopters. It will be more revolutionary in nature and require greater risk-taking than the evolutionary process employed by those who jumped on the cloud early and had the advantage to tweak their approach as they moved forward.
Early cloud adopters have reached a stage where they are changing business processes. They are selecting different cloud vendors to optimize the use of cloud systems. A result of a late cloud strategy will be a need to operate on an accelerated schedule and invest strategically in IT skills in order to move to a new business model and stay competitive.
On the flipside, if you are an early adopter, you should expect continued change as you move closer to a model used by many born-in-the-cloud companies and, as the market moves forward, to transform. Cloud represents a drastic change to building out IT infrastructure and the effects will be felt throughout the next several years.
Download Trends in Cloud Computing Free of Charge
Because we believe that this shift in the marketplace affects nearly all businesses, we have decided to make our report widely available (we do ask for some information such as your email address and business area prior to the download). Our analysis highlights the state of cloud strategies and can help you decide which bets can drive your business forward.
