Economy not reaping ‘cloud’ benefits

The Irish economy is not fully reaping the benefits of cloud computing, according to the Microsoft/Amarach Cloud index which is tracking the adoption of cloud computing in Ireland.

The actual adoption of cloud computing by organisations in the public and private sector stands at only three organisations out of every ten surveyed.

The number of companies using cloud technology rises to four out of ten for larger organisations, but the public sector scores badly with only three out of ten bodies taking advantage of the cloud.

Microsoft plans to measure Ireland’s progress toward cloud adoption over time by tracking what will hopefully be continuous improvement in the Microsoft/Amarach Cloud Index score.

Microsoft Ireland managing director Paul Rellis said that there was momentum behind the development of cloud computing in Ireland.

He said: “The potential economic impact that cloud computing can have in Ireland is well known. There has certainly been momentum over the past year as well as increased levels of awareness of cloud computing and its potential impact, but this week we want to encourage more deployment to help Ireland achieve the objective of becoming a Cloud Centre of Excellence.”

The majority of companies that have made the switch to cloud computing are reporting cost saving as a result; 56% of Irish businesses have saved money; while 47% have seen an increase in productivity as a result of moving to the cloud.