12-12-2012, 12:08 PM
Exploring the Future of Cloud Computing
Exploring the Future.pdf (Size: 1.68 MB / Downloads: 102)
Executive Summary
Cloud computing is seen by many as the next wave
of information technology for individuals, companies
and governments. The abundant supply of information
technology capabilities at a low cost offers many
enticing opportunities. In addition to reducing operational
costs, cloud technologies have become the basis for
radical business innovation and new business models,
and for significant improvements in the effectiveness
of anyone using information technology – which,
these days, increasingly means most of the world.
Like any new technology advancement, cloud computing
also creates disruptive possibilities and potential risks.
The fact that cloud computing involves the aggregation
of computing power, and more importantly, information,
has become a source of increasing concern. Users,
providers and government policy-makers are asking
many questions about the current use and future
evolutionary path of cloud computing.
Research Findings
The impact of cloud computing
The concept of cloud computing has spread rapidly
through the information technology industry. The ability
of organizations to tap into computer applications and
other software via the cloud and thus free themselves from
building and managing their own technology infrastructure
seems potentially irresistible. And in fact, some companies
providing cloud services have been growing at doubledigit
rates despite the recent economic downturn.
Already numerous organizations can point to significant
benefits from cloud computing, according to the 2009
research programme conducted by Accenture and the
World Economic Forum (see "About the Research",
Page 19). Part of that research included a global
survey of professionals from companies supplying
and using cloud services, government institutions,
universities, and other organizations. As expected, survey
participants said a major benefit of cloud computing
is reducing IT costs—a large and often increasing
expense in every company but especially informationintensive
organizations such as financial services
and media. Other benefits often cited were greater IT
flexibility and more efficient business processes.
Beyond cost reduction to structural change
Clearly, cloud computing is already having a profound
impact on the IT and telecommunications industries.
As an example, this research participants said they
expect technology start-ups to continue to proliferate as
cloud computing enables them to avoid the substantial
costs of selling and distributing software around the
world. In fact, the venture capitalists we interviewed as
part of this study were reluctant to fund any IT startup
that did not plan to operate from the cloud.
However, this research found that cloud computing is
expected to have a substantial impact on a broad swath
of industries outside of IT and telecom. The survey
respondents believe that beyond the IT and telecom
industries, cloud computing will have the greatest impact
on media, government, education and health care
(Figure 5).
Potential Action Items and Areas for
Further Study
Our Phase One research has shown interesting, and
in some cases surprising, findings about the expected
benefits and barriers to the development and adoption of
cloud computing. What are the implications for industry
members and policy-makers which have an interest in
achieving the optimal level of benefits for all stakeholders?
As part of our surveys and workshops, we asked
users, providers, academics, and public policymakers
for their preliminary recommendations
on smoothing and accelerating the path of
development and adoption of cloud computing.
Conclusions
Cloud computing has tremendous potential to benefit
businesses, industries, and entire economies, but
substantial challenges stand in the way. Our study
has taken the first step: defining potential actions
for industry and governments to consider in order
to accelerate cloud adoption and generate benefits
for all stakeholders – individuals, businesses,
governments, and society as a whole.