Posted on November 27th, 2011
Leger Marketing organized a survey, Microsoft Canada Survey, in which it surveyed all Canadian C-level managers within all industries and revealed the fact that around 19 percent of Canadian industries which previously claimed for not using cloud services are actually using it. These industries were actually controlling cloud computing services such as Microsoft Web Apps, Microsoft Office 365 and Windows Azure. Survey also indicates that around 67% of industries not operating on cloud services specified they don’t know much about it and can’t take any initiatives at this time to implement these services.
Cloud is a Network-based mode to a cost-effective method, where you can store and handle everything from corporate records to family pictures.
John Weigelt, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Canada stated, “this confusion comes as no surprise because “Cloud” can refer to a wide variety of different services. 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.”
According to the survey, security and Privacy are two chief barriers which restrict Government and Health care organizations from entering into Cloud Computing Services while Private Sector is concerned about Security and reliability.
Weigelt says, “many businesses are already in the cloud whether they know it or not. 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.”
He further stated, “many businesses are already in the cloud whether they know it or not. 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.”
Information and Privacy Commissioner for Ontario, Dr. Ann Cavoukian stated, “It’s important that businesses become more knowledgeable about cloud computing and understand that they can have both privacy and functionality. 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.”
However, Canadian organizations are not aware of the fact that they can choose between Public and Private Cloud services or Hybrid of both services. Hybrid provides an opportunity to organizations to choose services from the areas they find more suitable. Private clouds are either handled internally or by a third party vendor and host records either on or off site, while Public Cloud is a communication network possessed by vendors who offer services to general public or large commercial group.
Weigelt cited, “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. 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 industries have started to take benefit from Cloud Computing for service delivery schemes, for obtaining the advantages of cheap cost, simple management and easy cloud services.
Robert Cook, CIO, University of Toronto stated, “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. 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.”