Two in three businesses have embraced
cloud-based computing, despite awareness of
security and management risks, according to a survey from
Citrix.
Cloud-based computing involves firms offering applications, data
and services to users over the internet, instead of information
residing on their machines.
A Citrix survey of 60 IT directors found that 87% believed there
were some risks around cloud computing, but this has not stopped
most of them using the model.
The research found that 66% of UK organisations are either using
cloud-based applications or have made the investment and will be
rolling it out in the next year.
Of those embracing cloud computing, 22% are using it across the
organisation, 17% are using it in specific departments, and 30%
have made an initial investment in the technology.
The responses were garnered from attendees at a recent Citrix
Solutions Seminar.
Only 13.3% believe there are no risks associated with cloud
computing. Thirty three per cent of respondents believe there are
security risks, and 22% are worried about a loss of control of
data. In addition, 15% are concerned by a lack of bandwidth, and
10% think it could cause problems with IT management and
governance.
"Cloud computing has the potential to deliver a wide range of
applications and data to the distributed workforce at low cost, and
it is clear organisations already see the benefits," said Chris
Mayers, chief security architect at Citrix UK.
"However, organisations need to plan carefully. With cloud
computing, data is deposited with the provider, just like
depositing money with a bank. You need to be able to get that data
back when you need it, and be confident the provider is
safeguarding your data, since you remain responsible for its
security - so good governance is vital."
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