The majority of firms that would consider utilising cloud computing platforms for data storage are worried about the possibility of data leaks, according to a recent report by research group Forrester.
Statistics gathered during a survey of businesses and enterprises of all sizes showed that just over half of all those questioned were anxious as to the security of cloud computing services. These concerns are being seen as the main factor restricting the growth of cloud computing services.
Both public and private sector organisations were included in the study and it has emerged that many harbour concerns surrounding the transfer of sensitive corporate information onto cloud computing systems, which are by nature remotely accessed and externally controlled.
Data security within cloud computing platforms has been at the top of many IT experts’ agendas for some time now and as a result those companies specialising in security for cloud platforms have also grown in size and number.
The report’s authors stated that whilst uptake of cloud computing solutions was being slowed by these worries, other areas of growth were suggesting that as 2009 comes to a close an economic recovery within the IT sector is well under way. Virtualisation and energy management are showing signs of expansion and development.
Tim Harmon, an analyst at Forrester, explained that those with the power to make IT-based decisions within companies now saw virtualisation as an important element of strategy, resulting in its prioritisation. The improved operational possibilities, organisational capacities and reduced costs associated with virtualisation are the driving factors behinds its growth. Business continuity is also integral to its importance with secondary reasons including energy efficiency also driving certain areas of the market.
Harmon also explained that although there was a certain degree of hesitance demonstrated by some businesses in relation to cloud computing security, more time and investment in the technologies by businesses and those firms that operate cloud solutions would help to raise the profile of and confidence in such services. It is clear that for the time being there is a fair amount of work to do in order to convince the remaining sceptics as to the power and flexibility of cloud platforms.
