19 per cent of Canadian businesses who thought they weren't using cloud
services actually are
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 24, 2011 /CNW/ - Canadian businesses are unclear
when it comes to cloud computing reveals a Microsoft Canada survey
released today. The survey, conducted by Leger Marketing, polled
Canadian C-level executives across all sectors and found that 19 per
cent of those who indicated they are not currently using cloud services
were in fact leveraging cloud computing solutions and services like
Microsoft Web Apps, Microsoft Office 365 and Windows Azure.
Simply put, the cloud is a network-based way to cost-effectively
process, manage and store all of your data - everything from corporate
documents to family photos.
The survey also found that those who are not using cloud-based services
(67 per cent) admit they don't know enough to make major decisions
about it at this time.
"This confusion comes as no surprise because "Cloud" can refer to a wide
variety of different services," says John Weigelt, National Technology
Officer for Microsoft Canada. "The market is rife with misinformation
and myths surrounding cloud computing, and Canadian businesses are
losing out as a result. The truth is that the cloud can deliver huge
benefits such as cost-savings, increased productivity and greater
efficiency, but businesses don't know where to start."
The survey indicated security and privacy are the top two barriers for
entry into cloud computing for organizations including government and
healthcare, whereas security and reliability (data loss) are the major
barriers for private sectors.
"Many businesses are already in the cloud whether they know it or not,"
says Weigelt. "It's time to take stock of what is already used
in-house and consider what other cloud technologies can be introduced.
Only by understanding the principles, technology and processes
associated with Cloud computing, will Canadian businesses be able to
reap the rewards and unlock the potential that cloud offers."
"It's important that businesses become more knowledgeable about cloud
computing and understand that they can have both privacy and
functionality," said Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy
Commissioner for Ontario. "With proper privacy protections designed
into the system from the very beginning of its lifecycle, and
integrated at every system layer, businesses can gain the huge
financial and competitive advantages of cloud and ensure security."
Many Canadian businesses also don't realize they have a choice between
adopting public or private cloud solutions or a combination of both,
called a hybrid approach, allowing businesses to select services from
locations where they make the most sense. A private cloud can be
managed in-house or by a third party, with data hosted on or off-site,
whereas public cloud is an infrastructure made available to the general
public or a large industry group, owned by a vendor providing cloud
services.
"Every organization's journey to the cloud will be unique. Some
organizations will call for customized, dedicated cloud resources,
while others will benefit most from the massive scale of the public
cloud," says Weigelt. "In many cases, a hybrid approach is the answer,
providing the freedom to select services from where they will most
benefit the organization and even move back and forth at will."
Canadian organizations are beginning to take advantage of the cloud for
their service delivery initiatives, reaping the benefits of the
low-cost, low-management and flexible cloud offerings.
"At the University of Toronto, we are implementing Microsoft Live@edu
email and software service for all of our 70,000 students to simplify
online collaboration and document sharing, while keeping students' data
private and promoting online safety," said Robert Cook, Chief
Information Office, University of Toronto. "This cloud-based service
helps the university reduce costs through lower IT management and
hosting fees, allowing us to divert resources back into the core of our
academic mission. Our students benefit from improved communication and
collaboration and are equipped with the tools for success in both their
academic pursuits and future careers."
Survey Design/Research Methods
The Leger Marketing Survey was completed using Leger Marketing's online
panel, LegerWeb, with a sample of 705 Canadian businesses/organizations
across all sectors/industries and with a minimum of five computers in
use in their individual installed bases. Leger Marketing is the
largest Canadian-owned polling and market research firm. Founded in
1986, the company now has over 650 employees, including more than 115
professionals specializing in marketing research, communication
effectiveness and public opinion polling. Our professionals are located
in Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary,
and Philadelphia, Denver and Tampa in the United States.
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of
Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing,
consulting and local support services in both French and English.
Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional
offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great
software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information
on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.
