Intercept set for virtualisation and cloud onslaught

VAR polls IT managers and business chiefs at IP Expo event to gather their thoughts on technology uptake

An overwhelming majority of UK business leaders and IT managers believe cloud computing and virtualisation are set for a golden future, according to research by VAR Intercept.

The virtualisation specialist questioned 362 chief information officers (CIOs), IT directors and managers at IP Expo in London yesterday, and the results showed that 84 per cent of respondents believe the technology will grow beyond the recession.

The data also revealed that 50 per cent of respondents agree that the cloud will be vitally important in the coming year; 45 per cent believe the main benefit of the cloud is data security and 52 per cent of firms not using cloud technologies aim to migrate to cloud-computing technology in the near future.

Richard Gilder, chief executive of Intercept, said: “All types of organisations, from public sector local authorities right through to large private corporations, are considering a switch to the cloud for the simple reason that it provides massive cost and time savings.

“It also offers greater business agility by having on-demand scalability for data efficiency and an economical pay-per-use cost model. Chief executives and CIOs alike are particularly enjoying its simplicity, not having to commit resources to buying new hardware equipment and software licences, and it is easy to report expenditure and financial details similar to utility expenses.”

Gilder added: “The results reflect that most UK sectors realise the benefits that virtualised environments and cloud-based services can have on their business. Operating in the cloud is not about outlaying large sums of money to make the change, it’s about creating a better way to build and grow a business. "