When you are considering whether to use cloud computing in your business or personal life, it is important to recognize how it is being used by others and what the future might hold for the cloud. When you know how it is being used, you can determine if it is appropriate for your specific needs and concerns.
Business Statistics
According to Forbes.com, roughly 54 percent of organizations and businesses in America use cloud computing in some form. Of those organizations, 74 percent are using more than one Infrastructure-as-a-Service, or IaaS, system, states Forbes.com.
Businesses are using public, private and hybrid cloud services for different situations and needs. Depending on the level of privacy required for the business, the exact data and usage of cloud computing is variable.
Future Growth Potential
Since only about 54 percent of businesses are using cloud computing, there is room for growth within the IT industry. It is likely that the future will see a greater demand for cloud services from companies and individuals.
According to Cloud Times, Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, cloud computing is expected to grow by 17.4 percent by 2016. The primary applications of the services that are expected to grow are within specific types of software, such as Office Suites and Digital Content Creation, states Cloud Times.
While the SaaS services are expected to rise significantly, the expectations for IaaS services are much greater. According to Cloud Times, IaaS services are expected to grow by 41.7 percent by 2016. A great deal of the expected growth is in the private sector as a greater demand for cloud storage and services are expected among consumers.
Clearing The Skies For The Future
Cloud computing is expected to grow at phenomenal rates in the future. In fact, it is likely to change the way software is designed and the way that you and your business use technology.
According to ZD Net, it is likely that software will no longer be dependent on the hardware in a computer. With more software applications taking advantage of the space available on the cloud, it is possible that the newer software in the future will directly come from the cloud to a computer or hardware system.
Beyond the changes to software design and applications, ZD Net predicts that the cost of cloud computing will decrease as the technology involved in the process changes. The lower-priced cloud computing options will allow more businesses and consumers to get involved in the technology and enjoy the benefits of cloud storage and computing opportunities.
Cloud Times reports that security and cloud management is also likely to see changes in the future. The demand for more cloud services and opportunities will inevitably cause changes to the security features and the management options that are available. Security is expected to improve and cloud management is likely to change to accommodate the different needs of consumers and various organizations.
Positive Expectations And Clear Skies
As cloud services expand and change to adapt to the needs and goals of different businesses, organizations and consumers, the expectations for the future are becoming positive. Cloud computing is likely to see clear skies as businesses continue to use a wide variety of IT services, software and storage options.
Knowledge about the benefits of cloud computing is improving as more businesses and organizations use the services. While the exact applications of cloud services vary based on the needs and goals of the organization, the future growth expectations for cloud computing are positive. It is likely that the cloud will grow to accommodate new businesses, consumers and groups.
