Increasing numbers of UK companies are unleashing the advantages of Cloud computing, but the process of moving core business functions across is meeting resistance from decision-makers.
Most companies use Cloud-based applications but limit it to such things as hosting websites or productivity packages. When it comes to using Cloud applications to support business functions such as financial and payroll management, caution kicks in.
Getting into Cloud computing
The Cloud Industry Forum audit of current perceptions in the UK shows a mixed bag of reactions. Though 88% are using Cloud computing to support their business, only 21% have used it to host accounting and payroll.
One of the biggest hurdles is how complex the migration to Cloud-based systems can seem to staff who are comfortable with traditional methods and software. The Cloud Industry Forum found that for some companies it takes 15 months to fully change over to Cloud-based services and functions.
Yet, the end result is that key business operations become far more agile, with more scalability. Storage and networking become more streamlined and responsive. Having remote locations for data and business functions provides greater on-site security and reassurance.
Changing Cloud perceptions
Global management consultancy firm Bain & Company announced the results of their research into ‘The Changing Faces of the Cloud’. They found the understanding of Cloud applications is maturing, and perceptions about its hurdles and potential negative effects are altering.
Among the top three perceived drawbacks in the survey was predictably the security aspect, but concern about the cost of implementation had dropped when compared to views taken three years before. Loss of control was also less of an issue.
Among the major worries cited in the Bain & Company research were the compliance and regulatory conditions and data ownership confusion that they perceived as Cloud drawbacks.
The cost of not migrating to Cloud systems
So, what affect is this having on their ability to remain competitive?
The survey by the Cloud Industry Forum found that around 75% of the businesses who responded acknowledge the slow progress of migration to cloud-based working was holding back such things as development of new products and services. They are aware that they can improve productivity and build revenue streams by completing the move to Cloud computing.
As to the distrust UK companies still have for the internet (not helped by recent headlines about Cloud hacking), there is a gradual realisation that by not having data in the cloud, and trying to manage it in-house, they are exposing themselves to far worse risks.
Moving forward means the right skill set
The accelerated pace of technological advancements and the advent of Big Data has left some companies feeling dizzy and overwhelmed. But with their competitors gearing up to take full advantage no one can afford to stand still.
With thousands of UK SMEs, sole traders and family businesses being left behind, the solution is to buy in the necessary skills and IT acumen to transition quickly, with minimum disruption and maximum security.
A lot of the fear factor, confusion on compliance and all those other issues goes when the staff team includes someone with the right skill set to take control of the migration on to Cloud computing.
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CloudScope Recruitment