Half of IT professionals cannot define cloud computing and many remain confused about the security and cost-saving issues it raises, a survey of more than 200 professionals has revealed.
The study, conducted by Proofpoint, a provider of SaaS email security, email archiving and data loss prevention solutions, along with Osterman Research, suggested that the host of definitions and perceptions around the term “cloud computing” may stall enterprise adoption of cloud technologies.
Nearly 40 percent of respondents said they were confused by the term and its many different definitions. Almost one third thought it was more hype than substance, while 24 percent “weren’t sure.”
Proofpoint chief executive Gary Steele said: “There’s still significant fear, uncertainly and doubt surrounding data security and financial payback issues.”
He added: “The understanding of cloud computing isn’t any clearer in other areas of the enterprise.” For example, 59 percent of respondents thought their chief executive would be unable to define cloud computing. Only 10 percent said their finance directors could define the term accurately.
The study also found professionals split over concerns about cloud’s security, with many unconvinced of its fiscal benefits. Around half thought putting sensitive data with a cloud-based provider would violate data protection laws or run a higher risk of being compromised. “The takeaway [message] is that all clouds are not created equal,” said Steele. “Enterprises must conduct their due diligence when moving functions to the cloud.”