Why Businesses Have Growing Trust in Cloud Computing

A recent AMD global cloud study reveals growing trust in cloud computing as businesses achieve measurable value. The study examined attitudes and approaches to Cloud Computing across the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific. AMD surveyed IT decision makers in public and private sector organizations. The most notable finding is that IT decision makers name Infrastructure as a key consideration.
Study findings reveal both global and regional trends in cloud computing adoption and usage. It also revealed the importance of infrastructure and workloads when companies are considering adopting a cloud computing model.
Results of the AMD Study
“Cloud computing is maturing rapidly, with 70 percent of respondents indicating they are either using or currently investigating cloud computing for remotely hosted applications or to store data. Of those organizations that have deployed cloud solutions, 60 percent reported that they are already seeing business value among current cloud users, 92 percent stated that infrastructure was an important part of their decision to move to a cloud computing model. 63 percent of global respondents still view security as one of the greatest risks associated with the model. Nearly 1 in 10 organizations in the US estimate they store more than $10 million worth of data in the cloud. ”
AMD Study Analysis
Patrick Patla, general manager and vice president, Server and Embedded Divisions noted, “Based on the findings of this global study, AMD believes it is time for the industry to re-shape the way we think about cloud technology. The findings point to the fact that while the era of cloud computing has arrived, there are radically different attitudes, approaches, concerns and levels of maturity depending on business environment. As an industry, we must provide clear guidance about how to optimize hardware and software for all types of clouds, focusing on custom parts for specific workloads that are prevalent in the cloud and the appropriate balance of performance, power and cost efficiency they require.”
Value of the Cloud
The study revealed that “Sixty-three percent of those using the cloud to host data estimated they store more than $250,000 worth of data in the cloud. “  It is estimated that billions of dollars in active data currently lives in the cloud. Ninety-two percent of respondents currently using the cloud stated that infrastructure was important in their decision to adopt cloud computing. Global private sector respondents identified the workloads they believe most suited potentially for cloud computing as email, finance/accounting and Web serving, in that order. In addition, analysts of the study say CIOs are driving the strategic shift to the cloud
A Key Public Sector Challenge
Nearly half of the worldwide public sector respondents indicated budget restrictions are driving a more rapid adoption of cloud solutions. One key challenge that still remains for the public sector to fully embrace cloud computing is having the necessary IT skills in-house to support the deployment of cloud solutions. The Study found that “43 percent of public sector respondents did not feel they had the skills in place to support cloud versus only 23 percent in the private sector.”