-- The worst recession in decades has had little impact on the
implementation of cloud computing. More than 70 percent of companies report
that the economic downturn has either helped (13 percent) or had no effect
(58 percent) on efforts to implement cloud computing.
-- Companies are under equal pressure to innovate and save money and,
many are turning to new technology as a way to do this. The vast majority
of respondents (85 percent) report that their company's rate of new
technology adoption is either increasing or staying the same (83 percent in
the United States).
-- In the United States, companies are embracing cloud computing at a
higher rate, despite a more cost-conscious mindset. More than 23 percent of
U.S. companies are beginning to plan and test the use of cloud computing
(compared to 10 percent globally).
-- More broadly, global companies reporting no plans to adopt cloud
computing have declined to 37 percent from 54 percent. The gap between
companies planning or testing cloud computing and those with no plans to
implement is shrinking quickly from nine months ago. Companies now planning
or implementing cloud computing have more than tripled to 10 percent of
global respondents.
"It is clear that cloud computing is not an all-or-nothing proposition.
There is an adoption curve that is taking place. Companies are moving to
take advantage of the cost savings and flexibility that cloud computing
brings to the enterprise," said Hartman.
Online Services Gaining Momentum
Another important finding of the survey is that online services, such as
software as a service (SaaS), are quickly gaining acceptance. This online
services model is beginning to fundamentally change how IT services are
consumed and provisioned in large organizations. More than half of
respondents report that they are currently using SaaS applications. In the
United States, that number increases to more than two-thirds (68 percent).
"For businesses, this trend toward software as a service has distinct
business benefits including increased operational elasticity, IT cost
reductions and increased connection with various stakeholders," Hartman
said.
While SaaS is making major inroads, nearly one-third (30 percent) of
respondents reported more than a day of business had been lost due to a
service outage. Despite that issue, SaaS is seen as a resounding success
globally -- 93 percent of companies view their experience as successful.
Other key SaaS findings show:
-- The majority of respondents say they have been using SaaS for a year
or less (60 percent).
-- Globally, there is a 2:1 ratio of respondents who prefer SaaS
delivered internally (or as private services) versus from third-party
service providers. There is an even greater disparity in the United States,
with a 4:1 ratio in favor of internal SaaS deployments.
-- And, although the technology may be new to most users, one-third
report using three or more SaaS providers.
-- Finally, nearly two-thirds of respondents (more than 62 percent) are
looking to increase their use of SaaS over the next year.
"From our viewpoint -- based on the work we've done with customers and what
the research reinforces -- the future of cloud-based solutions lies in this
hybrid approach of using cloud and internally owned systems. In the same
way that email and the Internet have permeated businesses with early
resistance, SaaS and cloud will continue to take hold," Hartman said.
About Avanade
Avanade provides business technology services that connect insight,
innovation and expertise in Microsoft technologies to help customers
realize results. Avanade's services and solutions help improve performance,
productivity and sales for organizations in all industries. The company
applies Microsoft expertise from its global network of consultants, drawing
on the right mix of onshore, offshore and nearshore skills, which together
are designed to help deliver results faster, at lower cost and with less
risk. Avanade, which is majority owned by Accenture, was founded in 2000 by
Accenture and Microsoft Corporation and serves customers in more than 20
countries worldwide with more than 8,600 professionals. Additional
information can be found at www.avanade.com.
About the Survey
The Cloud Computing survey was conducted by Kelton Research, an independent
research firm, between August 26, 2009, and September 11, 2009, on behalf
of Avanade. The 502 respondents include C-level executives, business
leaders and IT decision-makers from 16 countries in North America, Europe
and Asia-Pacific. For more information on this study and Avanade's cloud
computing expertise, please visit
http://www.avanade.com/people/thought_detail.aspx?id=79.
Avanade and the Avanade logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Avanade Inc. Other product, service, or company names mentioned herein are
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACTS: Avanade: Charlie Zaragoza (206) 239-5893 Edelman: James Boike (206) 268-2213